If you are looking to transform the appearance and increase the value of your home, installing stone veneers on the exterior might be the makeover you need. Besides adding texture, stone veneers will also add style and personality to your house. In this article, we discuss some exciting external design ideas to incorporate into your home with stone veneers.
What are stone veneers?
Stone veneers are a thinner, cost-effective, and lightweight alternative to natural stones. There are two types of stone veneers:
- Natural stone veneers: Natural stone veneers are mined straight from the earth and have no added materials or colour additives. These stones are denser, heavier, and can be carved into different shapes.
- Manufactured stone veneers: Also known as cultured or faux stone, manufactured stone veneers are made from a mixture of concrete poured into molds of various sizes and shapes and coloured to look like natural stone veneers.
Where can you install veneers?
Stone veneers can be installed more easily than natural stones and don’t require sealing. They also wear well and become more visually appealing with time, making them perfect for your home exterior. Here are some design ideas for stone veneers:
1. Façades
Your home’s façade is the first thing your visitors notice before walking inside; it is also the first impression they have of your home. Creating texture on your house is a great way to attract and hold interest. Stone veneers will provide an appealing element using patterns and cuts that the eye can follow, creating a texture. This texture can then complement other exterior features of your home, such as landscaping and architecture.
This doesn’t mean that you need to tear down your entire façade and build a new one from scratch using veneers. Stone veneers can be installed on clean, natural bricks in good condition to create the new look you want.
2. Stone chimneys
Upgrading the chimney can instantly add a visual appeal to your home. Adding stone veneers to the chimney makes your roofline more eye-catching and adds a modern touch. There are a variety of colours and designs to choose from when considering veneer panels for your chimney.
When installing stone veneers, ensure that your chimney is well prepared. Remove loose material from the surface, such as dirt or flaking areas, for a better bond with stone veneers. The chimney might also need repairs—in case of structural damage—before installing the stone veneers. An adhesive, cement-based product is then used to bond the veneers. This is a delicate process, as stone veneers that aren’t installed properly might not bond with the chimney’s surface, requiring a redo that might be costly. Also, the design may not appear as intended. Hiring a professional may be a good investment, as it is less risky.
3. Outdoor patios
Adding an outdoor patio expands your living space and recreation area and gives you a chance to create an outdoor kitchen. Homeowners with an outdoor patio can add a fireplace to help them cook without heating up the indoor kitchen, especially desirable during the summer. Whether the fireplace is gas- or wood-fueled, stone veneers will give the finishing touch to entice the eye and hold interest. Stone veneers can also be used to design the seating areas and walls of the patio to create a uniform look.
4. Trims
Stone veneer trims can greatly upgrade your home’s style and appearance. To create architectural interest, use stone veneers to add decoration and set the tone of your home. Something as simple as adding stone veneers to the bottom of a post will give extra finishing touches and enhance the curb appeal of your home.
5. Columns
Modern columns are made of concrete, steel, or brick. If you want to upgrade the look of your columns to complement your new landscaping or add character, stone veneers are the way to go; they will create the look of stone columns without the high cost. Adding stone veneers to your columns can be a fun DIY project, but you can also seek services from a professional.
6. Entryways
Using stone veneers to create a unique entryway design will impress your visitors and add value to your home. You can use stone veneers alone or pair them with brick to give the impression of luxury or sophistication.
Where can you find a stone supplier in Surrey?
If you’re looking for stone veneers for your home exterior makeover, contact us at Pacific Art Stone.
We manufacture and import high-quality natural and manufactured stone veneers, making us your trusted stone supplier. We have a vast stone veneer collection you can choose from that will fit any construction project you have.
Call us today at 604.590.5999 or get in touch via our form. Let us help you find the right product for your home.
