What Is the Difference Between Manufactured Stone and Natural Stone Veneer?

More designers and builders are turning to stone for their interior and exterior construction needs as stone surfaces are known for elegance and longevity. However, solid stone can be expensive, and there are limitations on where it can be used. For that reason, many opt for stone veneers instead.

When it comes to stone veneers, the debate is on whether to use natural stone veneers or manufactured stone. But what is the difference between the two?

Natural stone versus manufactured stone

Stones are mined from the earth and then cut into thin slices to create natural stone veneers. There are no added or removed materials and no colour additives.

Manufactured stone veneers, also known as faux stone, cultured stone, or man-made stone, are made from a mixture of concrete (cement mixed with lightweight aggregate) poured into a mold, shaped, and coloured to resemble natural stone.

Differences between manufactured and natural stone veneers

Below are some significant differences between natural stone veneers and manufactured stone.

Appearance

Although natural stone can be sliced into different widths, lengths, and thicknesses, it’s hard to find veneers of the same size. This can make natural stone veneers a bit difficult to install. On the other hand, manufactured stone veneers can be molded into uniformed pieces, giving them an advantage over natural stone.

The colour of natural stone is limited to its naturally occurring palette, while manufactured stone veneers come in numerous colour varieties. Manufactured veneers can also be made to match the look of natural stone.
Natural stone veneers’ authenticity, however, remains uncompromised since no two pieces are the same. Regardless of how advanced technology is, manufactured stone veneers can’t compete with natural stone when it comes to authenticity.

Cost

If you’re working on a tight budget for your building project, you may consider buying manufactured stone veneers over natural stone.

The cost difference between manufactured and natural stone veneers is minimal. But due to the repetitive design, installing manufactured stone veneers is slightly less costly than installing natural stone veneers. There is also typically less waste during the process, meaning you can purchase less product.

Versatility

Both manufactured and natural stone veneers offer some versatility in their use.

One of the advantages of using manufactured stone veneers over natural stone is that they come in different textures and colours. Companies can easily customize manufactured stone veneers to complement the aesthetics of your home, giving you more options to choose from compared to its natural stone counterpart.

The limitation of using manufactured stone veneers is that exposure to harsh products can cause the veneers to deteriorate over time. Therefore, manufactured stone veneers won’t be the ideal option to use on swimming pools and surfaces frequently exposed to chemicals.

Durability

One of the most important qualities of any building material is durability. Both materials are considered to age well, but there are some long-term differences between natural stone and manufactured stone.

Natural stone veneers are considered to be less porous than manufactured stone, and this enhances their durability. Natural stone, when installed properly, can last for many years without showing any signs of fading or wear.

On the other hand, manufactured stone can deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to the elements. When exposed to sunlight, the colours of manufactured stone veneers will progressively fade over time.

Which stone is right for you?

Your choice of stone will depend on a variety of factors.

If you’re working on a tight budget, manufactured stone veneers may be the ideal choice because of their slightly lower material and installation costs. They will also be ideal if you’re looking for versatility due to their various textures, styles, and colours.

If you’re working towards authenticity and durability, natural stone is the right choice.

Are you looking for stone veneers?

At Pacific Art Stone, we manufacture and import high-quality natural and manufactured stone veneers. We have a variety of options to choose from that will fit whatever construction project you have.

Get in touch with us today, and let us help you find the right product for your project.