Stone has been used in historic houses and buildings as exterior cladding material, effectively adding timeless character to a home or building and enhancing its aesthetic value. Unfortunately, stone siding has special structural requirements, which can jack up its costs. Fortunately, stone veneer is now available for homeowners who wish to channel the vintage vibe of stone or brick siding without its complications.

What is Stone Veneer Siding?

Stone veneer is basically a factory-manufactured and -fabricated material. Also known as “man-made stone,” “manufactured stone,” or “architectural stone,” it is typically molded from actual brick, clay, and other natural materials. Compared to stone siding itself, however, stone veneer siding is lighter and easier to install.

Benefits of Stone Veneer Siding

Indeed, stone veneer siding is the next best option if you want the look of stone siding but don’t want to spend a fortune. But more than just helping you save on costs, what more does it offer? Here are some reasons why you would want stone veneer siding on your home:

• It’s more economical. Stone siding is generally expensive as they can be difficult to source and may require additional construction to support its weight. Stone veneer siding, on the other hand, is less expensive than stone (and other siding options for that matter) and come with little to no lifetime or maintenance cost.
• It’s highly durable. It might not be natural rock throughout but it does have natural material improved upon by manufacturing advancements that offer outstanding durability that can weather through whatever the elements will bring.
• It’s beautiful. Stone veneer siding looks exactly like stone siding. Unless you tell them, most people won’t be able to tell the difference once it’s installed. Stone veneer siding is also available in a range of options to help you choose what will best complement your home.
• It’s easier to install. Because stone veneer siding is lighter than stone siding, it is easier to handle, which makes it easier to install. It also won’t require footings or foundations like full-dimension stone siding. This installation ease also helps in bringing overall costs down and lessens installation time to reduce disruptions to your home.

Picking a siding material can be tricky at first, but knowing what each option has to offer, what benefits they have to bring, will help you in zeroing in on the best option for you. To learn more about fiber cement, vinyl, and stone veneer siding, don’t don’t hesitate to get in touch with a home remodeling expert in your area.