Everything you need to know about finding a Stone Veneer Expert

Stone Veneer  

Stone veneer is used to beautify an existing surface while adding strength. It is one of the best ways to give an existing wall a complete facelift, while adding a touch of sophistication to a room. Stone veneer is available in a wide variety of textures and colours that are best suited for interior use. Newer artificial stones can be added together by using acrylic adhesives with no volatile organic compounds. Stone veneers can be manufactured in numerous ways. They are not designed for structural purposes, but they do provide the exterior texture that can withstand the rigors of normal environmental factors.
Stone veneer is created by primarily mixing rubber forms with concrete mix. Recycled components are now being used to manufacture this texture. These ingredients range from ground stone and powered brick scraps to binders and casts. The mixture is cast from natural stone moulds. The veneer is then subjected to a specialised painting process to mimic the look and feel of natural stone.

Cost Effectiveness of Stone Veneer

Stone veneer is more cost effective than brick or natural stone. With natural stone and brick applications, the services of a professional mason and other labourers will be required. This is also because natural stone is extremely heavy.  Installation costs can therefore be expensive. With stone veneer, on the other hand, it can simply be installed as a DIY project.  

Installing Manufactured Stone Veneer

When installing stone veneer it’s imperative to use the correct preparation techniques and tool for each application. It is also importance to determine the type of substrate as there are several to choose from. The most commonly used are cement board, CMU and plywood. Stone veneer is applied with a special mortar to the wall. If you are planning to apply the stone veneer yourself, it is best to do some proper research beforehand.
If installed professionally, your supplier will arrange a time and date for this to be done. Depending on the size of the project, the installation can be done in a fairly quick amount of time.  

Benefits of Stone Veneers

Stone veneer has the following advantages:

• Extremely light weight
  
  
• Cost effective
  
  
• Allows for easy correction
  
  
• Available in all colours

The impression might exist that stone veneer is not as durable as natural stone. This is not correct as stone veneer does in fact have a high tolerance for extreme external conditions.

Choosing a Supplier

Obtain two to three quotes in order to compare pricing and warrantees. Warranties are important as they give you the right to return substandard material. Guarantees or warranties can be given on workmanship if installation was done by a stone veneer specialist. A reputable supplier will also have the necessary experience and knowledge to provide you with advice or recommendations if need be.