Stone Veneer Siding & Installation

Stone veneer gives you the beautiful look of natural stone without the weight, cost, or structural requirements of full-thickness stone walls. These thin stone pieces attach directly to your home's exterior, creating an appearance identical to solid stone construction. Most people can't tell the difference between veneer and full stone just by looking.

Here in Salinas, CA, stone veneer has become increasingly popular for both new construction and home renovations. It offers dramatic visual impact that increases curb appeal and property value. Whether you want to cover your entire exterior or create accent walls around entries and windows, stone veneer delivers the upscale look of stone at a fraction of the cost.

At SLM Salinas Masonry, we install both natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer. We'll help you choose the right product for your home's architecture, your budget, and your maintenance preferences. Our installations follow manufacturer specifications and building codes to ensure long-lasting beauty and performance.

The choice between natural and manufactured stone veneer comes down to aesthetics, budget, and personal preference. Both offer excellent durability and visual appeal.

Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer is real stone that's been cut into thin pieces for wall application. It offers authentic texture, color variation, and the unique character that only genuine stone provides. Each piece is different, creating one-of-a-kind installations. Natural stone works especially well for high-end homes and properties where authenticity matters. It costs more than manufactured products but provides unmatched natural beauty.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete colored and shaped to look like natural stone. Modern manufacturing techniques create remarkably realistic products. High-quality manufactured stone is difficult to distinguish from natural stone, even up close. It offers more color consistency, lighter weight, and lower cost than natural stone. Popular brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone provide extensive style options.

Installation Considerations

Both types require proper installation for optimal performance:

• Water-resistant barrier behind the veneer
• Metal lath for mechanical attachment
• Scratch coat mortar base
• Proper flashing at transitions and penetrations
• Weep holes for drainage at the bottom
• Quality mortar that matches the stone color

Stone veneer works for various applications throughout your property. Full exterior coverage creates a dramatic transformation, turning a standard house into a stone showcase. This works especially well for ranch-style homes and properties with simple architectural lines.

Accent installations provide visual interest without covering the entire home. We often install stone veneer on entry walls, around garage doors, or as wainscoting on the lower portion of exterior walls. These targeted applications create high-end appeal while controlling costs. Stone veneer also works beautifully around outdoor fireplaces and kitchens, creating cohesive outdoor living spaces.

Color and texture selection affects your home's overall appearance. Lighter stone colors make homes look larger and brighter. Darker stones create drama and contrast. Rough, irregular stones suit casual, rustic homes. Smooth, uniform stones complement modern architecture. We bring samples to your property so you can see how different options look against your existing exterior and in natural light.

Professional installation makes all the difference. Stone veneer installed without proper backing, flashing, and drainage will fail prematurely. Water infiltration damages both the veneer and your home's structure. We follow industry best practices and manufacturer requirements for every installation. Our work includes proper integration with existing brick and masonry features to create a polished, professional appearance.