If you’ve been paying attention to the latest style trends in home design, you’re well aware that veneer stone is extremely popular right now. This affordable and practical alternative to traditional stone construction makes it possible for homeowners to enjoy the exquisite beauty and sophistication of natural stone – regardless of weight restrictions and budgetary constraints. It’s not hard to see why veneer stone is such a great option for NJ homeowners, and it’s no wonder that you’re so interested in going this route with your home makeover. Before getting started on the work, though, you need to be equipped with all of the facts about veneers. What are the differences between thin and full stone veneers? What are your options in terms of style, shape, and color? This cheat sheet will tell you everything you need to know to make the right decision for your home transformation project.
Types of Veneer Stone
Let’s start things off by exploring the different types of stone veneers that are available for home design. The most popular veneer materials are:
- Full Stone Veneers – Full stone veneers are sometimes referred to as 4” veneers because, as you can likely surmise, the stone is cut to a thickness of 4”. Full stone veneers have been around for quite some time and have provided countless homeowners with the option of upgrading their home’s interiors and exteriors with the look of gorgeous natural stone. The stone is carefully cut to uniform sizing and can be cut into various shapes, depending on the type of stone used. Full stone veneer will still have some density to it, and weight will vary based on the stone type. Not all projects are suited for full stone veneers because excessive weight might create structural issues. It’s very important to have your home assessed prior to working with a full stone veneer in order to ensure that this is the right material for the job.
- Thin Stone Veneers – Another option for NJ homeowners is to work with a thin stone veneer. These veneer stones are cut to a much thinner thickness than full stone veneers, thin veneer is typically cut to a thickness of 1.5”. This type of veneer is relatively new on the market, as it has only been in recent years that we have been able to capitalize on advancements in the diamond cutting technology that allows for thin, precision cutting of natural stone. Since its introduction to the market, however, thin stone veneers have exploded in their popularity, and the reasons are obvious. For starters, the material looks absolutely fabulous. The lightweight, thin nature of the stone also makes it very easy to work with, and allows for much faster and more efficient installations.
- Cultured Stone Veneers – Although many NJ homeowners love the idea of working with a veneer stone that is produced from natural stone, it’s not at all uncommon for people to choose to work with cultured, or manufactured stone. This is a veneer stone material that is manufactured from a concrete mixture that is placed into molds crafted from natural stone. Numerous pigments are carefully mixed and shaken into the concrete in order to ensure that coloring matches natural stone and is uniform throughout. The thing that people love most about cultured stone is that it is customizable and that all stone materials are uniformly beautiful and flawless.
Veneer Stone Shapes and Cuts
In addition to enjoying the ability to select which type of veneer stone you’d like to use for your project, you will also be able to make decisions pertaining to the shape, cut, and style of your veneer. Here are some common options:
- Square/Rectangular – Square or rectangular cut veneer stones are a staple in designs that are more on the traditional side. The straight, modular shape of the veneer is aesthetically pleasing and offers sophistication to any home. These veneers can be arranged in brick patterns, or at random, as you wish.
- Ledge – These narrow strips of stone are placed together in a linear pattern in order to create incredible texturing and depth. Ledge style veneers might be installed in a uniform coloration, or you might choose to create a mosaic of color with this particular cut. This cut of veneer stone is often seen in rustic designs.
- River Rounds – River rounds offer the smooth, rounded edges of river rock, and are very soothing and classically beautiful. The charming and rustic look of river rounds is great for creating a cozy environment that evokes a sense of being in a mountain cottage or lake house but can be really used in any rustic design.
- Mosaic – Mosaic stone veneers feature a natural or cultured stone that have been given an irregular cut and are cobbled or patterned together to create uniquely beautiful patterns and designs.
- Ashlar/Strip -Ashlar style veneers are similar to ledgestone. The rectangular cut stone features a split face, but the veneer tends to be a bit wider in shape than its ledgestone counterpart.
- Custom Blends– Of course, if you love the look of multiple different types of veneer stone, you always have the option to mix and match and come up with a blend that truly resonates with your unique sense of style and personality. When you go this route, the sky’s the limit.
Working with Veneer Stone in NJ
When you’re ready to start making decisions about your veneer stone project, Braen Supply is ready to help you make your dreams come true. As one of the largest veneer stone suppliers in NJ, we offer a large inventory of full stone, thin stone, and cultured stone veneers in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors. Our team of professionals is happy to assist you as you choose the right materials for your home, and can help you calculate out how much material you’ll need to purchase. Our veneer stone materials are available at competitive wholesale rates, and you can pick it up or request bulk delivery to areas throughout parts of NJ, NY, NYC and limited parts of PA, and CT.
