How to Choose Between Natural Stone and Manufactured Stone Veneer

Ask any homeowner. Figuring out what to do with the outside of your home can feel a little overwhelming—especially when it comes to the many available siding choices.

But the E&E crew is here to help. And while you might not wake up in the morning excited by the prospect—or costs—of replacing your siding, you can make the most of the situation.

In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between a natural stone and manufactured stone veneer. Both materials are versatile, elegant, and durable. And when properly installed, they can transform the look of your home while protecting your investment from damages. 

What is Stone Veneer?

Starting with the basics, stone veneer is a decorative layer of stone (or stone-like material) installed on the surface of your home’s exterior. It gives the appearance of full stone masonry, but without the weight, labor, or cost of using full-thickness stone.

What Are the Two Main Types of Stone Veneer?

Stone veneers are installed with two main material types: natural stone and manufactured stone. 

Natural stone veneers are made by slicing real stone into thin pieces. Manufactured stone, on the other hand, is created with a concrete mixture molded and colored to mimic the intricacy of natural stone.

What Are the Benefits of Stone Veneer Siding?

Stone veneers are popular with Pennsylvania homeowners for a number of reasons. 

These include:

• A high-end boost in curb appeal
• The huge variety of styles and colors available
• Stone veneer helps control internal temperatures and lowers HVAC costs
• Natural stone can last a lifetime, and manufactured stone 25-75 years!

Where is Stone Veneer Typically Installed?

Stone and manufactured stone veneers can be installed on just about any wall surface. 

Some of the most popular spots for Pennsylvania homeowners include:

• Front entryways
• Porch columns
• Chimneys
• Garage fronts
• Lower exterior walls (wainscoting)
• Fireplace surrounds or interior accent walls

(Interested to see what that might look like? Check out our recent projects page and click the “Stone veneer” and “Masonry” filters.)

Does Stone Veneer Add Value to Your Home?

Due to the boost in curb appeal, durability of materials, and effect on resale value, stone and manufactured stone veneers provide an estimated 80% ROI. 

How Durable is Stone Veneer?

When installed correctly, stone veneer may be the most durable and long-lasting of all siding options. 

In fact, natural stone veneers can last a lifetime. And manufactured stone can easily last 25-75 years, depending on material type and installation. 

Additionally, stone is a hard-wearing material perfect for the changing seasons here in southeastern Pennsylvania. It is naturally resistant to…

• Moisture and humidity 
• Freezing temperatures
• UV exposure
• Insect damage

What Are the Costs of Natural Stone vs. Manufactured Stone Veneer?

Like most exterior projects, final pricing depends on a few key factors: materials, project scope, size, and prep work all play into your quote. That being said, here’s what you can generally expect in terms of the installation costs of natural stone vs. manufactured stone veneer.

• Manufactured Stone Veneer: $10–$20 per sq. ft. installed
• Natural Stone Veneer: $20–$35 per sq. ft. installed

Additionally, corners and detailed surfaces can cost more, surface prep—especially over siding—may affect labor costs, and the process of matching existing mortar and trim will likely play a part in final pricing if that is required.

What Are the Benefits of a Natural Stone Veneer?

While more expensive in upfront costs, natural stone has a few unique benefits. Namely, the timeless look and elegance of natural stone, along with its ability to withstand harsh conditions for 100 years or longer. 

Why Choose Manufactured Stone Over Natural Stone Veneer?

For the stonework, the delineation between the two projects [i.e. manufactured stone vs. natural stone] comes down to budget. At E&E, we install ProVia cultured stone, as well as a more budget-friendly option called Versetta Stone alongside natural stone options.

Both manufactured and natural stone are installed in the same manner. ProVia colors are guaranteed for 25 years, and natural stone is sold as an everlasting product for those homeowners who feel their home is worth the investment.

- Matt Donaldson, Sales and Estimating E&E General Contracting

Is Natural Stone or Manufactured Stone More Popular in PA?

Most homeowners in our area opt for a manufactured stone veneer over natural stone. And for good reason.

• Manufactured stone can cut final costs in half—while maintaining the elegance of stone
• Modern composite materials can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance
• Nearly endless color and design options make matching any aesthetic simple

Need some more convincing? Check out some of E&E’s recent stone veneer and masonry projects for some inspiration.

Can I Combine Stone Veneer With Other Siding Types?

Absolutely. Stone veneers are a stunning offset to other common siding materials like cedar shake, stucco, wood, brick, and composites like LP SmartSide.

Check out these recent E&E masonry projects for some inspiration. Each features the striking combination of stone veneer and traditional siding options.

Is Stone Veneer Right for Your Home?

When deciding whether stone veneer is right for your home, consider your budget, style, and priorities.

To learn more, contact our siding specialists at E&E by either hopping on a quick call or visiting our showroom. Either option gets you all the information you need to make the right choice, along with a complimentary estimate and project timeline with zero obligations.

Because at the end of the day, E&E General Contracting believes you deserve a home to be proud of. And while you may only remodel your home’s exterior once in a lifetime, we do it every day—and have been putting our clients’ minds at ease for over 30 years.

So don’t wait. Reach out today for your initial consultation and complimentary estimate. Or better yet, make an appointment to visit our showroom. We’d love to see you and can’t wait to hear about your dream home.