In addition to the beautiful appearance, there are several other reasons to opt for a manufactured stone façade. Here are a few of them.
Cost of Materials
One of the biggest considerations most homeowners have is cost. When you consider all the elements that make up the final cost of veneer, including the price of the material, the amount of material required, and the shipping costs, you will find that in most cases, manufactured stone is far less expensive.
If you’ve always dreamed of the elegance and high-end look of a natural stone or natural stone façade home but don’t have the money to upgrade your current home, you might be considering faux stone façade. Many benefits come with choosing manufactured stone veneer, and you might be surprised how these advantages can save you time and money.
This is because natural stone requires far more preparation than faux stone. Workers must remove the natural stone from the quarry, and then professional masons use a milling machine to polish and cut the material. Depending on the type of natural stone you choose, this process can add immensely to the cost of the stone.
Ease of Installation
The installation of a natural stone façade is very labor intensive, requires specialized tools, and should be performed by a professional. The foundation under natural stone must be sturdy. If any stability issues exist, the wall must be fortified before the natural stone can be installed.
In addition to preparing the wall, fireplace, or siding for the natural stone, a professional must also cut the stone, clean it, install it precisely, and set it in place with mortar. Depending on the scope of the installation, it could take a professional mason several days to finish the job, which is a huge additional expense.
Faux stone veneers are far less heavy, making them easier to install. You can install a faux stone veneer just about anywhere you can imagine. Because the product is so lightweight, you won’t need to fortify any foundation.
Ease of Maintenance
When it comes to keeping natural stone clean, you have several variables to consider. The type of stone, whether it is marble, limestone, or granite, will impact how you should clean it. Also, because natural stone is porous, you must use specialized cleaning products that will not damage the stone or its finish.
Faux stone veneer, on the other hand, is very easy to maintain. It only requires the occasional cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, or mud. Otherwise, you can let Mother Nature keep your veneer clean.
Here are the simple steps to cleaning faux wood veneer:
Create a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water in a bucket.
Remove any loose dirt or debris with your garden hose’s sprayer attachment. You don’t need to purchase a power washer.
Grab a soft-bristled plastic brush and work the soapy water into the stone.
Rinse off the soapy water and allow the stone to air-dry.
Depending on the type of faux stone façade, the manufacturer might recommend periodically applying a sealant. Refer to the product’s instructions for proper use.
Variety and Style
Several different styles of faux stone veneer are available. Unlike natural stone, which is limited to a handful of styles and colors, you can find a faux stone veneer that works with almost every home and décor. If you have a big job, choosing faux stone veneer is also the smartest option. Because the product is manufactured, you are able to order large quantities of the product.
Natural stone is sometimes available in limited quantities, especially if you purchase a product that is in high demand.
The color and texture of faux stone veneer is far more uniform than natural stone. It can be difficult to install natural stone that looks seamless because of these variations. If you want a more consistent look, faux stone veneer is the better option.
Environmental Friendliness
An unexpected benefit of choosing faux veneer over natural stone is that the environmental impact is minimal. Natural stone must be pulled from the earth, which can be very destructive for the surrounding ecosystem. It disrupts the plant and animal life, and the machinery used to mill the stone can pollute the surrounding environment.
Faux stone veneer is also a great insulator, which can save you big money on your cooling and heating bills. The material is also fire retardant, which is a big consideration if you live in an arid climate. The dyes used to color the faux stone have minimal impact on the environment, as well.
From its lower cost and ease of installation to its minimal maintenance requirements, you have several reasons to choose faux stone veneer for your home improvement project. If you have any further questions, please contact our knowledgeable professionals at Harristone.