Cultured stone or natural stone?
Cultured stone veneer is a lightweight, cast product made to look like ledgestone, fieldstone, river rock and other styles. It is consistent, comes in a wide range of colors and works well for exterior wainscot, columns and fireplace surrounds.
Natural stone is quarried rock, either full-depth or sawn thin for veneer. Every piece is different, it will not fade, and it gives the most authentic finish. We help you weigh the look, budget and wall structure before you choose.
Installed the right way behind the face
Most stone veneer failures we are called to fix come from what is behind the stone, not the stone itself. On exterior walls we install the weather-resistive barrier, lath and scratch coat that the manufacturer and code require, along with a weep screed at the bottom so trapped moisture can escape. That is what keeps veneer from loosening, staining or letting water into your framing.
On the face, we take time with stone layout so joints stay staggered, corners wrap cleanly and the pattern looks natural instead of repetitive.
Popular stone projects in the Valley
Homeowners in Turlock, Modesto, Hughson and Denair often use stone to update a plain stucco front: a stone wainscot along the base of the house, stone-wrapped porch columns, or a stone accent wall at the entry. Outdoors, stone pairs naturally with our outdoor kitchens and fireplaces and fire pits.
What we offer
- Cultured (manufactured) stone veneer
- Natural thin stone veneer
- Full-depth natural stone walls
- Stone wainscot on stucco homes
- Stone porch and gate columns
- Stone fireplace surrounds
- Stone planters and water features
Recent projects
Frequently asked questions
Can stone veneer go over existing stucco?
Often it can, but the existing wall has to be checked first. We look at the stucco condition, the wall structure and the drainage at the base, then recommend either installing over it with the right preparation or removing the stucco in that area.
How long does stone veneer last?
Properly installed stone veneer is meant to last the life of the building. The key is the moisture barrier, lath and drainage behind it, which is why we install the full system rather than just sticking stone to a wall.
Is natural stone more expensive than cultured stone?
Natural stone usually costs more for both material and labor because each piece is cut and fitted by hand. Cultured stone is generally more budget friendly. We can price both options on the same estimate so you can compare.
