Stone Veneer Siding & Installation
Transform your home's exterior with beautiful stone veneer that delivers the timeless look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost and weight.
The Beauty of Stone Without the Weight or Cost
Stone has been a symbol of quality and permanence in architecture for thousands of years. Nothing quite matches the elegance and character of natural stone on a home's exterior. But traditional full-thickness stone is expensive to purchase and labor-intensive to install. It also adds significant weight to your walls, which sometimes requires structural reinforcement. This is where stone veneer becomes an ideal solution.
Stone veneer gives you the authentic look and texture of natural stone in a much thinner, lighter format. Modern stone veneer is so realistic that most people cannot tell the difference between veneer and full-depth stone from just a few feet away. You get all the visual appeal of traditional stone masonry without the structural challenges or the premium price tag. Veneer weighs about one-tenth as much as full-thickness stone, which means it can be installed on standard framed walls without additional support.
We specialize in stone veneer siding installation for homes throughout Montgomery, AL. Whether you want to update your entire exterior, create an accent wall, or add stone features to your entryway, we have the experience to make your vision a reality. Our installations look beautiful, perform reliably in our local climate, and add lasting value to your property.
Natural Stone Veneer vs. Manufactured Stone
When planning a stone veneer project, you have two main options: natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer. Both offer distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, style preferences, and specific application.
Natural Stone Veneer
Natural stone veneer is real stone that has been cut into thin pieces, typically one to two inches thick. Common types include fieldstone, ledgestone, river rock, and stacked stone. Each piece is unique with its own color variations, textures, and character. Natural veneer offers authentic beauty that cannot be perfectly replicated. It ages gracefully and can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance. The color goes all the way through the stone, so chips or damage are less noticeable than with manufactured products. Natural stone veneer typically costs more than manufactured options, but many homeowners feel the investment is worth it for the genuine article. It works beautifully on home exteriors, chimneys, accent walls, and outdoor living spaces.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer, also called cultured stone or faux stone, is made from concrete that has been molded and colored to look like natural stone. High-quality manufactured veneer can be remarkably realistic, especially brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone that we frequently work with. The main advantages are lower cost and lighter weight compared to natural stone. Manufactured veneer also offers more consistency in size and thickness, which can make installation faster and easier. You get a wider range of color options and can order exactly the amount you need without waste. The downsides are that it does not age quite as gracefully as natural stone, and damage may expose the concrete core. However, for budget-conscious homeowners who want the stone look, quality manufactured veneer is an excellent choice that performs well and looks great.
Popular Stone Styles
Both natural and manufactured veneer come in various styles to match different architectural aesthetics. Ledgestone features long, horizontal pieces that create a stacked appearance, perfect for contemporary and craftsman homes. Fieldstone offers irregular, rounded pieces that work well in rustic and traditional settings. River rock provides smooth, tumbled stones that create a casual, organic look. Ashlar style mimics cut stone with rectangular pieces in a pattern, ideal for formal and historic homes. We help you select the style and color that best complements your home's architecture and your personal taste.
Popular Applications for Stone Veneer:
- Full exterior siding replacements or upgrades
- Accent walls on front facades or side entries
- Chimney exteriors and fireplace surrounds
- Foundation and crawl space covers
- Outdoor kitchen and patio features
- Column wraps and architectural details
Our Professional Installation Process
Installing stone veneer correctly is critical for both appearance and performance. Poor installation can lead to water damage, loose stones, and premature failure. We follow industry best practices and manufacturer specifications to ensure your stone veneer looks beautiful and lasts for decades.
Surface Preparation and Weather Barrier
Proper preparation starts with a clean, solid surface. If you have existing siding, we typically remove it to expose the wall sheathing underneath. We inspect the structure for any damage or rot that needs repair before the veneer goes up. Next, we install a weather-resistant barrier that protects your wall from moisture while allowing it to breathe. This barrier is crucial in Montgomery's humid climate where water intrusion can cause serious damage. Over the barrier, we attach metal lath that gives the mortar something to grip onto. This creates a mechanical bond that holds the veneer securely to the wall. These preparation steps are not glamorous, but they make the difference between an installation that lasts and one that fails prematurely.
Mortar Application and Stone Setting
We use high-quality masonry mortar specifically designed for stone veneer applications. The mortar is applied to both the wall and the back of each stone piece to ensure full coverage and maximum adhesion. Each stone is pressed firmly into place and positioned for the best visual appearance. For natural stone, we carefully select and arrange pieces to create a natural, balanced look with appropriate color distribution. We maintain consistent spacing between stones and ensure proper coverage of the metal lath. The mortar must fill all voids behind the stones to prevent water from getting trapped, which could cause freeze-thaw damage or mortar failure. This is detailed work that cannot be rushed, and our experienced installers know exactly what to look for.
Grouting and Finishing
After the stones are set and the mortar has begun to cure, we fill the joints between stones with grout if your design calls for grouted joints. Some installations use a dry-stack look with tight joints and no visible grout, while others feature prominent grout lines that become part of the design. We tool and finish the joints to shed water and create a professional appearance. Finally, we clean the stone faces to remove any mortar smudges or haze. The finished installation should look clean, uniform, and professionally executed. If you are also considering updates to other areas, our chimney repair services can complement your stone veneer project beautifully.
Why Homeowners Choose Stone Veneer
Stone veneer offers compelling benefits that make it one of the most popular exterior upgrade options for Montgomery homeowners. First and most obvious is the dramatic improvement in curb appeal. Stone veneer instantly elevates the look of any home, creating a high-end appearance that stands out in the neighborhood. It works with virtually any architectural style from traditional to modern, and it coordinates beautifully with other exterior materials like siding, stucco, and brick.
The return on investment for stone veneer is excellent. Real estate professionals report that stone exteriors increase perceived value and help homes sell faster. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes with quality stone features because they appreciate the durability and low maintenance that stone provides. A stone veneer installation typically returns 75 to 95 percent of its cost in increased home value, making it one of the better investments you can make in your property.
From a practical standpoint, stone veneer requires very little maintenance. Unlike wood siding that needs painting every few years or vinyl that can crack and fade, stone keeps its appearance with just occasional cleaning. It does not rot, rust, or deteriorate from insect damage. Stone is also fire-resistant and provides some additional insulation value to your walls. It stands up well to Montgomery's hot summers, occasional storms, and temperature swings. When properly installed with appropriate drainage and flashing, stone veneer can last 50 years or more without significant maintenance.
Beyond the practical benefits, there is something special about having real stone on your home. It connects your house to a building tradition that goes back centuries. It makes a statement about quality and permanence. Every time you pull into your driveway, you feel proud of how your home looks. When friends and family visit, the stone exterior creates a welcoming, substantial impression. These intangible benefits matter just as much as the financial returns. Your home is your largest investment and your personal space. Stone veneer helps it look and feel the way you want it to.
Ready to Transform Your Home with Stone Veneer?
Schedule a free consultation to explore your options and see samples of the stone styles we offer. We provide expert guidance and quality installation throughout Montgomery, AL.
Call (334) 230-3493Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about stone veneer siding and installation in Montgomery, AL: