Stone Siding Options: Cultured Stone Veneer & More
- Free Samples
Thinking about buying cultured stone veneers? We compiled a list of some of the major considerations
you should take into account before making a decision, by creating a cultured stone siding comparison chart that covers other cultured stone alternatives. Simultaneously, the following comparison chart would allow you as well to better understand the benefits and drawbacks of cultured stone panels.
However, since different characteristics of different stone and rock siding types cannot be conveyed by words or images alone, we have also partnered with leading online stone siding wholesalers, and invite you to choose up to 5 Free Stone Siding Samples of any kind, including cultured stone veneer samples.
All samples ship free, and would arrive within 1-2 business days straight to your door.
Obtaining free samples would allow you to really hold down the materials and examine their quality and other attributes (e.g., durability, scratch-resistance, color matching, dimensions, feeling of the texture, etc.) straight from the comfort of your own home. To choose and receive your free samples, simply scroll down to the bottom of the following comparison chart and click on the button in the relevant column.
In addition, you can click here to get a free installation cost estimate for your project.
Comparison Chart: Cultured Stone vs. Natural Thin Stone Veneer vs. Faux Stone Panels:
| Cultured Stone (Veneer & Individual) |
Natural Thin Stone Veneer Panels | Faux Stone Panels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very good durability, cultured stone is sturdy and designed to last beautifully for decades. | Extremely durable; ancient castles built several centuries ago from real stone and are still standing today, would undeniably confirm this. | Very good durability, would tolerate a certain level of abuse, however, not as though as natural or cultured stone; can be scratched easier if in contact with a sharp object. getting samples is advised in order to experiment with the materials and compare. |
| What is it made of | Cultured stone is made from portland cement and artificial aggregates (to achieve a heft and feel that would resemble natural stone), together with iron oxides (to achieve the look of a real stone). The stones are created by using molds that imitate the look of real stone. | Derived from real natural stones (quartzite, slate, sandstone, travertine), that were quarried and processed into their thin form. | Composites of polyurethane, a highly dense polymer that is very resistant to impacts, and is also a good thermal and noise insulator (its R-value is about 4.5 per inch of thickness). |
| Weight | About 70% the weight of real stone, and therefore cultured stone feels pretty close to real stone. | 7-12 lbs per square foot; Relatively heavy, yet still lighter than a full-bed stone; The stones are processed into thin dimensions to make them as lightweight as possible, in order to achieve reduced shipping rates and more installations options. |
Very lightweight: each faux panel weighs merely a few pounds (approximately one pound / sq ft.), and so they are very easy to install. |
| Areas commonly used | Manufactured stone can be used both for exterior and interior cladding (including backsplashes and fireplaces). | Exterior and Interior (including accent walls, fireplace surrounds, skirting and more). | Exterior and interior - home siding (including partially), walls, skirts, commercial applications, window trims, and more. fireplace faux veneer installations need to be away from the open flames by a range of at least 12". |
| Cost (material prices) | $4.00 - $11.00 /sq ft; Lower shipping costs than real stone, since cultured stone is lighter. |
$4.50 - $10.00 /sq ft; Relatively high shipping costs, due to the heavy weight of real stone. |
$6.00 - $9.00 /sq ft; Relatively very low shipping costs, since it is extremely lightweight. Furthermore, its easy installation reduces labor costs, making it even more cost effective. |
| Total Cost (with Installaion) | |||
| Care and Maintenance | Very low maintenance, which makes cultured stone products a popular choice these days. Simply power wash gently or hose it down periodically (generally about 2 times a year). A water based concrete sealing needs to be applied only once, after the installation. | All natural stones require periodic sealing, to protect them from various elements such as moisture. Typically, acidic cleaners should be avoided. follow the relevant product manual. | Virtually no maintenance required; no sealing needed; Can be cleaned down a soft cloth or a garden hose. |
| Appearance | Cultured stone is very similar in its texture and feel to real natural stone, and thus it is hard to tell apart. | Each stone has a natural unique pattern, reflecting its formation on earth. Contrary to cultured or faux stone which are not natural, when a real stone is chipped off, its natural texture would still be retained. | Thanks to today's advanced technology, faux stones can appear (though not feel), just like the real thing. getting samples would allow you to see this for yourself. |
| Dimensions | According to the specific type of product chosen: 5 Sq ft. Individual stones; 5″ wide x 20″ length panels; 1″ - 4″ wide x 5″-18″ length panels; (corners available as well). |
Panels: 6″ wide x 24″ length (corners available as well). | According to the specific siding product chosen: Panels: 6″-8″ wide x43″-47″ length; Random rock panels: 13″-15″ wide x46″-48″ length. (corners available as well). |
| Methods of Installation | Mortar; Several cultured stone products also allow for a mortarless installation, with simple drilling. | Mortar. | Drill down or glued (Screws / adhesives). |
| Ease of Installation | Relatively easy thanks to the innovative panel system and the lower weight compared to real stacked stone. Individual manufactured stones can be obtained as well. | The panel system makes the installation process of thin stone veneer quite easy, as the panels interlock to each other like puzzle pieces. | Easy and DIY friendly, In contrary to natural or cultured stone installations, that would require higher level of craftsmanship. Power tools are barely required, as the panels can be cut down easily (with any carpentry saw cutting tool); no messy mortar is involved nor masonry skills required. |
| Thickness | 1″ - 2 1/2″ | 3/4″ - 1 1/4″ | 1 1/4″ - 1 3/4″ |
| Climatic Suitability | Suitable for all kinds of climates. | Suitable for all kinds of climates. | Essentially suits all climates, yet in the very long run (decades) when used in extreme climate conditions (externally), natural and cultured stone would last longer. |
| Get Free Samples |
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Please note: The above data is provided for general information purposes only. Even though the best efforts were made to ensure its accuracy, such general information can never take into account differences between different products from different manufacturers, nor your unique personal circumstances and needs. It is therefore always recommended to seek advice from a qualified professional and carefully follow the relevant manufacturer's instructions.
