Stone Veneer Siding & Installation
Transform your home's exterior with the timeless beauty of stone at a fraction of the cost.
The Smart Way to Get the Stone Look You Want
You love the look of natural stone, but full-thickness stone walls cost a fortune and require major structural work. That's where stone veneer comes in. It gives you the exact same beautiful appearance at a fraction of the price, and it installs much faster too.
Stone veneer is a thin layer of real or manufactured stone that we attach to your existing exterior walls. From the curb, it looks identical to full-thickness stone. Your neighbors won't know the difference, but your wallet definitely will. Plus, modern stone veneer is engineered to last just as long as traditional stone with even less maintenance.
In Mobile, AL, we see homeowners add stone veneer to their entire front exterior, around entries and garage doors, on columns and pillars, or as accent walls that add visual interest. The transformation is dramatic. Homes that looked dated or plain suddenly have serious curb appeal.
Stone veneer also works great on interior accent walls, around fireplaces, and in outdoor living spaces. It's incredibly versatile. Whether you're going for rustic, modern, traditional, or something completely unique, there's a stone veneer style that will nail the look you want.
Natural Stone vs. Manufactured Veneer
You have two main choices when it comes to stone veneer: natural stone and manufactured stone. Both look fantastic when installed properly, but they have different characteristics and price points.
Natural Stone Veneer
Natural stone veneer is real stone that's been cut into thin pieces for easier installation. You get authentic stone with all its natural color variations and textures. Every piece is genuinely unique because it came straight from the earth.
Popular natural stone options include fieldstone, limestone, granite, and slate. These materials have been used in construction for thousands of years. They're proven to last, and they age beautifully. Natural stone costs more than manufactured options, but many homeowners feel the authentic look is worth the investment.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete and aggregates that are molded and colored to look like natural stone. Modern manufacturing techniques create stone that's incredibly realistic. Unless you get up close and tap on it, you honestly can't tell the difference.
We work with premium brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone, which are the industry leaders. Their products come in dozens of styles, from stacked ledgestone to river rock to European castle stone. You get consistent sizing, which makes installation faster and more precise, and you get more color control since manufactured stone doesn't have the wild variations of natural stone.
Benefits of Stone Veneer
- •Costs 30-50% less than full-thickness stone while looking identical
- •Installs over existing siding without major structural changes
- •Adds insulation value and helps regulate indoor temperature
- •Requires virtually no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning
- •Resists fire, insects, and rot better than wood or vinyl siding
- •Increases your home's value and makes it easier to sell
How Professional Stone Veneer Installation Works
Installing stone veneer isn't something you want to DIY or trust to inexperienced contractors. Done wrong, it can trap moisture behind the stone and destroy your exterior walls. Done right, it will look perfect and last for decades.
We start by inspecting your existing exterior to make sure it's solid and can support the veneer. If you have wood siding, we usually install a moisture barrier and metal lath over it. This creates a waterproof layer that lets any moisture escape while giving the mortar something to grip.
Next comes the stone itself. We mix each piece before installation to blend colors and sizes naturally. Real stone has variation, and good installation mimics that randomness. We apply mortar to both the wall and the back of each stone, then press it firmly into place with proper spacing for grout joints.
After the stone sets for 24-48 hours, we come back and grout the joints. Grout color makes a huge difference in the final look. Light grout makes the stone pop, while dark grout creates a more subtle, blended appearance. We'll show you samples so you can choose what looks best for your home.
The final step is sealing, which protects against water absorption and makes cleaning easier. A good sealant is invisible but critical for long-term performance, especially in Mobile's humid climate. We're licensed masonry professionals in Mobile, AL who follow manufacturer guidelines exactly, which is what keeps your warranty valid.
Popular Stone Veneer Design Ideas for Mobile Homes
Let's talk about how Mobile homeowners are using stone veneer to transform their properties. These ideas might spark some inspiration for your own home.
Full Front Exterior
Covering your entire front exterior with stone veneer creates a stunning first impression. This works especially well for ranch-style homes and split-levels that benefit from added texture and visual weight. You can mix stone with siding on the sides and back to control costs while maximizing curb appeal.
Entry Accents
Stone veneer around your front entry makes a bold statement without breaking the bank. We often see homeowners add stone from the foundation to the roofline on either side of the door, creating a dramatic frame. This pairs beautifully with matching stone on custom brick and stone steps.
Columns and Pillars
Wrapping porch columns or pillars in stone veneer transforms them from basic to beautiful. This is a relatively affordable project that makes a huge impact. It works for both structural columns and decorative pillars, and it's popular with homes that have covered front porches.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Stone veneer takes outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and custom patios to the next level. It creates a cohesive, high-end look that ties your outdoor space together. Plus, it's practical because stone stands up to heat, weather, and heavy use better than most other materials.
Common Questions About Stone Veneer
How much does stone veneer siding cost?
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Stone veneer installation typically costs $15-25 per square foot for manufactured stone and $25-40 per square foot for natural stone. These prices include materials, labor, mortar, sealant, and proper installation over a moisture barrier.
For a typical project like covering a front entry area (around 100-150 square feet), you're looking at $2,000-$4,500 for manufactured stone or $3,500-$6,000 for natural stone. Larger projects like full exterior coverage will be proportionally more but often get better per-square-foot pricing.
Several factors affect the final price: the type and style of stone you choose, your home's height (second stories require scaffolding), site access, and whether we need to repair or prepare the existing surface first. Schedule a free consultation for an exact quote based on your specific project.
Will stone veneer damage my existing siding?
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No, when installed correctly, stone veneer won't damage your existing siding. We install a moisture barrier and metal lath over your current exterior, which actually adds an extra layer of protection. The stone veneer never touches your original siding directly.
In fact, stone veneer can help protect your existing walls from weather damage. The stone layer shields your siding from direct sun, rain, and wind. The key is proper installation that allows moisture to escape rather than trapping it. That's why professional installation matters so much.
If your existing siding is badly damaged, we'll let you know during the inspection. Sometimes it makes sense to replace damaged sections before installing veneer. But in most cases, your current siding can stay right where it is, saving you the cost and hassle of removal.
How long does stone veneer last?
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Quality stone veneer should last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Both natural and manufactured stone veneer are engineered for long-term durability. The premium brands we use, like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone, come with 50-year warranties that back up those claims.
Natural stone veneer can literally last centuries if properly maintained. Look at historic stone buildings in Europe that are hundreds of years old. Manufactured stone is relatively new, but accelerated aging tests show it performs just as well as natural stone under real-world conditions.
The main maintenance requirement is resealing every 5-10 years depending on exposure. This takes a few hours and costs very little compared to the protection it provides. Beyond that, occasional washing to remove dirt and debris is all you need. No painting, no replacing rotted boards, no dealing with insect damage. It's truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Ready to Transform Your Home with Stone Veneer?
Let's discuss your vision and explore your options. Free consultation included.