How Does Thin Stone Veneer “Stack-up” to its Full-Depth Counterpart?

Thin stone veneer patio

Most experts agree, thin stone veneer has many advantages to regular stone veneer. It is more economical in price, is lighter in overall weight, and is simpler to install. So if this were true, wouldn’t it have already replaced regular stone veneer in all applications? Not always.

Although both veneers in question have many similarities, they both have specific and distinct purposes and advantages over one another. However, there is no such thing as one option for all jobs, and most of the savings lies in two categories: cost and weight.

Cost

Perhaps the most hotly debated topic among both camps is how the cost savings of thin stone veneer will affect the job you are doing. While this is true in most regards, it’s important to first look at how this cost savings is computed, compared to full-depth veneer.

  • Faster installation for contractors. Even if you require more thin veneer than full-depth veneer, the job will still get done in less time.
  • Manufacturing thin stone veneer out of full-depth veneer will also save you money, even if it’s slightly more costly per square foot, you will still be able to get two pieces out of one stone.
  • Freight savings. Because it’s lighter, the cost of shipping goes down, passing that savings on to you.

Weight

Because thin stone veneer is lighter, masons have an easier time hauling more. This also lends to being able to install it quicker than the heavier, full-depth version.

  • Many project’s time can be cut down dramatically. A skilled mason can lay around 50 or so sq. ft. of thin stone veneer in about 8-9 hours. Compared to about 25 sq. ft. of full-depth veneer in that same amount of time.
  • Thin stone veneer can also be an essential product for bringing stone to non-loadbearing walls, helping architects and engineers with design aspects.
  • Thin veneer is also prized for its weight distribution. If an entire two-story home were being covered in thin stone veneer, the weight would be distributed throughout the structure, from the walls all the way down to the footings.

contact us