Give your home the elegant look of natural stone without the weight or cost of full masonry construction.
Stone veneer gives you the stunning appearance of natural stone at a fraction of the weight and cost. These thin stone pieces attach to your home's exterior walls, transforming plain siding into something that looks high-end and custom. At SBD San Bernardino Masonry, we install stone veneer that adds character, value, and curb appeal to homes throughout San Bernardino.
You can cover entire walls or create accent features around windows, doors, and corners. Stone veneer works on new construction and existing homes. It's perfect for updating dated exteriors or adding visual interest to plain stucco or wood siding. The result looks like solid stone construction, but installation takes less time and costs significantly less.
Here's why so many homeowners choose stone veneer:
Stone veneer also increases your home's resale value. Real estate professionals say stone exteriors appeal to buyers and help homes sell faster. You're making an investment that pays off in enjoyment now and value later.
Stone veneer comes in many styles, colors, and textures. We help you select options that complement your home's architecture and your personal taste.
Cut from quarried stone and shaped into thin pieces, natural veneer offers authentic color variations and textures. Popular choices include limestone, sandstone, granite, and slate. Each piece is unique, creating one-of-a-kind patterns. Natural stone veneer costs more but delivers unmatched authenticity and character. It works beautifully on traditional, rustic, and Mediterranean style homes.
Made from cement, aggregates, and iron oxide pigments, manufactured veneer replicates the look of natural stone. Modern manufacturing creates incredibly realistic products that most people can't distinguish from real stone. Manufactured veneer weighs less, installs faster, and costs less than natural stone. You get consistent sizing and coloring, which some homeowners prefer. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects without sacrificing appearance.
Ledgestone features long, horizontal pieces with textured surfaces, giving walls a stacked, layered appearance. Fieldstone mimics rounded river rocks of varying sizes for a natural, organic look. Ashlar presents cut rectangular stones in formal patterns, perfect for traditional homes. Dry stack creates tight joints without visible mortar for contemporary aesthetics. We show you samples and can create mockups so you visualize the final result.
Your choice affects not just appearance but also installation time and cost. We discuss all factors during your consultation to help you make an informed decision. If you're also considering other masonry improvements, our brick repair and restoration services can coordinate with your veneer installation for a complete exterior update.
Installing stone veneer correctly ensures it stays secure and looks great for decades. Here's how we do it.
We start by inspecting your walls to ensure they're structurally sound. We repair any damage and make sure the surface is clean and level. Next, we install a weather-resistant barrier to protect your home from moisture. This waterproof membrane goes over the existing siding or sheathing. Then we attach metal lath that gives the mortar something to grip. These prep steps take time but prevent serious problems like water damage and veneer failure.
Before applying any mortar, we lay out the stones and plan the pattern. We mix sizes and colors to create a natural, balanced appearance. For natural stone, we select pieces that fit together well. This planning phase prevents awkward cuts and ensures the finished wall looks organic rather than forced. We mark reference lines and prepare everything for efficient installation.
We apply mortar to both the wall and the back of each stone piece, then press it firmly into place. We work from bottom to top, allowing the weight of upper stones to rest on lower ones. We maintain consistent spacing for mortar joints or create tight dry-stack looks, depending on your chosen style. Each piece gets checked for level and alignment. We use proper techniques to ensure strong bonds that won't fail over time.
After the stones are set, we fill and tool the mortar joints for a finished appearance. We clean the stone surfaces before the mortar fully cures. We can apply sealers to protect against staining and moisture, though many stone veneers don't require sealing. We ensure all edges are properly finished and corners are weatherproof.
Most veneer installations take 3 to 7 days depending on the area covered. We work efficiently while maintaining quality standards. Your home stays protected and secure throughout the project. For a complete outdoor transformation, consider pairing your new veneer with our custom stone and paver patio services.
Here are answers to questions we frequently hear from San Bernardino homeowners.
Let's create the stunning exterior you've always wanted.
Get Your Free Consultation