5 Places to Use Manufactured Stone Veneer
Stone continues to be a popular material for both interior and exterior spaces. But you don’t need to use natural stone to enhance your home’s curb appeal and resale value. In many cases, manufactured stone can achieve the same effect. In fact, according to Realtor.com, manufactured stone veneer offers an impressive return on investment of 97 percent.
Even if you don’t plan to sell your home, stone veneer provides numerous opportunities to add texture and visual interest to your walls. You can use this material on the exterior of your home, in the kitchen, in the entryway, or as an accent throughout your living space.
1. Exterior of Home
Craftsman-style homes popularized the use of exterior stonework in the early 1900s, and the style has made a comeback in recent years. Many contemporary homes incorporate Craftsman-style elements such as rough-hewn stone, wood floors, exposed beams, and open layouts.
If you’d like to capture the warmth and simplicity of this early 20th-century aesthetic, consider applying stone veneer to your home’s exterior. You can use as much or as little stone as your budget and preferences allow. Many homeowners choose to add stone from the base of the home up to a couple of feet, while others prefer to cover pillars with stone for a striking effect.
Whatever you decide, be sure to match the type of stone to your home's existing materials. For example, round river rock pairs well with a rustic log cabin, while sandstone beautifully complements a stucco home.
2. Interior Walls
If you prefer to use stone veneer inside your home rather than outside, you have plenty of design options. One popular trend is creating an accent wall with stone veneer. You can apply it to any wall, but it makes sense to choose one that is already a focal point. For example, a stone backdrop for a mounted TV adds depth and texture to your living space.
Another excellent use for interior stone veneer is covering outdated architectural details. If your home was built in the 1960s or ‘70s, it may feature exposed brick walls that don’t align with your desired aesthetic. While some homeowners love the retro look, others may prefer the cooler, neutral shades of limestone or granite veneer for a more modern appeal.
3. Kitchen Backsplash
If you love the look of stone but don’t want to commit to an entire wall, consider using stone veneer as a kitchen backsplash. Manufactured stone is easy to clean, making it a practical and stylish choice for areas that are prone to splashes and spills.
When selecting stone for your backsplash, choose a shade that complements your kitchen cabinets. For instance:
- A pale limestone pairs beautifully with black cabinets for a chic black-and-white contrast.
- Warm hardwood cabinets look great with stone that has reddish or golden tones.
4. Entryway
Another creative way to use manufactured stone in your home is by enhancing an archway at the entrance. You can either:
- Cover the entire archway with stone veneer from floor to top.
- Accent only the top of the arch with a few pieces of stone veneer for a subtle touch.
Both options add elegance and texture to your home.
If your entrance lacks an archway, you can still achieve a stylish look by framing your door with stone veneer. This technique creates depth and is an affordable way to enhance your home's curb appeal.
5. Fireplace Surround
One of the most popular ways to incorporate stone veneer in your home is around the fireplace. Since manufactured stone is resistant to the elements, it works well for both indoor and outdoor fireplaces.
Some homeowners prefer a traditional wood mantel with stone veneer for the surround, while others opt for full stone coverage, including the hearth and faux chimney.
For a unique fireplace design, consider:
- Mixing manufactured stone with brick veneer.
- Combining different types of stone—one for the surround and another for the mantel.
- Using the same type of stone in different colors, such as dark gray slate paired with light gray slate with green undertones.
Transform Your Home with Manufactured Stone
Now that you know how to incorporate manufactured stone in and around your home, you can start planning your renovation with confidence.
For durable, easy-to-install, and authentic-looking stone veneer at a great price, check out Harristone. We offer a variety of stone textures and mortar colors to complement every home.
