Stone Veneer & Siding Installation

Enhance Your Property with Stone Veneer

Stone veneer transforms ordinary exteriors into stunning focal points. Whether you want to add character to a plain stucco facade, create an elegant entry, or upgrade your entire home's appearance, stone veneer delivers dramatic results. It provides the beauty and prestige of natural stone at a fraction of the weight and cost of solid stone construction.

MFY Menifee Masonry specializes in professional stone veneer installation for residential and commercial properties. We work with both natural stone veneer and manufactured stone products, helping you select materials that match your style and budget. Our installations look authentic and last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Stone veneer works on virtually any exterior surface including wood framing, concrete block, stucco, and even existing brick. The installation process involves proper surface preparation, moisture barriers, metal lath support, and careful stone placement. When done correctly, stone veneer is extremely durable and weather-resistant, standing up to Menifee's climate year after year.

Natural Stone vs Manufactured Stone Veneer

You have two main options for stone veneer: natural stone and manufactured (cultured) stone. Natural stone veneer consists of real stone cut into thin pieces, typically 1 to 2 inches thick. Each piece is unique with natural color variations and textures. Popular natural stone options include limestone, slate, quartzite, and sandstone.

Manufactured stone veneer is created from concrete mixed with pigments and molded from real stone. Modern manufactured stone looks remarkably authentic, even up close. It weighs less than natural stone, costs less, and offers more consistent sizing for easier installation. Colors and styles range from rustic stacked stone to elegant ashlar patterns.

Both natural and manufactured stone veneer perform well in our climate. Natural stone is quarried and non-combustible, making it an excellent choice if you live in fire-prone areas. Manufactured stone also has good fire resistance and meets building codes for most applications. We help you understand the differences so you can choose based on your priorities for appearance, budget, and performance.

Professional Installation Process

Stone veneer installation requires skill and attention to detail. We start by inspecting your existing wall surface to ensure it is strong enough to support the additional weight. Most wood-framed walls need no structural changes, but we verify everything meets code requirements.

Next, we install a weather-resistant barrier to protect your wall from moisture. Then comes metal lath, which provides a mechanical bond for the mortar. We apply a scratch coat of mortar over the lath and let it cure. This creates a solid base for attaching the stone veneer pieces.

Installing the stone requires both technical skill and artistic vision. We lay out stones to create attractive patterns with consistent joint spacing. Each piece is butter-backed with mortar and pressed firmly into place. Corner pieces require precise cutting to ensure clean, professional joints. We work methodically to maintain level courses and proper drainage.

After the stones are set, we tool the mortar joints for a finished appearance. Some styles use wide joints that are raked or struck. Others feature tight joints with minimal mortar visible. The final step is cleaning any mortar residue from the stone surface. The result is a stunning facade that looks like solid stone construction.

Stone veneer installation works beautifully with other custom stone masonry features. Many homeowners combine exterior stone siding with stone accents around entries, stone pillars, or coordinating hardscape elements for a complete transformation.

Maintenance and Longevity

Stone veneer requires very little maintenance once installed. The stone itself is extremely durable and weather-resistant. Rain naturally washes away most dirt. For deeper cleaning, you can pressure wash on a low setting or scrub with a soft brush and mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage mortar joints.

Inspect your stone veneer annually for any loose pieces or cracked mortar joints. These issues are rare with quality installation but can occur from ground settling or impact damage. Small repairs are straightforward when caught early. We can replace damaged stones or repoint joints to keep your installation looking perfect.

Properly installed stone veneer lasts 50 years or more. Unlike painted siding that needs repainting every few years, or wood that rots and warps, stone maintains its appearance indefinitely. The color is inherent to the material, so it will not fade or peel. This longevity makes stone veneer a smart investment that adds value to your property.

Stone veneer also provides additional insulation value to your walls and is fire-resistant. These practical benefits add to the aesthetic appeal, making stone veneer one of the most desirable exterior treatments for homes and commercial buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stone Veneer