Transform your home's exterior with the beauty of natural stone without the weight or cost of full stone construction.
Stone veneer gives your home the upscale appearance of natural stone without the structural requirements or expense of full-thickness stone walls. It's a thin layer of real or manufactured stone applied to your existing exterior walls. The result looks like solid stone from the outside, but it's lighter, faster to install, and much more affordable.
At FMA Fontana Masonry, we install both natural stone veneer and high-quality manufactured stone veneer. We work on complete home exteriors, accent walls, columns, foundations, and architectural details. Whether you want to boost curb appeal before selling or simply upgrade your home's look, stone veneer delivers dramatic results.
Fontana homes benefit from stone veneer's durability in our climate. It holds up beautifully in heat, resists fading, requires almost no maintenance, and can last 50 years or more. It also adds insulation value and protects your underlying walls from weather damage.
You have two main options for stone veneer, and both have their advantages. Here's what makes each one different and how to decide which is right for your project.
This is real stone that's been cut into thin pieces, usually 1 to 2 inches thick. You get authentic color variations, unique textures, and the knowledge that it's the real deal. Natural stone veneer includes limestone, slate, quartzite, sandstone, and granite. Each piece is one of a kind.
Also called cultured stone or cast stone, this is made from concrete mixed with pigments and molded from real stone. Modern manufactured stone looks incredibly realistic. Most people can't tell the difference from natural stone unless they're standing right next to it.
We work with premium manufacturers that produce realistic, high-quality stone veneer. We'll show you samples of both natural and manufactured options so you can compare them side by side. For most homeowners, manufactured stone offers the best combination of appearance, performance, and value.
Your choice also depends on your wall structure. Older homes with solid masonry walls can support natural stone veneer. Wood-framed homes typically need manufactured veneer or additional structural support for natural stone.
Proper installation is everything with stone veneer. Done right, it lasts for decades and looks beautiful. Done wrong, it falls off the wall within a few years. We follow manufacturer guidelines and building codes to ensure your stone veneer stays put and performs as expected.
We inspect your existing walls to ensure they're structurally sound. We install a weather-resistant barrier and metal lath if your walls are wood-framed. Masonry walls get cleaned and sometimes a scratch coat of mortar for better adhesion.
We lay out the stone pattern on the ground first to ensure good color distribution and minimize waste. Corner pieces get special attention since they're highly visible. We also plan for windows, doors, and other openings.
We work from the bottom up, applying mortar to both the wall and the back of each stone piece. Stones are pressed firmly into place with slight twisting to ensure full contact. We maintain consistent joint spacing or create a dry-stack look depending on your preference.
If you chose a grouted look, we fill joints with mortar after the stones are set. We tool the joints for a consistent appearance and brush off excess mortar. For dry-stack installations, we ensure tight fits and clean lines between stones.
We apply a breathable sealer that protects against moisture and staining without trapping water vapor. This step is optional but recommended, especially for lighter-colored stones. We also install proper flashing around windows and doors.
A typical single-story home exterior takes 5 to 10 days to complete depending on square footage and design complexity. Accent walls or smaller projects can be finished in 2 to 3 days. We protect your landscaping, clean up daily, and leave your property neat when we're done.
Water Management Matters: Stone veneer must shed water properly or moisture will get trapped behind it and cause mold, rot, and failure. We install weep holes, proper flashing, and ensure water drains away from the stone surface. These details aren't visible but they're critical to long-term performance.
Stone veneer works in many locations around your home. You don't have to do the entire exterior. Strategic use of stone creates high-impact results without breaking your budget.
Covering your entire home in stone veneer makes a dramatic statement. It works especially well on ranch-style homes and modern designs. You can mix stone with other materials like wood or stucco for added visual interest. Full coverage costs more but delivers maximum curb appeal and protection.
Many homeowners use stone veneer on front-facing walls only or as accents around entrances. Stone columns framing your front door create an upscale entrance. A stone accent wall on a prominent exterior section adds character without covering everything. This approach saves money while still upgrading your home's appearance.
Stone veneer on the foundation and lower 3 to 4 feet of exterior walls provides both beauty and protection. This is called a stone water table or foundation facing. It protects vulnerable areas from splash-back and gives your home a solid, grounded appearance. Many people combine this with painted or sided upper walls.
Stone veneer transforms plain chimneys into architectural features. We also use it on outdoor kitchens, built-in barbecues, pool houses, and retaining wall caps. Matching your chimney or outdoor features to your home's stone creates a cohesive, designed look.
During your consultation, we'll discuss which areas will give you the biggest impact for your investment. We can also show you photos of similar homes we've completed so you can visualize the possibilities.
Get a free consultation and estimate for your stone veneer project.
