Stone Veneer & Siding Installation
We transform ordinary walls into stunning stone features that add beauty, value, and character to your property.
What Is Stone Veneer?
Stone veneer gives you the look of natural stone without the weight, cost, or installation challenges of solid stone masonry. It's a thin layer of real or manufactured stone that's applied to your exterior or interior walls. The result is gorgeous, textured surfaces that look exactly like full-thickness stone but install much faster and cost significantly less.
Natural stone veneer is cut from real stone like granite, limestone, or slate. Manufactured stone veneer is cast from molds of real stone and colored to match natural variations. Both options deliver beautiful results, and most people can't tell the difference once it's installed. The choice usually comes down to budget and the specific look you want.
Why Choose Stone Veneer?
Stone veneer has become incredibly popular in Spokane for good reasons. It instantly upgrades your home's curb appeal and can increase your property value by thousands of dollars. Unlike painted siding that needs regular maintenance, stone veneer is virtually maintenance-free. It won't rot, warp, or fade. And it holds up beautifully in our climate, handling everything from winter freezes to summer heat without cracking or deteriorating.
You can use stone veneer on entire facades, accent walls, columns, foundations, or fireplace surrounds. It works on both new construction and existing homes. At SKA Spokane Masonry, we've installed stone veneer on everything from modern homes to historic renovations, always matching the style to the architecture.
- •Dramatic curb appeal that makes your home stand out from every other house on the block
- •Increased property value with one of the best returns on investment of any exterior upgrade
- •Low maintenance because stone doesn't need painting, staining, or regular repairs
- •Weather resistant performance in Spokane's harsh climate conditions
- •Fire resistant construction that adds safety to your home
- •Energy efficiency from the added insulation layer stone veneer provides
Our Professional Installation Process
Stone veneer installation requires precision and expertise. Done wrong, it can crack, fall off, or trap moisture behind your walls. Done right, it lasts for decades without any problems. Here's how we ensure perfect results every time.
Step 1: Design Consultation and Material Selection
We start by understanding your vision and helping you choose the right stone. We'll show you samples of different stone types, colors, and textures. We discuss patterns and layouts that complement your home's architecture. Natural stone offers unique character with every piece. Manufactured stone gives you more uniform sizing and color consistency. We'll explain the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best choice for your project.
Step 2: Surface Preparation
The wall surface must be properly prepared or the stone won't adhere correctly. We install a weather-resistant barrier and metal lath over your existing wall. This creates a stable base for the mortar and stone while allowing any moisture to escape. Proper preparation prevents water intrusion and ensures your stone veneer stays firmly attached for decades.
Step 3: Scratch Coat Application
We apply a thick mortar scratch coat over the metal lath. This layer bonds to the lath and provides a rough surface for the stone to grip. The scratch coat needs to cure properly before we can install stone, so we don't rush this critical step. Quality work takes time.
Step 4: Stone Installation
Now comes the artistic part. We carefully place each stone piece, working from the bottom up to ensure proper weight distribution. We vary the sizes and shapes to create a natural, random pattern. Each stone is pressed firmly into fresh mortar and carefully aligned. We pay close attention to spacing, ensuring consistent joints that look professional and allow for proper drainage.
Step 5: Grouting and Sealing
After the stones are set, we fill the joints with mortar grout. We can do tight joints for a stacked look or wider joints for a more rustic appearance. Once everything cures, we clean the stone and apply a breathable sealer that protects against moisture and staining while allowing the stone to breathe naturally.
Design Options and Applications
Stone veneer works beautifully in countless applications. You're not limited to just covering an entire wall. Here are some popular ways Spokane homeowners use stone veneer.
Exterior Facades and Accent Walls
A full stone facade makes a bold statement, but even a single accent wall can transform your home's appearance. We often install stone on the front of the house while leaving the sides with traditional siding. This gives you the high-end look without the cost of covering every wall. Stone columns flanking your front door create an elegant entrance. Stone around garage doors adds architectural interest to what's often a plain surface.
Foundation Wraps and Wainscoting
Wrapping your foundation with stone veneer hides ugly concrete and gives your home a solid, grounded appearance. This is especially effective on homes with tall foundations or on sloped lots where the foundation is very visible. Stone wainscoting covers the bottom three to four feet of your walls, creating a classic two-tone look that adds depth and visual interest.
Interior Feature Walls
Stone veneer isn't just for exteriors. Interior stone walls add warmth and texture to living rooms, entryways, and dining areas. Stone fireplace surrounds create stunning focal points. We've also installed stone veneer in wine cellars, home bars, and accent walls in master bedrooms. The possibilities are endless.
Whatever your vision, we can make it happen. We've worked on projects ranging from small accent walls to complete home transformations. And if you're planning other masonry projects, we can coordinate your stone veneer with outdoor fireplace installations or custom patio designs for a cohesive look across your entire property.
Frequently Asked Questions
When properly installed, stone veneer can last 50 years or more with virtually no maintenance. Unlike wood siding that rots or vinyl that cracks and fades, stone is incredibly durable. It handles Spokane's freeze-thaw cycles without cracking and never needs painting or refinishing.
The key is professional installation with proper moisture barriers and drainage. We build every stone veneer installation to last for generations, not just years. Your investment pays off with decades of beautiful, trouble-free performance.
Stone veneer can be installed over most existing exterior walls including wood sheathing, concrete, brick, stucco, and even old siding in some cases. The surface needs to be structurally sound and properly prepared with weather barriers and metal lath.
We'll inspect your walls during our consultation and let you know if any prep work is needed. Most homes are perfect candidates for stone veneer with minimal preparation. Even interior walls can support stone veneer with the right installation techniques.
Natural stone veneer is cut from real quarried stone, so every piece is unique. It costs more but offers authentic character and color variations. Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete cast in molds of real stone. It's lighter, more uniform, and typically costs 25 to 40 percent less than natural stone.
Both look fantastic when installed properly, and most people can't tell them apart from a few feet away. We'll show you samples of both so you can see the difference and decide which works best for your budget and aesthetic preferences. Either option will give you a beautiful, long-lasting stone exterior.