Stone Veneer Siding & Installation

Stone veneer gives you the look of natural stone without the weight or cost of solid stone walls. These thin stone pieces attach to your home's existing exterior, creating a facade that looks completely authentic. Most people can't tell the difference between veneer and full-depth stone unless they get up close and examine it.

You can use stone veneer on your entire house or as an accent on specific areas like foundations, entryways, or chimneys. It works on wood frame construction, concrete block, or existing brick walls. The installation process is straightforward, and the results dramatically improve your home's appearance and value.

Stone veneer comes in two main types: natural stone veneer (real stone cut thin) and manufactured stone veneer (concrete cast to look like stone). Both work well. Natural stone costs more but offers unique color variations. Manufactured stone is more affordable and consistent in appearance. Our Berkeley masonry team helps you pick the right type for your home and budget.

Stone veneer offers advantages that other siding materials can't match. Here's why so many Berkeley homeowners choose it for their exterior updates.

Popular Stone Veneer Styles

Ledgestone offers horizontal stacked layers with deep shadows and texture. It works great for modern and rustic homes. Fieldstone creates an irregular, natural look that suits traditional architecture. River rock gives you smooth, rounded stones perfect for cottage-style homes. Ashlar veneer mimics cut stone blocks and fits well with formal or historic houses.

We show you samples from trusted brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone. These manufacturers offer color consistency and reliable quality. We can also source natural stone veneer from local quarries if you prefer the authentic material. Either way, you'll get a beautiful result that lasts for decades.

Stone veneer installation requires careful preparation and skilled workmanship. We follow proven methods that ensure your veneer stays secure and looks great for years.

Surface Preparation

First, we inspect your existing exterior. The wall needs to be structurally sound. If we find rot, water damage, or other issues, we fix those before installing veneer. We then attach metal lath (wire mesh) to create a surface the mortar can grip. This step is critical. Without proper lath installation, veneer can fail and fall off.

Moisture Barrier

We install a weather-resistant barrier behind the lath. This layer protects your home's structure from any moisture that gets behind the stone. It's especially important in Berkeley's climate where we get significant rain in winter. Proper moisture management prevents mold, rot, and structural damage. Many DIY veneer failures happen because this step gets skipped or done incorrectly.

Mortar and Stone Application

We apply a scratch coat of mortar over the lath and let it cure. Then we mix mortar to the right consistency and start setting stones. Each piece gets pressed firmly into place with mortar behind and between stones. We work from the bottom up, making sure everything is level and the pattern looks natural. This process can't be rushed. Proper curing time between steps ensures a strong bond.

Finishing Touches

After the stones are set, we tool the joints to the desired profile. Some homeowners like visible mortar joints, others prefer a dry-stacked look with minimal mortar showing. We clean the stone surface and apply a sealer if needed. The sealer protects against staining and makes the stone easier to clean. We also make sure all seams and transitions look clean and professional.

Most stone veneer projects take one to two weeks depending on the size of the area being covered. We work efficiently while maintaining high standards. If you're also updating other masonry elements, we can coordinate chimney work or other projects to save you time and hassle.