The fireplace, a gathering place for warmth and conversation, serves as the heart of many homes. And when it comes to enhancing the ambiance of this focal point, thin veneer stone emerges as a versatile and stylish solution. Home owners have the option of choosing a natural or manufactured thin veneer with various style options. Let’s explore the different considerations.
Considerations for choosing natural stone vs. manufactured veneer:
1. Style, Color & Texture
The style of your home and the overall aesthetics of your living space play a crucial role in selecting the appropriate veneer. Natural stone and manufactured stone differ in color range, shape, and texture. With natural stone, you tend to achieve brighter colors, greater variance in terms of contours and appearance. Manufactured stone veneers continue to make great strides in mimicking natural stone and will tend to give you a consistent look throughout.
2. Durability
Both natural and manufactured veneer stone should be durable enough to withstand the heat and occasional moisture associated with fireplaces. Natural stone is inherently more durable whereas manufactured stone—while it can last anywhere from 20-75 years—does have less resiliency compared to natural stone. Regular sealing and maintenance may extend the lifespan of your veneer stone.
3. Budget and Installation
Veneer stone prices vary depending on the type of stone, its thickness, and the complexity of the installation. Natural stone veneers tend to be more expensive than manufactured options. If you’re on a tight budget, consider manufactured veneer stones that mimic the appearance of natural stone. Another popular alternative between the price points of natural stone and manufactured stone is natural stone veneer panels. These are pre-assembled pieces of natural stone stacked together to give you an easy installation and a beautiful modern look. Installation costs also vary based on the size of the fireplace and the expertise of the installer.
4. Professional Assistance
For a seamless and flawless installation, PBM highly recommends working with a professional stone mason or fireplace installer. They can guide you through the selection process, ensure proper installation techniques, and provide valuable insights.
With a multitude of options available, choosing the ideal veneer stone for your fireplace requires careful consideration of style, color, durability, budget, and installation. By following these guidelines and visiting your local Masonry Showroom, you can transform your fireplace into a stunning centerpiece that enhances the character and warmth of your home. For more fireplace ideas check out our Fireplace Inspiration Gallery.
