Stone Veneer Siding & Installation

Stone veneer gives you the stunning look of natural stone without the massive weight and expense of full-thickness stone walls. Modern stone veneer products are so realistic that most people cannot tell the difference from solid stone unless they touch it. At CDM Concord Masonry, we install both natural stone veneer (thin-cut real stone) and manufactured stone veneer (high-quality concrete products) depending on your preferences and budget.

The beauty of stone veneer is that it gives your home instant character and curb appeal. A plain stucco house becomes a stunning showcase when you add stone accents around the entry, on columns, or as a full facade treatment. Stone veneer works equally well on new construction and renovation projects. We can apply it directly over existing siding in many cases, which saves time and money compared to complete siding replacement.

Homeowners love stone veneer because it requires almost no maintenance. There is no painting, no staining, no rot or insect damage to worry about. Stone veneer stands up to our California weather beautifully. It will not fade in the sun, and it handles temperature swings without cracking or deteriorating. Plus, stone is naturally fire-resistant, which gives you extra protection in areas where wildfire is a concern.

The return on investment is excellent too. Real estate experts consistently rank stone veneer among the top exterior upgrades for resale value. Buyers see stone and immediately think quality and luxury. Even a partial stone treatment on your home can boost its market value significantly while you enjoy the improved appearance every day you live there.

You have two main choices when it comes to stone veneer: natural stone and manufactured stone. Both offer beautiful results, and we will help you decide which works best for your project.

Natural Stone Veneer

Natural stone veneer is real stone that has been cut into thin pieces, typically 1 to 2 inches thick. Common options include limestone, sandstone, quartzite, and slate. Each piece is unique with its own color variations and texture. If you love the authenticity of real stone and want materials that are literally millions of years old, natural stone veneer is your choice.

The colors and textures of natural stone are impossible to fully replicate. You get depth and variation that only nature can create. Natural stone also tends to age beautifully, developing a weathered patina over decades that adds character. The trade-off is that natural stone costs more than manufactured options and weighs more, which can affect installation requirements.

Manufactured Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone veneer is made from concrete that is molded and colored to look like natural stone. The quality of modern manufactured stone is remarkable. Premium brands like Cultured Stone and Eldorado Stone create products that even masonry professionals have to look closely to distinguish from natural stone.

Here are the advantages of manufactured stone veneer:

• Costs 25-50% less than natural stone while delivering similar visual impact
• Weighs less, which simplifies installation and reduces structural requirements
• Offers consistent sizing that speeds up installation time
• Provides color consistency if matching existing stonework in the future
• Includes corner pieces and trim that natural stone lacks

We work with the best manufacturers in the industry and can show you dozens of styles. Whether you want the look of weathered fieldstone, stacked ledgestone, river rock, or smooth ashlar, there is a manufactured option that delivers.

Installing stone veneer correctly requires expertise and attention to detail. Poor installation leads to problems like water intrusion, loose stones, and premature failure. We follow manufacturer specifications and building codes exactly to ensure your stone veneer looks perfect and performs flawlessly for decades.

The process starts with proper surface preparation. The wall must be structurally sound and have a weather-resistant barrier in place. We apply metal lath that gives the mortar something to grab onto. This creates a mechanical bond that holds the stone securely even through earthquakes and settling.

Each piece of stone gets individually set in mortar. We carefully plan the layout to create a natural, random appearance while maintaining proper spacing and support. This is where experience matters. An amateur installation looks obviously fake with repetitive patterns and poor color distribution. Our installers have the eye and skill to create installations that look completely authentic.

Water management is critical. We install flashing at all the right points to direct water away from vulnerable areas. Weep holes allow any moisture that gets behind the veneer to drain out. Proper caulking and sealant application at windows, doors, and other penetrations keeps water from sneaking in where it does not belong.

The final step is grouting the joints between stones if you choose a style that requires it. Some stone veneer looks best with tight joints showing minimal mortar. Other styles look better with wider joints that you can see clearly. We match the joint style to the look you want and make sure everything is sealed properly.

If you are also updating other exterior features, we can coordinate your stone veneer work with chimney repairs or new brick and stone steps for a completely unified look.