Veneer Stone vs. Natural Stone: Which to Buy and Install?

Selecting the right stone for your home can be a daunting task. Two of the most popular options on the market are veneer stone and natural stone. But what exactly is the difference between the two, and how do you decide which is the better choice for your project? This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, costs, and applications of veneer stone versus natural stone to help you make an informed decision.

What is Veneer Stone?

Veneer stone, also known as manufactured stone or cultured stone, refers to a man-made product designed to replicate the look and feel of natural stone. It consists of a thin layer of concrete that has been colored, textured, and molded to mimic authentic stone. The concrete is usually attached to a fiberglass or plastic backing.

Here are some key facts about veneer stone:

Thinner than natural stone – Veneer stone is much thinner than real stone, usually between 1 to 4 inches thick. This makes it lighter and easier to install.
Made from concrete – Veneer stones are made by pouring concrete into molds. The concrete is dyed and textured to look like natural stone surfaces.
Lower cost – Because it is man-made, veneer stone is considerably less expensive than natural stone. The manufacturing process is faster and requires less raw material.
Wide variety of styles – Veneer stone comes in an endless array of colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and styles. Manufacturers can mimic almost any type of natural stone.
Less durable – While veneer stone is quite durable, it does not compare to the strength and longevity of real stone. The concrete can chip, crack, or fade over time.
Easier to install – Veneer stone panels install quickly with mortar, construction adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. Minimal masonry skill is required.

What is Natural Stone?

Natural stone refers to rock that has been quarried or mined from the earth and cut into various sizes and shapes. Common examples include granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, and sandstone. Natural stone can be found all over the world in many different varieties.

Here are some defining features of natural stone:

Mined from quarries – Natural stone is excavated from quarries and tunnels beneath the earth’s surface. It is harvested from mineral deposits and rock formations.
Each piece is unique – Since natural stone is not man-made, each piece has an entirely unique color, veining, and texture based on its place of origin. No two pieces are exactly alike.
Very dense and durable – Natural stone is extremely dense, making it very impervious to scratches, chips, cracks, and wear. It’s common for natural stone to last decades or even centuries.
Limited colors/styles – While some variety exists, the color and style options are more limited than with man-made veneer. The look is restricted to what naturally occurs.
More expensive – Due to scarcity, extraction and shipping costs, custom cutting, and processing, natural stone costs significantly more than veneer.
Professional installation required – Proper installation of natural stone requires skilled masons and special preparation and equipment. DIY is not advised.

Now that we’ve compared the basics, let’s examine the pros, cons, costs, and applications of veneer stone versus natural stone in greater detail. This will help you select the right material for your home improvement or building project.

Pros and Cons of Veneer Stone

Veneer stone offers some distinct advantages but also has some downsides to consider:

Pros

Wide range of options – With manufacturers able to mimic almost any type of stone, veneer provides endless options for colors, textures, and styles. It is easy to match existing stones or create a customized look.
Cost effective – Pound for pound, veneer stone costs a fraction of what natural stone does. This makes it accessible for many budgets. Installation costs are also lower.
Lightweight – Weighing in around 7-10 lbs per square foot, veneer stone panels are far lighter than natural stone. This reduces the need for additional structural support.
Quick installation – Veneer panels adhere quickly to surfaces with minimal expertise or preparation needed. This shortens project timelines.
Good DIY option – The light weight and simple installation of veneer stone makes it a good option for DIY enthusiasts wanting to install stone themselves.
Consistent thickness – Veneer stones come in uniform sizes and thicknesses, making installation straightforward. Natural stone requires custom cutting.

Cons

Not as durable – While durable, veneer stone is still susceptible to chips, cracks, fading, and other damage over time. It does not compare to natural stone’s longevity.
Man-made appearance – To the discerning eye, veneer stone lacks the depth, dimensionality, and uniqueness of real stone that only occurs naturally.
Limited interior uses – Veneer stone is not suitable for heavy use/traffic areas like countertops or floors due to scratching and staining risks. Natural stone is better for interiors.
Risk of damage – If the concrete cracks or separates from the backing, the entire veneer stone panel may need replacement. Natural stones only need sectional repairs.
Seams more visible – The seams between veneer panels are often more visible than the tightly-fitted joints achieved with natural stone installation.
Resale value – Veneer stone may negatively impact resale value compared to natural stone’s prestige. But this depends on overall home quality.

Pros and Cons of Natural Stone

Natural stone has many advantages but a few disadvantages as well:

Pros

Outstanding durability – Natural stone’s density makes it virtually indestructible. It can last generations with proper care. Veneer stone lifespan is shorter.
Beautifully unique – Each natural stone piece offers one-of-a-kind colors, veining, crystal structures that veneer cannot authentically replicate.
Prestige – Natural stone conveys luxury, timelessness, and old-world craftsmanship. Veneer stone does not offer this cachet.
Matches existing homes – It’s easy to find natural stone that matches existing installations and architectural styles, especially in older homes.
Wide range of interior uses – Unlike veneer, natural stone works beautifully indoors for walls, floors, countertops, vanities, and more high-traffic areas.
Easier to repair – Repairing natural stone involves replacing individual damaged pieces, rather than whole veneer panels.
Holds resale value – Natural stone is regarded as a premium building material that increases home value. Veneer stone does not boost value as much.

Cons

Much higher cost – Pound for pound, natural stone costs several times more than veneer stone due to limited supply and intensive production.
Challenging installation – Proper use and installation of natural stone requires skilled masons and special preparation for structural support and drainage.
Weight – Weighing in at 20-30 lbs per square foot, natural stone requires extra structural support. Veneer stone has minimal weight.
Limited styles – While beautiful, natural stone diversity is still dependent on what occurs naturally. Veneer offers endless manufactured options.
Longer installation – Between gathering materials, sizing, cutting, and expert installation, natural stone projects take much longer than quick veneer adhesion.
Not DIY-friendly – Except for pavers, natural stone applications are best left to seasoned professionals rather than DIYers due to weight, cutting, and installation nuances.
Sealing required – Natural stone is porous and prone to staining, so it must be regularly sealed. Veneer stone is less maintenance-intensive.

Cost Comparison

One of the biggest factors when weighing veneer stone versus natural stone is cost due to the wide price difference:

Veneer Stone

$15-25 per square foot installed
$3-8 per square foot for materials only

Natural Stone

$40-120 per square foot installed
$15-50 per square foot for materials only

As you can see, natural stone costs a minimum of 2-3 times more than veneer stone for both materials and installation. Exact pricing depends on the type and quality of stone selected.

Keep in mind that cost savings with veneer stone mostly apply to exterior applications. For interior uses, the pricing gap narrows since natural stone can be used in more areas.

When budgeting your project, be sure to obtain quotes tailored to your specific stone types, square footage, and installation location. This will give you the most accurate estimate.

When to Choose Veneer Stone

Veneer stone outperforms natural stone in certain applications. Here are some project types where veneer stone is the better choice:

Exterior Areas

For exterior areas like facades, walls, foundations, chimneys, and outdoor kitchens, veneer stone brings advantages:

Budget-friendly – Get an authentic stone look at a fraction of the cost of real stone for building exteriors and landscaping.
Lightweight – Veneer stone reduces structural load, making it great for exterior stone cladding, entranceways, and retaining walls.
Quick installation – Adhering veneer panels goes faster than installing heavy natural stones individually.
Low maintenance – Exterior veneer stone needs minimal long-term care compared to natural stone’s sealing requirements.
DIY capability – Novices can install veneer on their own without special skills or equipment due to its light weight.

Fireplaces

Veneer stonepanels create gorgeous, affordable fireplace surrounds:

Range of looks – Veneer offers myriad stacked stone or river rock styles perfect for fireplaces in any decor.
** Heat-resistant** – Veneer stone stands up well to fireplace heat better than some natural stones.
Affordability – Less expensive than using natural stone for a full fireplace surround.
Lightweight – Veneer stonefireplace facades won’t weigh down your mantel or require reinforcement.

Feature Walls

For dramatic indoor feature walls, veneer stone delivers:

Visual impact – Veneer stone feature wallsmake bold statements as room focal points.
Easy adhesion – Veneer adheres neatly to wallswith minimal mess or demolition. Removes easily if you redecorate.
Budget-friendly – Get the luxe look of a stone accent wall at a price that fits your budget.
Numerous looks – From modern to rustic, veneer offers endless feature wall stonestyles.

When to Choose Natural Stone

Natural stone outshines veneer in these specific applications:

Kitchen Countertops

For kitchen countertops seeing heavy use, only natural stone will do:

Stain-resistant – Dense natural stone resists stains from spills and is easy to sanitize.
Heat-resistant– Stands up to hot pots and pans without cracking or blemishing.
Durable – Natural stone’s hardness prevents scratches, cuts, and dents even after years of use.
Elegant – Natural stone countertops conveystaste, luxury, and timeless style.

Flooring

Natural stone flooring offers unmatched durability:

Withstands traffic – Natural stone has unbeatable density and hardness for resisting years of heavy foot traffic.
Won’t wear down – Even in entryways, hallways, and other high-traffic zones, natural stone won’t erode or show wear patterns.
**Timeless material **- Classic natural stone floors (like marble or travertine) convey heritage and fit any decor.

Bathroom Surfaces

For bathrooms, natural stone stands up to moisture:

Water-resistant – Natural stone won’t warp, swell, or deteriorate from splashes and humidity like man-made materials.
Easy to clean – Natural stone wipes clean without staining or allowing mildew to take hold.
Luxurious feel – Natural stone conveys elegance in master baths and spa-like spaces.

Patio & Outdoor Areas

For patios, pool areas, and other outdoor gathering spots, natural stone brings strength:

Stands up to weather – Hot sun, freezing temperatures, and rain won’t degrade natural stone’s integrity.
Slip-resistant – Natural stone pavers maintain traction, even when wet.
Earthy appeal – Natural stoneblends beautifully into garden landscapes and creates a luxe outdoor living space.

Installation Comparison

Installation is a key difference between veneer and natural stone. Let’s compare:

Veneer Stone Installation

Lightweight panels make veneer stone easy to lift and manage during installation.
Thin mortar or construction adhesive adheres panels to surfaces. Mechanical fasteners can also be used.
Minimal preparation needed – surfaces just need cleaning and base coat application.
Straightforward process – veneer stones adhere neatly without heavy equipment or special skills.
Short learning curve – DIYers can tackle veneer stone projects after reading instructions or watching tutorials.
Professional installation ranges from $5-10 per square foot.

Natural Stone Installation

Heavy stone requires special equipment and reinforcement to lift and install. This equipment can cost thousands.
Mortar beds or footings may be needed to properly support the weight.
Careful slope planning for drainage and water runoff is critical, especially outdoors.
Professional masonry skills are needed for precise cutting, drilling, and fitting.
Longer learning curve – Most natural stone projects require hiring of experienced pros.
Professional installation ranges from $15-30 per square foot.

Clearly, veneer stone is far easier to install than natural stone. With veneer, there is greater DIY potential, shorter timelines, and lower installation costs.

Maintenance Comparison

Upkeep is where natural stone and veneer stone differ as well. Let’s look at long-term care:

Veneer Stone Maintenance

Occasional cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is needed in most cases. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Re-sealing – Exterior veneer stone likely never needs sealing. Some interior veneers need occasional sealing.
Damage repair – Repair problems like cracks with patching compounds. Replace whole panels if damage is extreme.
Cold weather prep (for exteriors) – Remove debris, disconnect hoses, and take other steps to winterize veneer stone.

Natural Stone Maintenance

Sealing – Natural stone porosity makes sealing vital, especially outdoors. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.
More frequent cleaning – Disinfecting and deep-cleaning is needed to keep natural stone looking its best.
Specialized damage repair – Fixes like crack filling require colored epoxies to match the stone. DIY is difficult.
Hot/cold weather prep – Take steps to protect natural stone from expansion, contraction, freeze damage, and deicing salts.
Refinishing – Eventually, natural stone will need professional honing and polishing to restore its luster.

Natural stone clearly requires an ongoing time and money investment to keep it looking pristine. Veneer stone is much lower maintenance in comparison.

Sourcing Stone Materials

Where you source stone materials differs between veneer and natural:

Veneer Stone Sourcing

Manufacturers – Veneer stones are mass-produced by various brands offering different colors, styles, and patterns.
Building supply stores – Home improvement stores sell veneer stone alongside other building materials. Selection is more limited.
Online – Order veneer stone panels from ecommerce sites. Provides wider variety but no ability to see before buying.

Natural Stone Sourcing

Stone yards – These specialty businesses have on-site inventory to browse and can source from quarries.
Stone dealers – If no local stone yard, check with builders’ supply stores for natural stone dealers.
Direct from quarries – For specialty stones, you can order directly from quarries, but minimums orders may apply.
Online – Order samples first, since color and veining vary widely between pieces of natural stone.

Be sure to see stones in person from either veneer or natural stone sources before finalizing big purchases. This allows you to carefully vet quality and aesthetics.

How to Choose Among Options

Veneer stone or natural stone both offer gorgeous options. Here are tips for selecting among them:

Samples first – Order samples to view color, veining, finish quality. Photos online can be deceptive.
Style – Consider the architectural style of your home (modern, traditional etc.) and choose stone types that complement this.
Purpose – If using indoors, make sure the stone can withstand expected foot traffic, moisture exposure, and wear and tear.
Aesthetics – Choose colors that coordinate with your home’s color scheme. Avoid