General FAQ

Natural thin stone veneer is real stone sawed to a thickness of approximately 1”.  The veneer weighs no more than fifteen pounds per square foot and can be applied to any structurally sound wall.

If properly installed, real stone veneer siding is maintenance-free and more fire-resistant than wood or vinyl siding.  Quarry Mill’s stones have a lifetime warranty.

According to Zillow, curb appeal is one of the top five most important factors in the sale of a home. Their remodeling report states “natural stone veneer not only gives a sophisticated look but also adds value”.  The remodeling study found that owners recoup 93% of their initial investment.

Stone panels from big-box stores can be easily installed by most homeowners but premium real stone veneer comes in loose pieces and should be installed by an experienced masonry contractor.

Power washing stone is typically not necessary. A standard garden hose generally has enough pressure to adequately clean natural stone.  Never use any type of acid to clean natural stone.

Quarry Mill has been voted the best natural stone veneer brand among homeowners,  contractors, architects, and designers.

Assuming proper installation with a mortar joint between the pieces, an exterior wall with natural stone veneer is waterproof.

The location of the quarry and the type of stone impacts the price of the natural stone veneer. Some stones are quarried deep in the ground or high on a mountain with limited access. Some stones have a higher density, such as granite,  which creates wear on the diamond blades. The cost of production (sawing the stone) also has an impact on the price.

Premium real stone veneer ranges from roughly $10-$30 depending on style and finish.  The average cost is approximately $15 per square foot.

The term stone veneer typically refers to artificial or fake stone made from concrete, formed in a mold, and painted to look like stone.  Real or natural stone veneer is real stone quarried and sawed to a thickness of approximately 1”. Artificial or fake stone is cheaper than real thin-cut quarried stone.

Natural stone veneer can be used outside in all climates.  It is not recommended to drystack stone in climates with a freeze/thaw.

Your mason can install stone directly over brick in most cases.  It can be helpful to adhere the stone to wire mesh covered with a mortar scratch coat on top of the brick.

Natural stone is incredibly durable without sealant and it is not required to seal natural stone veneer. Sealant makes it easier to clean your stone and adds a layer of protection.  High gloss sealant can also add a shine to the stone.

No, drywall is not an acceptable substrate for real thin stone veneer.

Of the common renovations and improvements analyzed in Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs. Value Report, adding real stone veneer was the No. 1 project in terms of value-added to the property.

Yes, natural stone veneer is cut from individual pieces of real quarried stone.

Yes, your mason will first cover the plywood with a water-resistant barrier followed by a metal lathe and lastly a scratch coat.  The natural stone veneer will then be installed on top of the scratch coat.