A Homeowner’s Guide To Faux Stone Veneer
Nothing gives the feeling of tradition and solidity in a home more than stone. Unfortunately, using stone as one of the materials in your home can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are options you can go with instead. The high cost of stones may cause homeowners to look for more economical alternatives that are still appealing, such as faux stone veneer.
So, this article will discuss with you everything you should know about faux stone veneers if you plan to have them in your home.
What Are Faux Stone Veneers?
Faux stone veneers are artificial stones designed to replicate the look of natural stone for a variety of architectural applications.
Top makers of faux stone siding and panels like Eldorado Stone can create one that looks very close to the real one that ordinary people won’t be able to tell the difference.
It is made of low-density foam topped with a durable impact-resistant plastic layer. Faux stones are often thinner and lighter than real and natural stones, making them easier to handle and install than natural stones.
Faux stone veneers are available in different colors, sizes, and shapes to complement an array of design schemes.
Price And Installation Of Faux Stone Veneers
Faux stone is far cheaper than natural stone. Plus, it’s easier to install. You can find DIY options available that don’t require the services of a skilled mason. And even if you don’t want to install the faux stone veneer yourself, professional installation is still cheaper since it weighs less and takes less time to install than natural stone.
Today, faux stone veneers cost an average of USD$5 – USD$10 per square foot. Meanwhile, the average installation cost for a 2,000 square feet home is about USD$10,000 – USD$20,000.
Size, Thickness, And Color Options
In general, faux stone veneer panels can be as large as 2ft x 4ft and even range up to 4ft x 8ft in some instances. Since it is made only of foam, it can only weigh a few pounds per panel. In terms of thickness, faux stone panels are always thin, sometimes manufactured as thin as 3/4 inch.
Faux stone veneers offer you a lot of options in terms of color. There are numerous pigments available. Not only that, but faux stone veneers can also match natural stone so closely that it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference.
Durability And Maintenance
Unfortunately, as an imitation of natural stone, faux stone veneers are not that durable.
Natural stone can last for generations without fading or signs of wearing. Faux stone veneers, on the other hand, are more prone to damage – particularly in areas where there’s a greater chance of impact.
Since the outer plastic shell of faux stone veneers is too thin, this material won’t stand up to severe abuse. Typical abuse such as a chair swung in the wrong direction can slice through the panel’s outer shell and make a hole into the foam corner. So, if you have boisterous kids or pets, this product may not work for you.
Therefore, install them in an area with minimal likelihood of any damage or issue. If placed well, faux stone veneers can last for long periods and avoid expensive repairs.
In addition, faux stone is highly weather resistant. It’s also easier to maintain but may be prone to damage if you’re using aggressive chemical cleaning. If your faux stone veneer cracks or loosen, it’s less problematic and expensive to fix.
Faux Stone Veneer Panel Fire Rating
Some faux stone veneers are fire-rated, which may surprise some people. After all, it is made of foam. That said, not all faux stone veneers are resistant to fire. So if you’re looking for panels that you can use on your fireplace or kitchen, look for fire-rated products.
For instance, some panels have an ASTM E84 Class-A rating. It means that it can withstand a controlled surface flame spread evenly across the area, as well as a smoke density test for five minutes and more. Some panels are rated up to 600 degrees which are far hotter than you can expect in a fireplace.
Interior And Exterior Use
Faux stone veneers are suitable for both exterior and interior applications.
They add texture to your exterior and your home’s overall character. Faux stone veneer can complement your home’s existing siding, decking, columns, chimneys, outdoor kitchen, and more.
In terms of interior, faux stone veneer looks great on accent walls, around arches and doorways, and as a rustic kitchen backsplash. A fireplace featuring faux stone veneers also makes a beautiful addition to your home.
Take Away
And there you have it!
If you like the look of natural stone but can’t take a look at its price tag, consider faux stone veneers. It’s as attractive as natural stones, allowing you to upgrade your home’s exterior and interior, providing a natural stone look that doesn’t hurt your budget.
