The many uses of manufactured stone veneer

ll rTaNupacruRED sroNE veneer IYlpromises to be more popular than ever in the residential building materials market this year, as its ease of installation and extreme versatility make it a perfect solution for customers looking to keep pace with today's design trends.

Whether it's a production builder seeking innovative ways to add curb appeal to a community or homeowners wishing to update their residence through a creative remodel, consumers continue to favor manufactured stone veneer because of its varied uses. And the number of applications are still growing: the product's high adaptability means it is often a natural fit for even the most innovative developments in design.

Pioneered more than 50 years ago, manufactured stone veneer is cast from natural stone molds and then meticulously hand colored with mineral oxide pigments to give it the depth, pattern, complexity of color, and unique pattern of stone. Due to its lighter weight, it actually has many more design uses than natural stone.

Manufactured stone veneer can be adhered to most wall surfaces, since it is one-third the weight of full-thickness stone. To comply with building codes, stone veneers cannot exceed l5 pounds per square foot, which allows for greater design flexibility.

Durability is another prime characteristic of stone veneer, which is of crucial importance to developers, builders and architects who need predictable strength, consistency and quality in their stone veneer products, ensuring materials are safe to handle and remain secure over the lons term.

Concrete mix used to make stone veneer must withstand at least 1,800 psi without damage, which ensures its durability for years of service. In fact, stone veneer products usually come with a 50-year limited warranty.

Made with Portland cement and lightweight aggregates, manufactured stone veneer is low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of climates. Boral's Versetta Stone, for example, is rated for wind resistance of over 100 mph. This panelized stone veneer is easily installed in any climate, because its mechanical fastening system does not require heating the wall to a certain temperature during cold weather.

Residential projects of all types can benefit from the installation advantages of panelized stone veneer, as evidenced by the recent completion of a $27.9-million affordable assisted living community in Lansing, Il. The community, known as St. Anthony of Lansing. houses 125 apartment units in a three-story building on a four-acre parcel. General contractor LedCor selected panelized stone veneer for its ease of installation in cold weather. The portion of the building that involved 27 900 ft. of product applied via traditional stone masonrv methods took three months to complete and required a full wall tent and heat. In comparison, installer Residential Exteriors applied 21 ,OO0 ft. of panelized stone veneer (along with an additional 54900 ft. of fiber cement shake siding and trim) to the building in just three weeks. without the need for a wall tent and heat. Even with the cold weather, there were no delays.

Morc cost effective than natural stone and available in more than 100 colors and textures. stone veneer is increasingly popular for both exterior and interior applications. Stone veneer can be utilized in almost any manner, --1 even as cornices, copings, wall brackets, and door surrounds. No matter where it's used. stone veneer makes good construction and design senseand even a small amount makes a large statement. Following are some of the varied applications that dealers can now target to sell stone veneer:

Fireplaces: With the wide variety of stone veneer styles available, it is easy to achieve virtually any look for fireplaces. Stone veneer fireplaces can feature anything from a traditional, rubble texture to a modern, sleek feel. They can be ornate, reminiscent of Victorian styles, given a Tuscan or

Mediterranean appearance, or simply a stone wall and floor on which a wood burner sits.

Kitchens/Bathrooms: Stone veneer islands and backsplashes can add texture and variation to kitchens, while decorative stone veneer accents can lend a rustic or natural vibe to bathrooms. A little wall cladding in stone veneer goes a long way.

Arches/Doors/Windows: An ordinary arch, door or window can be transformed into a stunning architectural feature just by adding some stone veneer accents. Using stone veneer to offset brick window accents is a growing trend, as is combining different stone veneers to glve a very customized look. Kcystone windows and arches are also trendy as are window and door surrounds made from carved or inset stone.

Exterior Facades: Whether used as an accent or a full wrap, stone veneer can add curb appeal to any home. Using different materials and colors can provide a three-dimensional quality, creating more interest and depth to a building. Layering also helps articulate human scale while complementing the architecture and surroundings. More earth-toned colors are being favored by architects, who are incorporaling stone veneer into exterior facades as a way to complement the natural scenery around many homes. In some cases, styles that emulate the natural stone found in nearby surroundings are used, giving the illu- sion that a piece of the landscape has been incorporated right into the home.

Outdoors: A major trend today is the use of stone veneer for outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, barbecue islands, and cabanas. Stone veneer walls can be used to add character and form to gardens and outdoor yards. Their beautiful aesthetics and extreme durability also make them a perfect option for lining driveways and property borders. A Tuscan vernacular is also popular, in which elements are completely claddedas if the materials were "pulled off the land" and the outbuildings (such as a pool house or shed) have the same look.

Columns: With columns a preferred solution for housing heat structures in backyards, stone veneer makes for an ideal wrap because of its light weight. Stone veneer columns in a square shape are a favorite at the moment for backyards, while traditional , Tuscan-style columns are a classic choice for adding old-world charm to entranceways.

No matter what your customers' design needs and interests, stone veneer is likely to be an ideal fit, given its beautiful aesthetics, adaptability, durability and relatively low cost.

- Ed Perez is the area sales manager for Boral Stone Northern CaLfornia and Northern Nevada. Based in Roswell, Ga., Boral USA subsidiaries include Boral Bricks, Boral Roo.fing, Boral Stone, and BoraL Material Technologies. Reach him at ed.perez@ boral.com.

By Cordon Birgbauer, AlIS/MFP