Many people love the look of stone and want to include it in their home designs, but it is expensive and not easy to do a DIY install. Faux stone, also known as stone veneer, is a material that is designed to replicate natural stone’s look and feel, which puts it in the budget for many people, and it is something that any DIYer can install on their own. When you look at stone on a building, there is a good chance that it is faux stone because there are many stone companies that are great at making it look like the real thing. If you want to add stone to your home but are unsure if it is worth it, here we will look at everything you need to know about faux stone.
What is faux stone?
While natural stone comes straight out of the ground, faux stone is manufactured in some way to look like it is natural stone. Since the look of natural stone in a home is beautiful and timeless, many people want to add it, but it is beyond the budget for most people, which is where stone veneer comes in. It is intended to be in the budget for most people and looks like the real thing.
What is faux stone made of?
What faux stone is made of depends upon the company you go with, but there are some common elements to the materials that stone is made of.
One of the common types of faux stone is made by mixing cement to get the look of stone, and then it is put into a mold to get the right shapes. Another way that some companies will make this stone is by using a high-density polyurethane, which is much lighter than concrete, so it can be installed in places where the weight of concrete might not work.
There is also natural stone veneer, which is made by taking thin cuts off of natural stone. It is still easier to install than an entire piece of stone, and it is usually still more affordable than natural stone.
The quality of the stone will vary depending on the company and the materials that the company uses. It is important to take the time to compare companies before you choose the faux stone you want to go with since some are less authentic and reliable than others.
Where can faux stone be installed?
Faux stone can be installed pretty much everywhere in your home or business, inside and out. Outside, it is popular as siding, a foundation cover, on support columns, and even on your grill. Inside, you can add it to your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and even as a fireplace surround. Since faux stone is lighter than its natural counterparts, it can actually be installed in more places throughout the house because it will not be adding a bunch of weight to something. Not everything is strong enough to handle the weight of natural stone, which is why this stone is a great substitute.
If you install it in your business, it is a great way to draw attention to your exterior signs or on the siding. Inside, you can use faux stone to draw attention to displays, create accent walls, and cover support pillars. It can make your business look more like a boutique, which can help it stand out among your customers. Putting stone in the customer restrooms is also a great idea since it can give them a more relaxed atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of Faux Stone
Now that we have a better understanding of what faux stone is and how it can be used let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of using this stone.
Faux Stone Pros
Let’s start by looking at some of the many benefits of using faux stone.
Weight and Size
No matter what type of material your faux stone is made of, it is going to be significantly lighter and thinner than natural stone. It is typically no more than 1¾ inches in thickness and does not weigh much. It will not stick out far if you are installing it on top of another surface, and most are easy for someone to lift on their own.
Durability
Natural stone is prone to chipping and cracking over time, but faux stone does not share this weakness. It can survive being outside in wind and rain and should not start breaking down over time like natural stone will. Many stone veneers are also fire-resistant and waterproof. You can even install stone in your shower to give it a natural spa-like atmosphere without worrying about it getting damaged from water.
Price
Faux stone is significantly more affordable than natural stone. The price will vary between companies, but it always has a lower price point, so more people can use it in their homes. Even if you are completing a full home remodel and are using stone for your siding, it is still significantly less expensive than natural stone, so it is more likely to be within your budget to make your home have a beautiful stone siding.
DIY Friendly
Another great thing about faux stone is that it is something that can easily be DIY installed. When you use natural stone, it is not something that you can usually install on your own. You usually need to have a professional mason install it, so it can take a long time to complete that project. The stone is quick and simple to install.
Lots of Design Options
There are a lot of different color and style options available for faux stone, so a homeowner can find the best look and feel for their home design. Some stone companies even offer custom color options, so you can get a specific color scheme if you have one in mind and cannot find the perfect match.
Low Maintenance
Faux stone is almost completely maintenance-free, while natural stone can require a lot more maintenance to keep it looking good. With this stone, you just need to wash it gently with water to keep dirt and dust from building up.
Improve Property Value
Whether you are completing a huge project or something small, using faux stone can increase your property value. If you plan to sell your house in the next few years, installing stone before putting the house on the market can improve your property value. Improving your property value is a good idea, even if you are not selling your home. You can get an excellent return on your investment by installing stone.
Long Lasting
Faux stone can last for years without taking damage from the outside elements. As long as you make sure the stone is properly installed and cared for, it will still look amazing in several years, regardless of external factors like weather.
Fire Resistant
Some, but not all, faux stone options are heat and fire-resistant. This means you can install it as a fireplace surround or on your grill without worrying about the stone melting or catching fire. If you plan to use this stone in this way, make sure you research the company first to ensure that it can handle the heat.
Insulation
Another great pro of faux stone is that it makes excellent insulation. You can reduce your heating and cooling costs by installing this stone inside or outside.
Faux Stone Cons
Even though faux stone has many pros to it, there are still some cons to it. Let’s take a look at stone’s cons now.
Structural Use
Natural stone can be used to build an entire structure, and it can be used to support weight. Faux stone is not designed to support the weight of a structure, so if part of installing stone is enforcing a structure, then this stone is not a good choice.
Not All Faux Stones Are Created Equally
Some stone companies do not offer a high-quality product. The industry used to be full of lower-quality products that could not stand up to the elements at all. This is why it is important to conduct research on stone companies before you buy. You do not want to waste money on a product that has poor quality.
Final Thoughts
Faux stone is an excellent product that can transform your home or business, inside and out. It allows you to bring the natural beauty of stone home without the price tag and lengthy construction times that usually come with it. You can DIY install it and make your home truly yours. Plus, it is low maintenance, eco-friendly, and lasts for years. If home improvement projects are one of your favorite things, stone is a great choice to improve your home while staying within your budget.
