The Difference Between Thin Stone Veneer And Full Stone Veneer

Thin Stone Veneer Fireplace - Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Victoria, B.C.

Victoria, B.C. is a Stone Mason's paradise. The majority of Residential and Commercial Buildings are cladded with either Thin Stone Veneer or, more enticingly, for Masonry Contractors such as myself, Full Stone Veneer. Vancouver Island is also home to a variety of stone quarries which provide an abundance of both, at a relatively affordable cost. If you're considering natural stone for your next project but are weary about the overall costs of materials and installation, I would highly recommend reading this article and thoroughly consider your Home's value, maintenance, and the longevity associated with natural stone products.

An Overview of Full Stone Veneer:

Full Stone Veneer, Dry Stack - Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Victoria, B.C.

- Full Stone Veneer requires an age-old method of installation which requires less materials when it comes to preparing the exterior of a home for the stone application, equating to financial savings. However, Full Stone does require a Footer or thick-gauge steel lintels, prior to install, to bear the weight of the stone wall.

- Full Stone Veneer is typically cut to a depth of 3"-6", but most products are cut to a 4" depth.

- The price of Full Stone Veneer is cheaper than that of Thin Stone and is sold by the ton, rather than by the square foot. Although, due to its weight, and depending on the amount of stone required, the cost of freight may meet or excel the initial cost and delivery of Thin Stone. Granite, for example, is of a much greater density than a product such as Sandstone, so there are a few factors involved in the final costs when it comes to freight.

- Labour costs for the installation of Full Stone can double or even triple when compared to the cost of installing Thin Stone, but, once again, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration, such as the following:

1) The height of the wall: The addition of scaffolding introduces additional labour costs due to the time it takes to transport the necessary materials up it.

2) The denser the stone, the greater the labour because of the time it takes to handle i

3) If any custom shaping of the Full Stone is required, such as hand-chiseling or saw-cutting, not to mention, sorting through the crates of stone to locate optimal stones for certain locations along the wall.

The Benefits of Full Stone Veneer:

Full Stone Veneer - Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Victoria, B.C.

You will not find a more durable product than Full Stone Veneer. When applied properly with a gap between it and the exterior wall, it will unquestionably protect and insulate your home for the duration of its life-span. Its ability to withstand the elements and yearly freeze/thaw cycles is unmatched. When properly maintained, you can rest assured that moisture will not penetrate the mortar joints or stone itself, making it a low maintenance solution.

Besides the protective aspects of Full Stone Veneer, the sheer size and unique qualities of it, make for a powerful and beautiful look.

An Overview of Thin Stone Veneer:

Thin Stone Veneer, River Rock - Lennox Masonry, Stone Mason, Victoria, B.C.

- Thin Stone Veneer requires preparatory materials such as furring strips, bug-screen, construction paper, lath, and a scratch coat of mortar, to insure the protection of the home, which increases its initial costs in comparison to Full Stone Veneer. However, it does not require a Footer or any structural support due to its lightweight.

- Thin Stone Veneer is cut to a depth of 1"-1 3/4".

- The price of Thin Stone Veneer is typically more expensive than Full Stone because of the manufacturing costs and is sold by the square foot. You can also expect the freight costs to be lower than that of Full Stone Veneer.

- Labour costs for the installation of Thin Stone Veneer can differ depending on the scope of the project, but they will probably remain less costly than Full Stone Veneer.

The Benefits of Thin Stone Veneer:

- Lennox Masonry, Stone Mason, Stonework, Victoria, B.C.

Because of how light and compact it is, it makes for an ideal product within a home's interior space. It can be easily customized (shaped) and there are no restrictions in regards to its application method, as each stone is not dependant upon the other for support while curing.

Thin Stone Veneer also embodies the same natural beauty and raw strength as Full Stone Veneer does, although it does seem to contain a greater degree of colour and variety thereof.

So Which Type of Stone Best Suits Your Specific Needs?

Well, its difficult to say but with the help of an experienced and knowledgable Stonemason to go over your options with, I'm sure the right choice will become apparent.

With years of experience in this field, Lennox Masonry is well equipped to assess and address your Masonry needs.

Give Us A Call At: 778-968-6574

As always, if you have any questions, please, comment below or write to us at sean@lennoxmasonry.com

To check out some of our other Blog Posts and obtain information for a wide-variety of additional Masonry applications, please click here.

Sean Lennox,

Lennox Masonry, Masonry Contractor, Stone Mason, Victoria, B.C.