Where to Install Stone Veneer – And Where to Avoid

Have you fallen in love with the warm, natural look of stone veneer? Installation instructions got you confused about where and how to install stone veneer on interior and exterior surfaces? Need help deciding on the best place to feature this eye-catching decorative material?

The pros at Casa di Sassi have got your back! We’re here to help you figure out all the details so you can buy stone veneer without regret — and get the most aesthetic value from your manufactured stone veneer installation. Details like placement, waterproofing and building codes make a huge difference in your family’s short- and long-term enjoyment of stone accents.

Read on for our tips on where and how to install stone veneer inside or outside your home so that you’ll absolutely love it.

We get it – you’re an experienced DIYer and you want to tackle this stone veneer install on your own. You’ve likely done a lot of improvements around your property already, so why not take on this project?

The fact is that there are a lot of seemingly small stone veneer installation details that have a big impact on its durability, reliability and overall look. That’s why we like to remind ambitious homeowners of the many benefits of hiring professional stone veneer installers.

Along with the nuanced process of choosing the right location to show off your manufactured stone veneer, installation instructions include paying close attention to:

INSTALLATION SURFACES

It’s critically important to note that manufactured stone veneer is NOT a structural material. That means it cannot bear weight the way wood-framed or cement-block structures can — so it must be installed over an existing supportive structure. Can stone veneer be installed over drywall or poured concrete walls? Yes! But it can never be used as a main support for ceilings, walls or other structures.

MOISTURE

If you’re not sure what kind of effect moisture can have on stones, just look at the Grand Canyon. That vast and deep gorge was carved out of rock by the relentless power of water. It may seem like the most extreme example, but it should impress upon you the importance of careful waterproofing in any stone veneer application that comes into contact with water. Flashing and weather-resistant barriers are an essential component of how to install stone veneer on exterior walls — but they’re also crucial for some interior projects like a kitchen backsplash or bathtub surround.

BUILDING CODES AND REQUIREMENTS

Do you know the maximum retaining wall heights allowed by the local residential building department in your city? What about the hearth and chimney size requirements for interior fireplaces? Whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor stone veneer installation, details covered by the National Concrete Masonry Association’s guide include checking with local authorities to make sure it complies with all building codes and requirements. These regulations ensure safety on the project site and for the wider community.

BEST PLACES TO INSTALL STONE VENEER

Whether you’re looking to increase curb appeal with exterior stone veneer details or enhance the ROI of an interior reno project with stone accents, Casa di Sassi is a smart choice. Here are some of our recommendations for where to install stone veneer to best advantage both inside and outside your living spaces.

INTERIOR

Some of the hottest home design trends for 2023 include the warmth, texture, and beauty of stone veneer. Level up your home’s interior design with these cool ideas:

Add Drama with a Dark Backsplash

Luxurious quartz or granite countertops deserve an equally sumptuous backsplash. Install stone veneer profiles like Ledgestone in a deep hue such as Carbone for maximum dramatic impact that looks both modern and mysterious.

Take Texture to the Next Level

Today’s interior design trends are all about texture. Whether that means wallpaper with a raised feature, pillows in an array of textiles or a foyer accent wall in our Blends profile, you’ll enjoy the variations for both visual and tactile interest.

Warm Up That Neutral Look

The past few years saw a clear shift toward pale neutral colors and monochromatic design schemes. The latest looks include desert-inspired warmth, like all three color choices of our Fieldstone profile. Warm up your den or living room by installing this stone veneer around the existing fireplace — or add an electric fireplace clad in stone to the master suite for cozy romance.

EXTERIOR

Your home’s exterior may seem set in stone — but changing it to match your style can be as simple as discovering how to install stone veneer on exterior wall surfaces. Make a beautiful statement on your property with these outdoor stone veneer ideas:

Welcome a Modern Entryway

The most popular color choice for home exteriors has been white for a long time. Take yours from boring to beautiful with our fave idea for how to install stone veneer on an exterior wall: Choose our Volterra profile in crisp Niveo finish and stop halfway up. Finish the upper façade with vertical white siding, and you’ve got a timeless yet trendy look.

Take Indoor Style to the Great Outdoors

Adding an outdoor living space to your property is a sure bet for upping both its resale value and your everyday enjoyment. Integrate an outdoor kitchen, firepit or whirlpool into the look of your home’s exterior with manufactured stone veneer. Install it on virtually any vertical surface protected by a roof, such as the walls in your covered deck or patio.

Add Luxury to Your Landscaping

Retaining walls made of sturdy cement blocks may keep your soil from eroding, but they don’t look luxurious. Most professionals know how to install stone veneer directly onto a structural garden wall, though, so it’s a great choice for integrating the landscaping into your home’s overall aesthetic. Our more rustic profiles, like Barnstone and Country Rubble, feature variations in size, color and texture that complement natural elements while tying into the look of your house with subtle sophistication.

CASA DI SASSI INSTALLATION DETAILS

Now that you know more about where and how to install stone veneer safely, you’re ready to dive into your reno project! Enjoy the many benefits of purchasing top-quality stone veneer from Casa di Sassi, including a warranty that extends to future owners of your home.