How to Determine the Quality of Stone Veneers

Stone veneers give the outside of your home a natural, rugged look improving curb appeal. Veneers are less expensive than real stone and don't require additional structural reinforcement to sustain the weight of real stone. Many veneers are available on the market. Look for a durable veneer and someone who has the masonry skills to install it properly. Determining the quality of stone veneers requires close inspection with an experienced eye.

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the stone veneers closely. From a distance, most veneers give a stone look, but quality veneers are constructed to mimic the stone upon close inspection as well. Well-constructed veneers have grout lines and imperfections similar to the real thing.
- 2
  Touch the stone veneer. The texture should feel like natural stone. This requires the right mixture of cement and sand.
- 3
  Pick up a veneer sample. If the look and feel of the veneer meet your expectations, the next element is the weight. Don't sacrifice look and feel for lightness, but quality veneers that are between 7 to 10 pounds are preferred over heavier ones with the same look and feel. This reduces the stress on the structure during installation and over time.

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