Natural Stone Wall Coverings - What Are the Top Alternatives?

Stone is a timeless material that, in any setting, whether inside or outside, boasts both elegance and robusticity. However, for some homeowners, the challenges and installation costs that come with natural stone make for significant hurdles. Luckily, stone veneer is an affordable alternative that mimics to perfection the look of natural stone. 

What are the advantages and drawbacks of natural stone compared to stone veneer? How best to use either type of material? How can you go about choosing the right wall covering based on your needs and budget? Learn all there is to know to refresh your interior decor.

Natural Stone vs. Stone Veneer

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Natural Stone: An Elegant Wall Covering

Natural stone is a material that’s valued for its timeless appeal and ability to transform just about any space into a sophisticated and elegant setting. It can be used to cover one or more walls, whether in a dining room, bedroom, or living room.

Given its wide variety of shapes, colours, and textures, natural stone provides a well-rounded solution for personalization: smooth and modern finishes to rustic and irregular designs. However, its installation mandates certain expertise due to its weight and complexity, often requiring professional intervention.

What Is Stone Veneer?

For those pursuing the look of nature without bearing its costs and installation challenges, stone veneer makes for an excellent alternative. Made with materials like concrete and polyurethane, it mirrors the aesthetic of natural stones perfectly.

This lightweight material, often hand-coloured for a realistic-looking finish, is suited to indoor and outdoor projects.

Comparing Natural Stone and Stone Veneer

Natural stone and stone veneer both present unique characteristics, making them appealing for different types of projects. The table below provides a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision:

Natural stone stands out on account of its authentic character and exceptional durability, making it the ideal choice for high-end or long-term projects. On the other hand, stone veneer makes for a cost-effective and more practical option, ideal for homeowners looking for an aesthetic solution on a budget.

Installing Stone on Interior and Exterior Walls

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Natural stone and stone veneer can transform ordinary-looking spaces into stunning settings, whether inside or outside. Here are some ideas for incorporating such materials into your home decor.

How to Transform Your Home Decor with Natural Stone

Natural stone combines aesthetics, durability, and versatility, whether used on indoor or outdoor surfaces. By opting for this timeless material, you can enhance your decoration while also adding value to your house.

Stone Fireplace and Accent Wall

A fireplace framed by a stone wall creates a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere. This upgrade transforms your living room or bedroom into a warm and inviting space while also highlighting the room’s centrepiece. Pair different textures or shades, from rustic to modern, to further personalize the result.

Natural Stone Kitchen Backsplash

A natural stone backsplash fuses aesthetics and practicality. It's both spatter- and heat-resistant, protecting your walls while adding a unique touch to your kitchen. Moreover, this timeless material blends just as well in a modern kitchen as one embracing a more traditional aesthetic.

Luxurious Stone Bathroom

Adding natural stone in a bathroom transforms the space into a literal sanctuary. Whether used for an accent wall, flooring, or shower, stone adds an organic and durable charm, making for a spa-like look that fosters relaxation.

Outdoor Elegance, Crafted with Natural Stone

Natural Stone Exterior Cladding

Give your house a timeless appeal, courtesy of natural stone cladding. Not only does it enhance your property’s curb appeal, but it also provides exceptional durability, protecting the structure from adverse weather. Stone cladding makes for an authentic long-term investment, one that’s synonymous with elegance and robusticity.

Landscaping Wall Cladding and Pillars

Add some flair to your landscaping with natural stone wall cladding. Structural features like retaining walls, pillars, or edging can delimit and structure your backyard while enhancing its aesthetic.

Stone Terrace or Porch

A natural stone terrace or porch makes for an outdoor space that blends with the surrounding landscape. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, such landscaping features are durable, low-maintenance, and add significant value to your property. You can also play around with the patterns, shapes, and sizes for a unique and personalized result.

Expert Tips for Choosing and Installing Stone

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Choosing and installing stone for your DIY endeavours requires meticulous planning and special attention to detail. Here are some pointers for project success.

Choose the Right Stone for Your Project

Consider the following factors before choosing your stones:

• Style: Would you rather have a smooth, modern finish or a rustic-looking one with irregular stones?

• Budget: Determine whether your project justifies investing in real stone or stone veneer is better suited.

• Durability: Opt for more resilient materials if installing stone in high foot traffic areas or those exposed to adverse weather.

How to Install Natural Stone

Installing natural stone requires technical expertise and often necessitates special surface preparation given its weight to ensure the structure can support the added load. Here are the key steps:

1. Prepare the surface by ensuring its sturdiness and evenness.

2. Apply mortar or surface-specific adhesive.

3. Lay stones, leaving an even gap between each.

4. Finish by filling in the joints and wiping the surface clean.

5. To guarantee optimal results, hire a professional.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Overlooking proper surface preparation.

• Underestimating the weight of the stones, especially for outdoor structures.

• Using the wrong adhesive, which can compromise durability.

How Much Does Natural Stone and Stone Veneer Panels Cost in Canada?

Product cost and durability are two crucial factors to consider when selecting a stone wall covering. Luckily, need- and budget-specific options aren’t lacking.

Despite its starting price point of $12 per square foot, the exceptional durability and aesthetic value of natural stone make it a wise investment for high-end projects.

Stone veneer is less expensive, with prices starting at $8 per square foot, and much easier to handle and install. However, the product’s durability and look can be slightly subpar to that of natural stone, making it an option to consider for small-budget projects.

Based on your budget, you can also consider products like stone siding panels or veneers. Such solutions mimic the look of stone while making for a faster and much cheaper installation.

Make the Right Choice for Your Stone Wall Covering Project

Whether you choose real stone or its decorative option, stone veneer, both have unique advantages in terms of aesthetics, durability, and cost. Natural stone charms homeowners with its authenticity and longevity, whereas stone veneer makes elegant projects on a budget a possibility. 

Consider your needs, style, and budget to select the perfect wall covering for your home. No matter what you choose, real stone will transform your space by adding unparalleled functional and aesthetic value. 

FAQ About Natural and Faux Stone Wall Panels

How do you install natural stone on a terrace?

To install natural stone on a terrace, start by checking that the base is level and sturdy enough. Use mortar or an exterior adhesive, laying the stones according to the desired pattern. Be sure to seal the joints against moisture and temperature variations to prolong your terrace’s durability.

What is the most durable natural stone?

Granite is considered one of the most resistant real stones due to its density and weather resistance. Slate is also very robust and wear-resistant, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

What material is GenStone made of?

GenStone is a brand of faux stone veneer panels made with closed-cell polyurethane. 

What are fake stone walls called?

Fake or faux stone walls are commonly referred to as stone veneer or decorative stone panelling.