Stone Veneer Siding & Installation

Stone veneer gives you the look and feel of natural stone masonry at a fraction of the weight and cost of full-depth stone construction. It transforms plain siding into an elegant, upscale exterior that stands out in your neighborhood. Whether you want to cover your entire home, create an accent wall, or add stone to columns and entryways, stone veneer offers endless design possibilities that boost curb appeal and increase property value.

Modern manufactured stone veneer has come a long way from the fake-looking products of decades past. Today's stone veneer is nearly impossible to distinguish from natural stone. It comes in dozens of styles that mimic limestone, river rock, ledgestone, fieldstone, and other popular natural stones. The colors, textures, and shapes look authentic because they are molded from real stone. The best part is that stone veneer weighs much less than natural stone, so it can be installed over most existing siding without structural modifications.

At AMM Amarillo Masonry, we install both natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer on homes throughout Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. We understand local building codes, proper installation methods, and how to create weather-tight installations that protect your home while looking beautiful. Our team has installed stone veneer on hundreds of homes, and we know how to handle the unique challenges of Texas weather, from intense sun and heat to severe storms and temperature swings.

One of the best things about stone veneer is the variety of styles available. You can create almost any look, from rustic ranch to contemporary to traditional elegance. Here are some popular options we install for Amarillo homeowners.

Popular Stone Veneer Types

• Ledgestone veneer: Horizontal stacked stones create clean lines and a contemporary look. Ledgestone comes in earth tones and gray palettes and works well on full facades or as accent features.
• River rock veneer: Smooth, rounded stones in various sizes create a natural, organic appearance. River rock looks great on homes with rustic or craftsman architecture.
• Fieldstone veneer: Irregular shaped stones with rough textures mimic old stone walls found in the countryside. Fieldstone creates a timeless, traditional look.
• Limestone veneer: Cut limestone pieces with smooth faces and earth-tone colors offer refined elegance. Limestone veneer works beautifully on Mediterranean and traditional style homes.
• Stacked stone veneer: Flat stones stacked in tight patterns without visible mortar lines create a modern, architectural look. This style works well for accent walls and interior features.
• Thin natural stone: Real stone cut into thin pieces combines authentic appearance with lighter weight. Natural thin stone costs more than manufactured veneer but offers unique one-of-a-kind beauty.

During your design consultation, we show you samples of different stone types and discuss how they will look on your home. We consider your home's architecture, existing colors and materials, and your personal style. We also discuss coverage options, from full exterior coverage to partial installations that highlight specific areas like entrances, gables, or foundation walls.

If you are updating other parts of your home's exterior, we also offer brick repair services to restore existing masonry and create a cohesive look across your property.

Proper stone veneer installation requires skill, knowledge, and attention to detail. Cutting corners leads to water intrusion, veneer failure, and expensive repairs. We follow manufacturer specifications and industry best practices to ensure your stone veneer looks great and protects your home for decades.

Surface Preparation and Weather Barrier

We start by preparing the wall surface where veneer will be installed. This might mean removing old siding, repairing damaged sheathing, or preparing a clean surface on new construction. Then we install a weather-resistant barrier, typically a special membrane that prevents water intrusion while allowing moisture vapor to escape from inside the wall. This barrier is critical for protecting your home from water damage.

Next, we install metal lath over the weather barrier. This diamond-shaped metal mesh gives the mortar something to grip. We attach the lath securely with corrosion-resistant fasteners spaced according to specifications. Proper lath installation is essential because it supports the weight of the stone veneer.

Stone Selection and Installation

Before installing stone, we lay out pieces on the ground to plan color and size distribution. This ensures a balanced, natural appearance with good color variation. We mix stones from different boxes to avoid color clustering. Then we apply a scratch coat of mortar to the lath and let it cure. This provides a strong base for the stone veneer.

We install stone veneer from the bottom up, starting with a solid ledge or support. We back-butter each piece with mortar, press it firmly against the wall, and support it until the mortar sets. We maintain consistent joint spacing and make sure stones are level. For corners, we use special corner pieces or miter-cut stones for clean, professional-looking turns.

Grouting and Sealing

After the stone is installed and the mortar has set, we grout the joints if the style calls for visible mortar. We tool joints to shed water and create shadows that enhance the stone's appearance. Then we clean stone faces, removing any mortar smears or residue. Finally, we can apply a breathable sealer that protects stone from staining and water absorption while letting moisture vapor escape.

The result is a stunning stone facade that looks like solid masonry but installs faster and costs less than full-depth stone construction. Your home will stand out with character and elegance that lasts for generations.

We also handle other exterior masonry projects like chimney repairs to complete your home's transformation and protect your investment.