Manufactured stone has dominated the exterior siding market in New Jersey for many years. The low price point and easy installation made it an ideal choice for residential and commercial projects. As natural stone panels have become more popular they are now being used for exterior applications to compete with faux stone.
Our Lexington Thinstak Veneer™ Used On the Exterior of this NJ Home
When we introduced our Thinstak Veneer™ one of our focal points was exterior application. We have the ASTM testing data and as long as it is applied properly the stone panels are designed to hold up in most climate conditions.
The debate between real stone and manufactured stone is not a new one. Large residential projects such as condo and apartment complexes have often relied on manufactured stone to keep their initial costs down. The same has been true for hotels and restaurant chains. The consistency of manufactured stone and limited availability of natural stone panels also played a role. But that's changing.
Snapped Edge Corners & Flat Panels
Technology has helped improve the quality, design, and availability of natural stone panels. The snapped edge corners (pictured above) allow for easy installation and a natural look throughout the project. What was once only thought of for interior design has now become a reliable product for exterior applications.
The quality of the stone is important but so is the installation. Earlier this year we created a guide for installing stone veneer panels and it's been helpful for many customers. As it is with any natural stone product, the installation will help ensure the longevity of the project.