When it comes to choosing natural stone for your next project, one of the most common questions we hear is whether to use Thinstone Veneer or Full-Bed Veneer. Both options offer the timeless beauty and durability of natural stone, but each has unique advantages depending on the application, project goals, and installation requirements. Choosing the right material starts with understanding the differences—and seeing how each one performs in real-world projects.
What is Thinstone Veneer?
Thinstone Veneer
is natural stone sawn to approximately 1” thick, making it lightweight and versatile. Despite the thinner profile, it delivers the same authentic look as full-bed stone because it’s cut directly from the same quarried material.
Advantages of Thinstone Veneer:
Lightweight: Easier to transport and install, especially in projects where weight is a concern.
Flexible Installation: Ideal for interior fireplaces, feature walls, backsplashes, or exterior siding over existing structures.
Space-Saving: Perfect for designs where a full-bed profile would be too bulky.
Thinstone Veneer can bring warmth and character indoors, without requiring additional structural support. Outside, homeowners transform entire home exteriors with Thinstone Veneer, achieving the look of full-bed masonry at a fraction of the weight. You can learn more about how one of our Featured Contractors explains how working with Thinstone Veneer helps keep masons in the business longer, along with other benefits. Read more here!
What is Full Bed Veneer?
Full-Bed Veneer, also called “building stone,” is typically 3–5” thick and installed as a load-bearing material. This traditional option creates substantial, dimensional walls that have been a hallmark of masonry for centuries.
Advantages of Full-Bed Veneer:
Structural Integrity: Designed for freestanding walls, foundations, chimneys, and other load-bearing applications.
Classic Aesthetic: Provides the depth and shadow lines associated with traditional masonry.
Long-Term Durability: Built to last for generations, making it a favorite for legacy projects.
Full-Bed Veneer showcases the strength and permanence of Full-Bed applications. The thickness adds dimension, while the craftsmanship highlights the natural variation of the stone. For more context, and a project by one of our Featured Contractors using Full-Bed Veneer, click here!
How to Make the Decision
Ultimately, the choice depends on your project goals:
Use Thinstone Veneer if…
You’re adding stone to an existing structure, prioritizing ease of installation, or working on an interior feature wall, fireplace, or siding project.
Choose Full-Bed Stone if…
You’re building structural walls, chimneys, or want the traditional depth and profile that only full-bed masonry provides.
Colonial Wall Ledgestone Full-Bed Veneer Palletized in the Yard at Delgado Stone
Whether you choose Thinstone or Full-Bed, both options offer the unmatched beauty and authenticity of natural stone. Many homeowners even use both in a single project—for example, Full-Bed for outdoor walls and fireplaces, paired with Thinstone for an interior accent wall or kitchen backsplash—to achieve a cohesive look throughout their property.
To explore the possibilities and find the best fit for your project, download our catalog! All of our natural stone collections are available in Thinstone Veneer and Full-Bed Veneer options. You can also reach out to our team to talk about your next design by calling (203) 775-2705.