So you're thinking about adding some stone to your home—smart move! Whether you're dreaming of a gorgeous exterior makeover, a stunning fireplace, or an outdoor kitchen that'll make the neighbors jealous, you've probably bumped into two main options: stone veneer and natural stone. And honestly? The choice can feel a little overwhelming at first.
Let me walk you through the differences like I would if we were chatting over the fence. This is a common decision homeowners here in Newnan and around the Atlanta area work through, and I promise it's not as complicated as it seems once you know what to look for.
Think of stone veneer as stone's lighter, more budget-friendly cousin. It's designed to give you that beautiful stone look without the weight and cost of solid stone. There are two main types:
Manufactured Stone Veneer is made from concrete, aggregates, and iron oxide pigments. It's molded and colored to look like natural stone—and I've got to tell you, today's manufactured stone looks really good. We're not talking about the fake-looking stuff from decades ago.
Natural Thin Stone Veneer is actual stone that's been cut into thin slices (usually around 1 to 1.5 inches thick). You get the real deal, just in a lighter, easier-to-install format.
When we talk about natural stone, we're talking about full-thickness stone—the real McCoy. We're talking limestone, granite, sandstone, fieldstone, and other gorgeous stones that have been around for millions of years. Each piece is unique, with its own character, color variations, and texture.
This is what you'd typically use for patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor living spaces where you need that weight and substance.
Let's Talk Money (Because That Matters!)
I'm just going to be straight with you—natural stone typically costs more than stone veneer. The difference can be significant, depending on the type and complexity of your project.
Why the difference? Natural stone is heavier, requires more structural support, takes longer to install, and the material itself costs more. But that doesn't mean it's not worth it for certain applications—we'll get to that in a minute.
Here's something a lot of folks don't realize upfront: these two options have different installation requirements.
Stone veneer is lighter, which means:
• Can be installed on existing walls (both exterior and interior)
• Faster installation (usually)
• Great for adding stone to second-story areas where weight is a concern
• Perfect for interior accent walls and fireplaces
Natural stone is heavier and more substantial:
• May require additional foundation support for exterior walls
• Better suited for ground-level applications
• Takes more time to install properly
• Needs proper drainage considerations
• Ideal for patios, walkways, and hardscaping
Go with Stone Veneer if you want to:
• Update your home's exterior siding
• Add a stone fireplace or accent wall inside
• Create an outdoor kitchen or entertainment area
• Add architectural interest to columns or archways
• Work within a tighter budget
• Install stone on upper levels of your home
• A patio or outdoor living space
• Walkways and pathways
• Retaining walls
• Pool decks and coping
• Garden walls
• Anything that needs to handle foot traffic or support weight
Let's settle this one: both options are durable when installed correctly (and that "when installed correctly" part is huge—more on that in a sec).
Stone veneer can last for many decades depending on the quality and installation. Natural thin veneer is, well, actual stone, so it's incredibly durable.
Natural stone is about as permanent as it gets. We're talking generational durability when properly maintained. It's literally been around for millions of years before we even got to it!
Maintenance: Keeping Things Looking Good
Here's some good news: neither option requires a ton of maintenance.
• Occasional cleaning with water and a mild detergent
• Resealing every 3-5 years (depending on the stone type and exposure)
• Checking mortar joints periodically and repointing if needed
Natural stone in high-traffic areas (like patios) might need a bit more attention to keep joints intact and prevent weed growth between stones.
This one's personal, but here's the thing:
Stone veneer gives you more consistency. If you like a uniform look, this might be your pick. The color and texture are more predictable, which some folks really appreciate when they're planning a design.
Natural stone is all about that one-of-a-kind character. Every piece is different—the color variations, the texture, those little imperfections that make it genuine. If you're going for that authentic, rustic, or high-end look, natural stone delivers in a way veneer can't quite match.
Good question! Both options can boost your home's curb appeal and value. Real estate agents will tell you that homes with stone features tend to sell faster and for more money.
That said, natural stone can have a slight edge in luxury markets because buyers know it's the real deal. But honestly? A beautiful stone veneer installation can be just as impressive and valuable—especially when most people can't tell the difference from the curb.
Living here in Georgia, we've got to think about our climate:
Both options handle our hot summers just fine. For our occasional freezing temps and moisture, proper installation with the right moisture barriers and drainage is key—whether you're using veneer or natural stone.
Stone veneer actually has a slight advantage in freeze-thaw cycles because it's engineered to handle expansion and contraction. But natural stone that's chosen correctly for our climate (avoiding super-porous types) does great too.
Here's something I need to emphasize: the difference between a good stone installation and a great one often has less to do with the material you choose and more to do with who installs it.
Quality installation makes all the difference. Beautiful manufactured stone veneer can look better than poorly installed natural stone, while expertly installed natural stone creates absolute works of art.
• Proper surface preparation
• Correct moisture barriers and flashing
• Quality mortar and installation techniques
• Attention to detail in cutting and fitting
• Understanding of local building codes
Don't skimp on the installer. Trust me on this one.
Making Your Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself
Still not sure which way to go? Ask yourself:
1. What's my application? (Exterior walls vs. patio vs. fireplace)
2. What's my budget? (Both material and installation)
3. How important is authenticity to me? (Do you want the real thing or is the look what matters most?)
4. What's my timeline? (Veneer is typically faster to install)
5. Are there structural considerations? (Weight limits, foundation issues)
6. What's my maintenance tolerance? (Both are low-maintenance, but natural stone edges slightly higher for ground applications)
Can You Mix and Match?
Absolutely! Some of the most beautiful homes use both. Stone veneer on the exterior walls and natural stone for the patio and walkways, for example. It's a great way to get the best of both worlds while managing your budget.
The Bottom Line
Look, there's no "wrong" choice here—only what's right for your specific project, budget, and vision. Stone veneer is fantastic for vertical applications, interior features, and when you want that stone look without the structural requirements or cost of solid stone. Natural stone is unbeatable for ground-level outdoor living spaces and when you want that authentic, one-of-a-kind feel.
Still have questions? That's what we're here for! Every project is unique, and we love helping homeowners in Newnan, Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and the greater Atlanta area figure out the best solution for their specific situation.
Give us a call or reach out online. We'll look at your project together, talk through your goals and budget, and help you make a choice you'll love for years to come. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest advice from folks who've been doing this a long time.
After all, we're not just building walls and patios—we're helping you create the home you've been dreaming about. And that's something we take seriously.
Hearn Masonry is a full-service stone veneer and natural stone installation company serving Newnan, GA, and the greater Atlanta metro area. From material selection to expert installation, we bring your vision to life with quality craftsmanship and personalized service.