Building Heaven

“Home is heaven for beginners” — Charles Henry Parkhurst

As you contemplate building a home, the atmosphere of your home is one of the most important aspects to consider. Stone exteriors are well-known for inspiring feelings of security, stability and warmth for your family and friends. Until the late 1800s, stone buildings were painstakingly assembled, one hand-cut stone at a time. It was a time-consuming and potentially expensive undertaking for a little slice of heaven. Then, near the beginning of the twentieth century, quarry workers began cutting thinner stones for the masons who figured out how to attach them to load-bearing walls, beginning the stone veneer industry. We now have two options for achieving the look of stone: natural stone and manufactured stone veneer.

As you plan your new home with a stone exterior, there are several aspects of each type of veneer to consider.

Appearance

Thanks to recent improvements in veneer manufacturing, the distinction between natural and manufactured stones is no longer as apparent as it once was. Today’s high-quality manufacturers yield stones that are can’t be distinguished from natural stone. Add to that the variety of colors and styles available, there are few limitations to the look you’re going for.

Here at TriLite, we make sure the color goes all the way through, so even if it gets scratched or chipped, it still looks like stone. We also provide a 50-year warranty so you can feel sure that your home’s appearance will hold up for decades to come.

Building Codes

In general, natural stone is heavy and must be cut to a certain weight per square foot to comply with local building codes. On the other hand, manufactured stone is lighter and generally meets the local code. If you plan to build in a homeowner community, you will also need to become familiar with the HOA and other local rules about stone veneers.

Sustainability

Many homeowners are conscientious of the environment and the sustainability of the building materials used in their homes. However, natural stone quarrying is generally more destructive to the environment, more labor-intensive to produce and often more expensive. The process produces dust and uses harsh chemicals, damaging the environment. There are also a finite number of quarries from which to harvest the stone for veneers. Once they are depleted, there is no way to replenish them.

In contrast, manufactured veneers may be made from recycled materials and use more materials mined than just natural stone. Also, manufacturing plants can be found nearly anywhere they are needed, not just where Mother Nature planted her rock gardens. When you’re ready to take the next step in the home building process, call or email TriLite Stone and we’d be happy to help you put a stone exterior on your slice of heaven.