When you are choosing your home’s accents from siding to fireplaces, you may want to consider using stone. It doesn’t only make your home look more valuable but it’s gorgeous and timeless. In fact, people are more likely to buy a home with stone that one that doesn’t have it.

Stone is attractive to buyers and according to the 2015 Cost vs Value Report, it’s more than just perceived value; its value is real. Stone veneer offers a higher return when used as an accent and is actually the second most valuable home improvement project behind steel entry door replacements. Here is a look at what you need to know about using manufactured stone veneer.

The Installation Skills

Eldorado Stone is one company that handles stone work typically seen the request in homes. They saw an increase in businesses and building owners asking for ways to incorporate it into their building because manufactured stone is bringing in more revenue. Siding contractors are implementing stone options now as well because of the increased request for them.

Masons are the people that do the stone work and have the skill set to properly install this type of material. It’s a tricky process for an untrained person and requires applying a weather-resistive barrier over the sheathing along with diamond lath, scratch coat of mortar and a back-buttered stone on the wall. It’s a time consuming process which is challenging when trying to make it look authentic. Fortunately there are new options like the screw-installed stone veneer.

Design Trends & Cost Comparisons

Traditional installation offers you a lot of design flexibility in which you can make it your own. Combining field stone and ledge stone creates a new look and a blend of colors to make it unique. Panelized systems are more restricting and force you to work with only the colors they offer. Many people are option or modern designs and limestone-styled veneers.

There is no right or wrong way to go with screw-installed vs. traditional mortared but cost-wise, traditional manufactured stone veneer is less expensive than screw-installed veneer. You’ll need more additional materials for traditional and more labor which actually puts them at about the same cost in the end as the panelized products.

Keep these items in mind when choosing stone veneer for your home.