Natural stone is full thickness. This requires what is essentially its own foundation, a stone ledge. A space of 1" to 2" is required between the stone and the other the rest of the wall assembly. This space is called a rain screen design. It provides a capillary break to limit moisture transfer, it provides drainage of moisture, and allow ventilation for drying.

Natural stone is more expensive than veneers. It is difficult and usually prohibitively expensive to add true stone if a stone ledge is not present

*Natural Stone Veneer is thin pieces of natural stone. A stone ledge is not required for installation. Galvanized lath is attached to the wall. Type S Cement is applied over the lath. Pieces of the stone veneer are embedded in the Type S Cement to create a pattern like that for a wall of natural stone. Stone Veneer can be applied to any structurally sound surface including wood sheathing, brick, block, or concrete.

*Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV) is manufactured from Portland Cement and made to resemble natural stone veneer. Permanent iron oxide dyes are applied and absorbed by the stone when it is cast, so the color becomes an internal part of the stone. The base color is blended throughout and the mortar can be colored to match as well. There are no noticeable changes in the color after years of weathering.

*It is important to note that stone veneers like stucco is likely to entrap moisture and impede drying of the wood components of the wall if not properly installed with attention to details and the installation of a properly vented rainscreen.