As the heart of the home, the kitchen is not only where we prepare and enjoy meals, it’s the rally point for family life—from impromptu discussions to afternoon homework sessions to parties with friends. Yet, so much of what we think of during the kitchen design process is focused solely on function over form. From appliance specifications to laying out an array of storage solutions, we make a flurry of decisions about how the space will flow and where to stage specific items for easy access. We may make a few aesthetic choices for kitchen accents along the way, such as plumbing and lighting fixtures or cabinetry hardware, but even those can be largely based in functionality.

For a space as universal and iconic as the kitchen, is there more we can explore to infuse character into its very walls? Absolutely.

Here are a couple of ways you can enhance your kitchen by making a few quick changes to what’s on the walls:

Embrace a Bold Brick-Splash

One of the most expressive areas in any kitchen is the backsplash. Whether the space is a tight galley kitchen or an expansive layout with a large island and breakfast nook the open wall surface between cabinetry and countertops can represent your greatest opportunity for incorporating eye-catching design into the beating heart of the home.

For those looking to incorporate a touch of texture on the walls, brick remains your best bet when it comes to rustic allure. Particularly now that brick veneer comes in a sophisticated assortment of light and dark color palettes, such as Chalk Dust or Ironside TundraBrick, maybe the time is now to embolden your backsplash with brick.

Open Windows, Open Walls

Windows and accent walls are other options for adding natural texture. Whether your windows are voluminous, tucked in above the sink, or sandwiched between cabinets, a light stone accent wall can help pull off a kitchen transformation.

There are also any number of texture and color combinations that can strike the perfect aesthetic balance for the walls of an eat-in area, breakfast nook, or open shelving display. The most important thing to remember when updating an accent wall is to tie in some of the other color tones you see in the space as a whole. For example, you can use a subtle mix of taupes and bronze highlights to play off a prominent butcher block on the kitchen island, or you can choose a mix of eggshell and ivory hues to reinforce a set of white Shaker-style cabinets.

Some stylistic choices are expressed even better in contrasts, so don’t rule out the power play of white-on-black or gray-on-white.

For many of us, the kitchen represents a wealth of untapped potential when it comes to introducing discussion-worthy design selections to our most intimate and familiar spaces. As the beautiful backdrop for both “everyday” and enduring memories, the kitchen just may be the next place for you to dig in, renovate and refresh.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

When it comes to the home exterior, the options available are as varied as the architectural styles themselves. Across the country, our diverse regional climates, cultures, and traditions also influence our homes’ facades—from the rustic charm of a New England stone cottage to adobe-inspired facades of the Southwest. Among the choices, four popular exterior styles stand out: traditional siding, brick, stone veneer, and stucco.

Manufactured stone veneer and stucco are two options often considered together. So which is the better option for your project?

Overview of Manufactured Stone Veneer

Stone veneer mimics the look of authentic stone but is thinner and lighter. Most people choose stone veneer to enhance the curb appeal of their homes since the aesthetic appeal is a gorgeous, timeless, and rustic look. Stone veneer is suitable for houses throughout various regions, especially in areas where natural stone might be too expensive or impractical, and can add a touch of sophistication and charm to nearly any architectural style.

Overview of Stucco

Stucco is a versatile exterior finish made from a combination of cement, sand, and water, serving as a durable and weather-resistant coating for buildings. It can have a smooth or textured surface. Stucco is often found in warm and dry climates, prevalent in the Southwest, where the exterior insulation helps keep homes cool during hot months. It’s also popular in other parts of the country where homeowners are looking for that sleek aesthetic appeal and durability.

So which is better? Choosing stucco or stone veneer will depend on cost, durability, and your personal aesthetic preference.

Cost of Manufactured Stone Veneer vs. Stucco

Regarding cost between the two, stone veneer tends to have a broader price range, ranging from $13 to $22 per square foot for professional installation; stucco typically averages around $14.50 per square foot. That said, it’s important to note that these costs can vary depending on factors like region, house size, and even special finishes. While stucco may appear slightly cheaper on average, stone veneer offers the advantage of mimicking the upscale look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost, which makes it an excellent option for homeowners looking for a sophisticated appearance without breaking the bank. In fact, manufactured stone veneer was found to have a 153% return on investment, according to the 2024 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 

Durability of Manufactured Stone Veneer vs. Stucco

While stucco and manufactured stone veneer both offer impressive durability, stone veneer is superior. Stucco offers fire resistance, color versatility, and a lifespan of more than 50 years with proper care. But stone veneer surpasses stucco in terms of durability, withstanding extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, heavy rain, and snow while remaining resistant to rot, insects, and other damage. Requiring only occasional cleaning and minimal repairs, stone veneer maintains its structural integrity effortlessly. Its ability to endure for generations without extensive maintenance makes stone veneer the perfect choice for homeowners prioritizing durability.

Style & Aesthetics of Manufactured Stone Veneer vs. Stucco

When it comes to style and curb appeal, stucco and stone veneer have distinct advantages. Stone veneer exudes timeless elegance and luxurious aesthetics, perfect for homeowners seeking a classic yet inviting look. Stucco offers design versatility, ranging from modern and sophisticated to simple and rustic, making it adaptable to various architectural styles. For aesthetics, the choice ultimately depends on taste. 

Whatever the choice, consider factors like cost, durability, and personal style when making selections. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between aesthetics and practicality for home and lifestyle.  

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

One of the many benefits of using manufactured stone veneer (MSV) versus natural stone is the broad array of color options, no matter your project’s location and geography. But how do you go about choosing manufactured stone colors that best fit the needs of the home’s exterior?

We checked in with Chad Riley, marketing director for stone at Westlake Royal Building Products, to gather a few do’s and don’ts for narrowing down the color options

Tips for Choosing Manufactured Stone Colors

The vast array of color and texture options can be overwhelming, but there are a few easy steps to follow when you’re looking to whittle them down.

1. Start with the architectural style: Certain colors complement specific architectural and historical styles better than others. For instance, earth tones may be more suitable for a Craftsman-style home, while a modern home might benefit from a monochromatic scheme.
2. Consider the environment: The landscape and natural surroundings can provide useful cues, helping you select colors that harmonize with the local environment and create a cohesive look.
3. Look to the roof and other parts of the exterior: Particularly when you’re remodeling the exterior for greater curb appeal, you should prioritize manufactured stone veneer options that will complement the color of the roof and any existing siding or trim.
4. Use color theory: Basic color theory can help in selecting a palette that’s either analogous for a harmonious effect or complementary for more contrast.
5. Consider a balance with surrounding homes: Though you want the home to stand out from others around it, it’s also important not to clash.
6. Factor in lighting conditions: Before deciding, you may want to consider how a color will look in various lighting conditions throughout the day and across the seasons. Don’t just look at samples in the showroom—take them to the home to observe on different sides of the facade at different times of day.
7. Understand climate: The local climate may play a factor in color choice: Lighter colors may be preferable in hot climates because they reflect heat, while darker colors can be more suitable for cooler climates.

Tools for Choosing Manufactured Stone Colors

Your MSV manufacturer is a great resource for helping to choose colors. Along with leveraging samples, many companies offer a range of tools to help you find the perfect option for your project. These include design guides, ebooks, and pre-designed color blends. There also are an array of manufacturer-provided online visualizer tools that allow you to experiment with different colors on a virtual model of the home.

Ultimately, you want to land on a selection that not only works in context but also feels like an appropriate reflection of the homeowner’s personal taste. From a longevity perspective, this means choosing a color and texture that they’ll be pleased with for years to come while also bearing in mind the future resale value of the home.

Last but not least, don’t let cost be the only deciding factor. Higher-quality products with better colorfastness can be worth the investment.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

One of the biggest benefits of manufactured stone veneer is the sheer number of styles, profiles, and colors. With seemingly endless options replicating what’s found in nature, there’s a look for every home and every taste. However, this can make the selection process a little overwhelming. So how do you go about choosing a manufactured stone veneer?

Consider these questions as you narrow the choices.

What Is the Style of the Home?

Like any cladding material, it’s important to choose a stone profile that meshes well with the exterior house style. For example, profiles with a more linear layout and clean edges, such as Ledgestone, are often ideal for transitional or contemporary homes. Fieldstone and brick profiles are well-suited to more traditional exterior styles. And irregular, rounded profiles, like River Rock, offer a perfect finish for country homes and cabins. (Learn more about common profile types here.) That said, there’s no one end-all-be-all solution—leverage manufacturers’ design tools to try different profiles on your home to see what works best.

What Is the Home’s Exterior Color Palette?

With a host of colors from earthy browns to dark grays, it’s easy to find a hue that suits the tone of your home. If the stone is being used as an accent, such as for a vertical bump-out or a half wall, consider the colors of the other cladding materials. Stone colors can complement the other siding in a slightly lighter or darker shade. In contrast, if the primary cladding is lighter in tone, a bolder stone choice could create a dramatic, eye-catching accent. Another consideration is the siding material’s undertone; if it has gray or red undertones, for example, the stone color could reflect that (or vice versa).

What Does the Rest of the Neighborhood Look Like?

Differentiating your home from others down the block is important—but standing out too much might create an eyesore. As you’re weighing colors and styles, consider how the finished façade will look alongside others in the community, especially if the homes are close together.

Where on the Home Will the Stone Be Used?

The application of manufactured stone may, though it doesn’t have to, play a role in the visual weight of the stone you choose. Larger stones and visually “heavier” profiles, such irregular looks like River Rock, may feel overwhelming to the eye across an expansive façade. Leveraging design programs can help you gauge the way the finished product will look all together versus a few samples.

What Is Your Taste?

Above all, it really does come down to your personal preference. If you like a particular look, go with your gut. Ultimately, it’s your home and should reflect what you love and enjoy. Unlike painting your house pink, there are few ways to go wrong with manufactured stone because it replicates what’s found in nature so it’s appealing across the board.

What Is Your Budget?

Like any building material, there are cost differences from brand to brand, depending on materials and other factors. Though there isn’t as much variation from company to company, it’s still something to think about if you’re on a tighter budget.

Where Are You Located?

Though manufactured stone veneer is widely available across the U.S., there may be some limitations on availability for all profiles and colors depending on location. Work with your local dealer or use manufacturers’ online dealer locators to determine what’s available before falling in love with one particular product.

Some manufactured stone manufacturers offer online design tools that allow you to experiment with different looks on an image of your home. Leverage those tools to try different colors and profiles in combination with other materials to see what works best for you.

Find an MSV Producer near you today. Learn how you can hire a contractor that holds a CMHA certificate in MSV installation here!

Photo Courtesy of Instone / featuring Dutch Quality: Sagewood Ledgestone • original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Manufactured Stone Veneer VS Siding: How Do They Compare?

The exterior of the home offers the ultimate first impression, and cladding plays a prominent roles. Choosing the right material can make the difference aesthetically as well as in the home’s long-term performance. But what is the best option when comparing manufactured stone veneer vs. siding? Manufactured stone is one of numerous options for the façade—and one of the soundest investments. But how does it compare to other cladding materials?

Cost & Return on Investment

When placing manufactured stone veneer vs. siding side by side, manufactured stone is often the more premium-priced option when it comes to first cost, especially compared to traditional vinyl siding. But the price tag is only part of the story.

Manufactured stone veneer offers the highest return on investment of any cladding material – by a significant percentage. According to the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, manufactured stone veneer recoups 153% of its cost. This dramatically greater than all other cladding materials, including fiber cement siding replacement (88.4%) and vinyl siding replacement (80.2%).

Aesthetics

Manufactured stone veneer directly replicates stone found in nature – typically using actual stones to craft molds – typically at a lower price point than the real thing. Vinyl and fiber cement siding surfaces often are designed to replicate wood grain, but authenticity can vary greatly from brand to brand and is often reflected in the cost.

Not only does it look natural, MSV brings stone profiles and colors that consumers may not otherwise be able to get because quarried stone (and clay for brick) is usually sourced locally. Manufactured stone veneer allows buyers to choose a stone look that may be difficult (or impossible) to get at their location due to supply, distance, or cost.

Appearance

Beyond just authentic looks, manufactured stone veneer delivers a solid look on the wall, with blends and shapes limited only to the installers imagination. Vinyl siding can appear wavy on the wall if not fastened properly and shows visible seams.

Durability

Cement-based products are known for their durability, reliability, and longevity, and manufactured stone is no exception. Manufactured stone veneer and fiber cement siding are durable through all types of extreme weather, including wind, heat, and fire. Manufactured stone colors weather in similar ways to natural stone.

Installation

With panelized installation, vinyl siding has a lower learning curve and can be hung by siding contractors and experienced DIYers. Manufactured stone veneer is installed by masons and does take time to develop expertise. CMHA offers an MSV Installer program that provides fundamental MSV installation guidelines and industry best practices. This helps ensure better quality work as well as highly valued credentials.

Longevity

Lifespans and warranties for all three cladding types can vary greatly depending on quality, though all three outperform wood. Manufactured stone veneer lasts a minimum of 25 to 50 years, though its life expectancy is likely much greater as evidenced by the existence of concrete going back centuries.  According to Today’s Homeowner, stone siding has a lifespan of more than 100 years, fiber cement siding can last up to 60 years with proper care, and vinyl siding lasts 30-40 years.

Maintenance Manufactured stone veneer, vinyl, and fiber cement all boast low-maintenance properties, with each requiring just occasional cleaning. Depending on the brand and the paint, fiber cement siding will eventually need to be repainted and recaulked, which MSV and vinyl will not require. Ultimately, choosing a cladding material comes down to a balance of preferences and priorities—first and foremost being what overall aesthetics is the buyer seeking and what is their budget. From there, weigh options for lifespan, maintenance, performance, and more before making final selections.

Photo Courtesy of Instone / featuring Dutch Quality: Ashen Weather Ledge • original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Building materials face deterioration from a variety of threats, the most serious and persistent being water and moisture. Although masonry is known for its durability of relative ease of maintenance, all building materials require proper installation—especially when it comes to moisture management.

It’s impossible to control all moisture entering a building, but there are many tactics to manage the moisture so that damp materials dry out quickly and water can exit quickly. Architects and installers must take a holistic look at the building envelope, including sheathing, weather resistant barriers (WRBs), drainage planes, and attachment systems that will help keep moisture out of the assembly, as well as important details such as flashing, transitions between materials, and sealants to ensure as much water as possible is being shed from the building.

Root Causes of Water Damage

Moisture-related problems in building enclosures have three root causes:

• External sources of moisture such as humidity, rainwater, and groundwater
• Internal sources of moisture such as plumbing leaks, cooking, bathing, and even perspiration and respiration
• Construction moisture that is present in building materials such as concrete and lumber.

Bulk water, capillary water, and water vapor are the three types of moisture that pose the most threat to building envelopes and must be mitigated through moisture management strategies. Bulk water from rain, snow, or groundwater can be the most damaging and enters the building from an opening in the envelope or a driving force such as air pressure or gravity.¹ Bulk water can be controlled with proper flashing, sealants, and rain screens that work to drain any incidental water that does get behind the façade despite other waterproofing measures.

Capillary action is the movement of water and vapor through porous materials such as stone and brick due to the forces of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension. Water wicks through these materials against the pull of gravity — think of rising damp in concrete or masonry. Two nonporous materials placed closely together can also provide a channel for capillary action to occur. The U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy notes, “Capillary action can best be controlled by providing a capillary ‘break’ such as plastic, metal, damp-proofing compound, or another impermeable material, or by leaving air spaces that are too large for capillarity to occur.”²

Moisture can be transported on air and enter a building through uncontrolled pressure sources such as the wind stack effect or controlled sources such as air handlers that move moist air past the building envelope and through even the tiniest of holes.

Water vapor can also pass through a building through vapor diffusion, which is dependent on the driving forces that push it into the building as well as how permeable the building materials are. Vapor barriers are used to slow down the movement of water vapor into a building. There are very specific guidelines for the permeability rating of these barriers and where they should be placed based on the climate where a specific project is located.³

Dangers of Moisture Intrusion

When water is not properly managed, it can be detrimental to the durability of the building as well as occupants and property inside the building.

Moisture intrusion can cause condensation within the walls, which ultimately deteriorates wood materials, causing sheathing and framing to rot. When insulation inside walls becomes wet, there is a significant reduction in thermal values. Metal components such as structural fasteners may rust and corrode, and adhesives will ultimately fail in the presence of excess moisture. Efflorescence, a white deposit of surface salt on the exterior of a building, can occur on masonry, which can also be damaged during freeze/thaw cycles as moisture within the masonry expands and contracts. Water-soluble materials such as gypsum can even return to solution.

Uncontrolled moisture allows mold and mildew to grow within walls, and eventually it will take hold inside the building and HVAC systems, posing a significant danger to the health of occupants. Damage to paints, coatings, furnishings, and interior components will eventually ensue.

Moisture Management Strategies

To avoid the negative effects of water intrusion, there are important building practices to follow when designing wall assemblies and specifying materials. Working from the inside to the outside of a wall assembly, specifying an appropriate type of sheathing and a compatible weather resistant barrier is the first layer of moisture management. If appropriate, a rainscreen system and weep screed can also be designed into the wall assembly to further drain incidental water. For example, manufactured stone veneer uses a rainscreen product in conjunction with a weather resistant barrier, or in some cases as the sole WRB, for installation.

Proper sealing is the next line of defense and includes meticulous attention to flashing and caulking details. Flashing should be installed around windows and doors, at all penetrations, and in various areas throughout the roof such as step flashing and roof diverters. Next, appropriate fasteners and sealants must be applied that are compatible with the material substrate. It’s vital to know how different materials interact and separate dissimilar materials if they may cause moisture penetration, corrosion, or another reaction that could compromise the structural integrity of materials and the building itself when improperly handled. Material connections are supremely important, as well, particularly when they are two very different products.

MSV Specifications for Water Management

Moisture issues can arise from rain or rain that is driven by wind into a wall assembly and by inward vapor drive. Bulk water intrusion and vapor drive can lead to damage and rot in sheathing and structural members in both wood- and steel-framed structures. Inward vapor drive can occur because WRBs are vapor-permeable, and moisture stored within the MSV or mortars can be driven by the sun and heated through the WRBs directly into the sheathing and stud bays. If the cladding is in contact with the barrier, water can linger in those locations, causing them to remain wet for extended periods of time. This can happen in both hot and cold climates.

In MSV installations, a two-layer WRB system provides a drainage plane to protect against capillary draw. Including a rain screen system between the WRB and stone veneer creates a drainage space that better prevents water intrusion. This ventilated air space allows bulk water to drain out, but also serves as a capillary break, meaning water penetrating behind the cladding is intercepted. The use of other fundamentally sound design details, such as rough opening protection and sill flashing beneath windows and doors, is particularly effective against water intrusion. Including diverter flashing at the roof/wall intersections, saddle flashing at low-to-high walls, flashing at floor lines, and deck flashing can all help to prevent moisture-related issues.

To avoid the negative effects caused by humidity, rain, and wind, it is crucial that trained professionals install MSV products. Improper installation — most often stemming from transitions around windows, penetrations, and exterior light fixtures — coupled with the fact that improper installation is not immediately evident, can lead to severe damage and increased costs. Defective installations cause more obvious damage in wetter climates, but in areas with less rainfall, moisture can stay hidden for years until it manifests as a much larger issue.

In general, to avoid the negative effects of water intrusion, the following top six building practices should be done correctly:

• Weather-resistant barriers
• Flashing around windows and doors
• Step flashing and roof diverters
• Detail flashing
• Flashing at all penetrations
• Weep screed

CMHA offers an MSV Installer program. The course teaches installers fundamental MSV installation guidelines and industry best practices. Not only will it ensure better quality work, but the certificate is a highly valued credential by consumers and the broader marketplace.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association