Tag: Dutch Quality

A new K-12 school brings relief to its community—whether alleviating crowding or offering a beacon of opportunity and advancement. Designing schools with manufactured stone veneer offers a number of advantages that can help education projects look and perform their best while meeting some of the unique challenges they may face.

Advantages of Manufactured Stone Veneer for Schools

Manufactured stone’s versatility in design and installation makes it an ideal option for both the exterior and interior of school projects.

• Authentic design, accessible format: Stone adds an instant level of beauty and elegance to a building, and manufactured stone delivers those styles at a cost that is typically lower than natural stone. And with a vast array of profiles and colors, nearly any look is within reach without the limitations of geography. For more traditional-style schools, MSV brick patterns offer classic authenticity.

In addition, MSV can be used on both interiors and exteriors, making it easy to carry over design elements and maintain a consistent design aesthetic.

• Durability: Inside, schools teeming with children face high traffic and often raucous behavior. Outside, they must deal with the same harsh weather as other commercial buildings. As a cement-based material, manufactured stone veneer is durable, long-lasting, and, depending on the product, often carries high wind- and fire-resistance ratings. And should a piece get damaged, it’s easier to replicate and replace because it’s a manufactured product versus natural quarried options that may no longer be available or in a matching color.

• Efficient installation: Schools under construction or under renovation are often under tight time constraints. Manufactured stone is lighter in weight than natural stone and typically requires less cutting to fit, so it’s a practical option for creating stone looks with greater efficiency.  

• Biophilic design: Biophilic design infuses elements such as plants and daylight into interior spaces to increase connections with nature and the world outside, thereby enhancing our health and wellness.  “Classrooms that utilize biophilic design enhance student creativity and support overall healthier development due to our biologically encoded connection to nature,” the Green Building Alliance says.

Manufactured stone veneer is one of many ways to increase biophilic design in schools, adding natural elements, texture, and warmth. (Learn more about MSV and biophilia in our blog “3 Strategies for Infusing Biophilic Design into Your Projects.”)

Education Projects Using Manufactured Stone Veneer

Options abound for designing schools using manufactured stone. Here are a few examples to get your design ideas flowing:

This library features Eldorado Stone’s Manzanita Cliffstone and Cambria Cliffstone as an accent wall at the entrance lobby and for the fun kid’s area shown here, adding a touch of warmth while elevating the outdoor theme.

Echelon Masonry’s Lamina Artisan Stone was chosen, along with brick and metal, to help this elementary blend in with its natural surroundings while also transitioning easily to the interior. “The plan also incorporated generous windows throughout the facility, allowing for a harmonious connection between indoors and outdoors, making the balance of materials essential,” Echelon says.

This elementary school, a 95,000-square-foot new construction build, features Jewell manufactured stone on the exterior façade. 

Want to learn more about the possibilities of manufactured stone veneer? Visit our MSV page here.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Manufactured stone veneer (MSV) is produced in a variety of different patterns, colors, and styles to fit regional design trends and personal design aesthetics. This diversity of looks provides tremendous design flexibility.

While everything manufacturer is different and offers its own unique selection of styles and colors, there is some general overlap in the types of profiles and colors. This stone veneer style guide outlines different stone veneer profile types to highlight the unique elements that can add a timeless touch to your next residential or commercial project.

Stone Veneer Profile Styles

Manufactured stone veneer adds an earthly elegance to projects while oftentimes providing a cost-saving option for the property owner due to its durability, long life cycle, and high return on investment. Whether you are considering stone veneer for an interior or exterior project, the array of dimensions, textures, and colors will add an eye-catching element to any design.

• Traditional stone veneer mimics the look of natural stone, with rugged edges and weather faced textures for a rustic look and feel. Traditional stone veneer profiles, such as Ledgestone, feature a mix of shapes and sizes for a classic look reminiscent of 18th and 19th century stone homes. The charm of traditional-style stone veneer stands the test of time and is perfect both as an accent or the main attraction.
• Modern stone veneer is often characterized by clean, straight lines with a symmetrical surface area, so it is the ideal choice for a sleek, bold, or minimalistic aesthetic. Modern stone veneer is most commonly offered in cool-toned color palettes, such as neutral whites and sleek greys, to complement the hues often seen in contemporary designs.
• Eccentric stone veneer colors and textures add an eye-catching element to facades and interior walls. The large, organic shapes create a stand-out focal point that can also be used to highlight spaces such as fireplaces, grills, or entryways for an impactful first impression.
• Thin brick veneer provides a classic brick look without the intense labor or added weight. Although thin brick works well for traditional- and classic-style homes, its vast color range and available edge profiles make it easy to adapt to any aesthetic – including modern.

Stone Veneer Colors

Just as important as the profile itself is the color of the stone veneer. The structural design of the building and surrounding environment can impact your stone veneer color selection. Warmer tones such as burnt ambers and elegant oranges are best suited for rustic and traditional-style designs for a cozier appearance, while cool, darker tones are ideal for bold and modern aesthetics.

Stone veneer color trends can also vary based upon the region of the country where you are building. In the Southwest, for example, cream-colored hues dominate the landscape thanks to its similarity to Texas limestone. In the Northeast, warmer tones that are reminiscent of the traditional stone homes of early settlers tend to be the selection of choice.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

On the exterior of the home, protecting the building envelope from water penetration is essential to the structure’s long-term performance. When installing manufactured stone veneer, it’s important to follow both manufacturer instructions and local codes for weatherization requirements in the form of rainscreens and water-resistant barriers (WRBs).

CMHA offers full installation guidelines in its Manufactured Stone Veneer Installation Guide. Here are the guidelines to consider when it comes to WRBs and rainscreens.

Rainscreens and Manufactured Stone Veneer

Rainscreens are optional building techniques used to improve the drainage of incidental water behind the cladding and reduce drying time. Rainscreen products (such as drainage mats or formed polymer sheeting) or construction techniques (such as strapping or furring) that create a capillary break/air space between the cladding and the water resistive barrier can be effectively incorporated into AMSV applications. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for rainscreen/drainage system applications with adhered manufactured stone veneer wall systems.

Building codes may allow a single layer of a water-resistant barrier when a drainage space is incorporated in the wall system (i.e. rainscreen). Based on the 2021 International Building Code, when a drainage space is required, the space/material provided must be at least 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) applied to the exterior side of the WRB. Further, the WRB used behind the drainage space must provide a water resistance equal to or greater to that provided by materials that comply with ASTM E2556 Type 2. Local jurisdictions may have different requirements for drainage space size.

Requirements for rainscreens vary by region. Verify local jurisdictional requirements regarding the use and application of rainscreens and/or drainage products.

Water Resistive Barriers and Manufactured Stone Veneer

For installations over light frame construction, where a water-resistant barrier (WRB) is required, it should be installed in two separate layers in shingle fashion, starting from the bottom of the wall. The inner layer of the WRB (herein referred to as the Primary WRB) should be installed, along with flashings, to create a drainage plane. The outer layer of WRB (herein referred to as the Secondary WRB) is intended to keep the scratch coat from contacting the Primary WRB.

For WRB materials complying with ASTM D226, the upper layer of the WRB should lap on top of the lower layer by a minimum of 2 inches (51 mm), and the vertical joints should be lapped a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm). Refer to the WRB manufacturer’s information for lapping requirements for other WRBs. Inside and outside corners must be overlapped a minimum of 16 inches (406 mm) past the corner in both directions.

The WRB should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and be integrated with all flashing accessories, adjacent WRBs, doors, windows, penetrations, and cladding transitions.

Acceptable WRBs:

• No. 15 felt complying with ASTM D226 Type 1.

• ASTM E2556 Type I or II

• Approved equal in accordance with the building code.

Other approved materials must be used and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and as detailed in compliance reports. The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional materials that may be suitable as a WRB if they include documentation of compliance with the referenced acceptance criteria:

• Materials evaluated for compliance with ICC-ES AC38.

• Liquid-applied materials evaluated for compliance with ICC-ES AC212 (for use as Primary WRB only)

• Pre-coated sheathing evaluated for compliance with ICC-ES AC310 (for use as Primary WRB only)

• It is permitted to use only a primary WRB between cement board and the substrate.

• As discussed in the “Rainscreen Drainage Plane Systems”, building codes may allow a single layer of a WRB to be used when a drainage space is incorporated in the wall system. Requirements for the rainscreens vary by region. Verify with the local jurisdictional requirements regarding the use an application of rainscreens. Refer to Figures 35-38 for details on such construction method.

• When transitioning to another cladding, refer to the applicable building code requirements for WRB behind that specific cladding system. Despite the number of layers required for the non-AMSV cladding, there must be two (2) layers of WRB present behind the AMSV.

• Some types of continuous insulation may be substituted for the Primary WRB provided it is installed and sealed and/or taped in accordance with the insulation manufacturer’s installation instructions and approved for such applications. Continuous insulation is commonly applied on the exterior side of the framing or on the exterior side of sheathing, runs continuously, and has minimal thermal bridging. Ensure WRB(s) selected are approved for wall applications. Some WRBs intended for roofs are not appropriate for walls. For example, 15-pound felt is not the same product as No. 15 felt. For details of this practice, please refer to the continuous insulation figures shown throughout the figures section of this guide.

Installation Resources

For full guidelines on preparing walls for manufactured stone veneer, download CMHA’s Manufactured Stone Veneer Installation Guide.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

From both an aesthetic and performance standpoint, manufactured stone offers a range of opportunity for both residential and commercial architects. Manufactured stone veneer’s versatility ensures flexibility and freedom in design alongside long-term durability for the client.

How Manufactured Stone Veneer Benefits Architects

Among manufactured stone’s advantages are a handful that ensure architectural freedom.

• Authenticity without limitations: Manufactured stone veneer offers the look of natural stone but without some of the drawbacks that might hinder design freedom. MSV masters are made using natural stone, and new technologies allow for replication of fine details. At the same time, MSV is lighter in weight, isn’t limited by locality, and typically costs less than natural stone.

• Diversity of styles and colors: Because it’s manmade, the options for profiles, textures, and colors of manufactured stone are vast. Exotic or unique looks are not limited to far-flung locales, so nearly any aesthetic vision is possible. At the same time, MSV doesn’t have to be purely natural in feel—it is also available in many modern, contemporary profiles and monochromatic color schemes.

• Consistency: The look and availability of natural stone cannot be controlled, which means there can be no promise of consistency or availability. With manufactured stone, on the other hand, repairs, replacements, or additions can typically be made possible because the materials do not rely on nature’s availability. This also means less culling and sorting to find flaw-free looks that coordinate on the wall.

• Application versatility: Because manufactured stone veneer is lighter in weight than natural stone, it can be used in a broader array of applications that stone or brick may be too heavy for. It’s also suitable for horizontal and vertical applications as well as for interior and exterior projects.

What Should Architects Keep in Mind When Specifying Manufactured Stone Veneer?

Manufactured stone veneer’s makeup and application mean there are a few factors that architects should consider in plans and specifications.

• Weatherization: As outlined in CMHA’s Manufactured Stone Veneer Installation Guide, rainscreens that create a capillary break/air space between the cladding and the water resistive barrier can be effectively incorporated into adhered manufactured stone veneer applications. Some local codes require the use of a rainscreen. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for rainscreen/drainage system applications, and drainage space size requirements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

• Wall ties and footings: Because it’s lighter in weight than natural stone, MSV typically doesn’t require wall ties and footings. Manufactured stone also requires fewer structural modifications for remodeling applications.

• Height considerations: Depending on the structural material, installation heights may be limited for some manufactured stone. ‘Check with the manufacturer and local building code requirements for more information.

• Fireplace applications: Most manufactured stone veneer can be used for fireplace surrounds, but consideration should be given for avoiding exposure to direct flame. For instance, MSV should not be used as returns into a firebox of a fireplace.

More Resources for Architects

Ready to learn more about designing with manufactured stone veneer? Check out CMHA’s full library of resources, continuing education courses, and online learning opportunities.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

With its unbeatable allure, combined with rich textures and unique colors, manufactured stone adds instant sophistication to any space. While it’s been a go-to for outdoor facades for decades, thin stone veneer takes things indoors, offering a versatile solution for bringing that natural beauty right into your home. From cozy fireplaces to stylish kitchen backsplashes and even mudroom makeovers, the creative possibilities with stone veneer are seemingly endless. 

Here are four of the inventive ways stone veneer is being incorporated into interior design, showcasing its versatility and charm in unexpected ways.

Rustic Stone Kitchen Island

Stone Nursery Accent Wall

For parents-to-be who appreciate the timeless appeal of neutral tones, a neutral scheme exudes quiet luxury and brings a sense of tranquility to the space. This stone veneer accent wall adds depth and texture to the serene environment. The natural tones and subtle textures of the stone complement the neutral palette beautifully, creating a warm atmosphere while adding visual interest to the pace. This stone accent wall is also a durable, low-maintenance backdrop that can easily adapt to changing styles and trends as the child grows up. It’s a versatile canvas for decorating and personalizing the space, which allows parents to create a soothing and serene environment for their little ones to thrive in. 

Stone Veneer Vanity Wall

A stone veneer accent wall behind a freestanding modern bathtub or vanity elevates the space with aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability. The natural, “stacked” look adds rustic charm, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside. This accent wall adds timeless elegance to the bathroom, creating a captivating focal point that enhances the overall ambiance. The stone veneer’s organic textures and earthy tones also complement this serene, spa-like atmosphere. And unlike conventional wall coverings like paint or wallpaper, the stone veneer is also highly resilient, withstanding moisture, wear, and tear, preserving its striking appearance for years to come.

Outdoor Stone Fireplace and Lounge Area

Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors, celebrated for her cozy interior design aesthetic from her home’s exterior to the outdoor fireplace and lounge area in her California renovation. Inspired by a blend of old European architecture and the rugged beauty of the California coast, Amber’s design ethos infuses the outdoor space with timeless elegance and modern comfort. The stone-clad fireplace and lounge area create a focal point for year-round enjoyment. The cohesive use of stone ties the outdoor elements together while harmonizing with the natural surroundings, including the majestic oak trees framing the property, fostering an earthy, serene ambience perfect for relaxation and entertainment.

With countless creative possibilities, incorporating stone veneer into your design aesthetic adds depth and character to any space.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Manufactured stone veneer is often top of mind for exterior facades—but the same benefits (and more) make it an ideal option for commercial interiors. From ease of installation to eye-catching aesthetics, manufactured stone can create a look designers love while infusing warmth, authenticity, and style into the space.

Why Is Manufactured Stone Suitable for Commercial Interiors?

Many of the traits that make manufactured stone veneer a go-to product for building exteriors carry over to the interior—and then some. Among the benefits for commercial spaces:

• Design versatility: Commercial interiors, particularly those used by the public, rely on beautiful aesthetics to portray an image and make customers feel welcome. Manufactured stone veneer’s sheer abundance of profiles, styles, and colors means specifiers can meet nearly any design need. Seeking a contemporary, linear look? You got it. Want something rustic and textured? It’s available. You can even find MSV that replicates the look of barn siding or other woods—splinters not included. Plus, there are looks and colors available that simply cannot be found in nature.

• Consistent appearance: Natural stone can vary greatly from piece to piece, over time and across locations; and it is not an unlimited resource. Because it is manmade, manufactured stones can replicate the varied look of natural stone, but with looks and colors can then be replicated over and over. This allows franchises to create consistency from location to location. It also allows individual stones to be replaced if they somehow get damaged.

• Biophilia: Biophilic design, which help building occupants connect with nature, is an ongoing trend. Manufactured stone veneer allows designers to marry indoors and out while creating calmer spaces—and do so without the higher cost of real stone.

• Lighter weight: Manufactured stone veneer’s lighter weight typically doesn’t need special structural support, and it’s suitable for some areas where natural stone is too heavy, such as barrel ceilings.

• Ease of installation: The lighter weight also makes MSV easier to maneuver into interior spaces for installation. Plus, the manufacturing process creates shapes that fit together nicely, so there’s typically less cutting and repositioning required versus the unpredictability of natural stone.

What Commercial Interiors Applications Make Sense for MSV?

Manufactured stone veneer offers design versatility for a range of applications in commercial lobbies, waiting areas, and much more. Try it for accent walls, fireplaces, and columns, and even for wayfinding and signage.

A few examples include:

• Hospitality: Cozy lobbies are welcoming to guests. Use MSV for a feature wall behind the check-in desk or wrapping the front of it, add style to interior columns, or infuse warmth around the fireplace. Franchises can easily replicate looks for familiarity and consistency, helping to create a sense of belonging.

• Healthcare: More and more hospitals are recognizing how warm interiors, versus cold, blank walls, can help in patient healing and well-being. In areas of the building where a sterile environment isn’t needed, such as lobbies and waiting rooms, MSV can easily add a comforting feeling or be a bit reminiscent of home. Stone signage can help draw attention to adjacent wings.

• Schools and libraries: Similarly, the warmth of stone and the biophilia it provides can ease stress in schools and add a calm, quiet appeal to libraries.

• Office lobbies and waiting areas: Manufactured stone’s versatility can strike nearly any vibe—whether you’re outfitting an ultra-modern urban accounting firm or the rustic headquarters of an outdoor store. The possibilities are endless to meet each company’s unique aesthetic for the perfect first impression.

• Restaurants: Add MSV as durable, eye-catching décor behind the bar, in lobbies, and more. This is another application where franchises can benefits from manufactured stone’s consistency.

No matter the location, application, or design vibe, manufactured stone veneer offers a host of benefits for commercial interiors. Browse our manufacturer members to get started creating the ideal design for your next project.ation of what you can expect to see with the finished project.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

Along with considering the style, texture, and color of manufactured stone veneer as it pertains to personal tastes and the home’s décor, it’s also important to weigh how lighting will impact the way the stone will look on the completed project. Lighting can play a great role in how vivid stone colors appear, whether the stone application is on the outside or inside of the home.

Understanding the lighting conditions under which the stone will be viewed will help you identify the stone color that achieves the desired look of the home.

Exterior Stone Applications

Daylight, or more specifically, direct sunlight versus indirect sunlight, affects how we perceive stone color. In the image above, notice how direct sunlight has a dramatic effect on the color of the stone. Direct sunlight can also create dramatic shadow lines, providing increased visual appeal.

As you look at the stone colors in the shaded parts of the home, it begins to take on a completely different look and feel. Colors become less vivid, creating a softer, more subtle look. Shadow lines are reduced and sometimes eliminated.

Interior Stone Applications

Lighting can have a tremendous influence on how we perceive color inside the home as well, as shown in the picture above. Light reflected from painted walls, stained wood, and colored carpeting can provide dramatic color shifts that can make the stone color appear different creating an impressive atmosphere within your home.

When choosing manufactured stone veneer products for exterior or interior purposes, be sure to look at samples within the environments in which they will be installed. This will provide a truer representation of what you can expect to see with the finished project.

original article courtesy of CMHA: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association

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