Upgrade Your Stone Veneer Siding Game: Get Quick & Stunning Results

Be.on stone photo
Be.on stone photo

Upgrade Your Stone Veneer Siding Game: Get Quick & Stunning Results

Fast-track Your Masonry Projects with Instone’s Solutions

Whether you’re a contractor or a weekend warrior do-it-yourselfer, you feel the need … The need for speed.

Installing a veneer one stone at a time is meticulous work that takes time. Time that could be spent on a family outing, crossing tasks off the to-do list, or doing the things you love. Or in the case of a masonry professional, time that holds you back from moving on to the next job.

Instone offers two high quality solutions that are easy to install and help you cruise through stone veneer siding installations. Interloc Natural Stone Panels and Be.on® Stone are three to eight times faster to install. And they work well on interior and exterior applications.

Both stone siding brands have their own unique features but share a common approach in producing panels made of multiple stones. The professionally designed panels can cover plenty of ground in a hurry. The veneer panels fit together seamlessly and are designed for stress-free installation, making projects simple enough for any moderately handy do-it-yourselfer to take on.

Using Interloc or Be.on Stone, a wall that looks like it’s clad with thousands stones will only actually require a few dozen stone veneer panels. Chris Camosse, general manager for Massachusetts-based Camosse Masonry Supply, said these creative products have been hot sellers and given his company an edge.

“With the proprietary products that Instone finds, it allows us to have something that our competitors in the area don’t have – for example, the Interloc interlocking panel systems,” Camosse said. “These have become a huge success not only with homeowners but with contractors. Everyone sees the value of the product and the time it saves.”

Interloc gif
Interloc Natural Stone Veneer Panels – Real Stone 8x Faster

A Loc on Quality

Interloc panels feature thin natural stone pieces that are set into mortar and shaped to fit tightly together, hiding joints and giving the appearance of a stacked stone masonry wall. With Interloc, the hard work of selecting and arranging individual stones is already handled at the factory. Adding to the ease of installation, Interloc stone veneer panels have rough grooves on their backs that aid bonding.

Camosse first began carrying Interloc products about three years ago. Since then, he has held short how-to courses for contractors to introduce the product. During the courses, he demonstrates the panels’ consistency, time savings, and helps them become familiar with the product.

“The product we got on day one was the same quality as the product we got a year in, so that proved a lot to us as well.”

Chris Camosse, general manager for Massachusetts-based Camosse Masonry Supply

Interloc is available in two styles: New England, which features a blend of grey and warm, earthy colored stones, and Berkshire, a more consistent grey stone with sandy highlights. Use our online savings calculator to compare costs of Interloc vs. standard stone veneer siding.

Interloc Natural Stone Veneer Panels In Two Colors - Berkshire and New England
Be.on Stone Veneer Panels Showcase Carousel
Be.On Stone Veneer Panels – Mechanically Fastened

Above and Be.on for Simplicity

Instone President and CEO Kevin Grotke recently took on a DIY project of his own, adding wainscoting around the outside of a cottage he bought for family getaways. After giving some thought to his options, he determined Be.on Stone mortarless stone veneer siding was the ideal choice.

“We’re only here on the weekends so I’ve only got a day and a half to get this done, which is why I decided to go with this rather than a mortar and a lath application.”

Kevin Grotke, Instone president and CEO

Be.on Stone, also known as “screw-on stone veneer” or “stone veneer siding,” requires no mortar. It requires few tools – if you have a screw gun, a tile saw, a level and a tape measure, you’re off to the races.

As Grotke demonstrates in this video, the key is applying a starter strip along the base of the wall at the beginning of the job and making sure it’s level.

Once you’ve screwed in the initial row of veneer panels, you can run the rest of your panels above them quickly and perfectly level. Whether you have a standard OSB or plywood wall, you only need two or three fasteners per panel and don’t need to hit a stud.

Best of all, you won’t need a confusing assortment of panels to form your corners. As explained in our InBuilding Design series, the same pieces are used for inside and outside corners.

“You don’t need to order inside corners, you don’t need outside corners. One panel does it all,” Hortigan said. “All you have to do is figure out what your square footage is.”

Plus, with Be.on Stone’s patented D.Rain water management system, any rain that makes it behind the stone veneer drains automatically to the bottom of the wall, preventing mold and other damage to the structure. The product also has a 50-year warranty.

Be.on stone veneer siding drain system

Be.on Stone comes in four styles, ranging from the Element collection, with its old European flavor, to the more contemporary Horizon. Each has its own variety of color options. Try our Virtual Designer for an instant glimpse at what a Be.on Stone veneer would look like on your home.

Be.on color skews

We Make it Easy!

Contact Instone today to learn more about why Interloc and Be.on Stone products are the fast, easy solutions for your next stone veneer job or DIY home exterior and siding project.

Ensuring Longevity: Why ASTM C1670 Matters in Manufactured Stone Veneer

ASTM c1670 photo
ASTM c1670 photo

Ensuring Longevity: Why ASTM C1670 Matters in Manufactured Stone Veneer

The New Bar For Quality

When the ASTM C1670 standard was established for adhered manufactured stone a 5 years ago it set a new bar for the quality, consistency and longevity of products used in residential and commercial projects around the world. Today a growing number of state and local governments in the U.S. are catching on, adopting this standard and enforcing its use.

One of the leaders in the push to develop ASTM C1670 was Westlake Royal Stone Solutions, the producer of Instone’s manufactured stone veneer (MSV) lines Cultured Stone and Dutch Quality Stone. According to Jeff Tew, Westlake’s director of technical and training, created the standard was essential for establishing trust in a relatively young and rapidly expanding industry. Many manufacturers offer warranties of 50 years.


“I think it’s important because there are so many companies making manufactured stone right now that it can be difficult to know which ones are making a code-compliant, quality product. Stone can look really good on a sample board, but how is it going to look years down the road?”

Jeff Tew, Westlake’s Director of Technical and Training

5 Essential Tests

To find out, MSV products are subjected to a rigorous set of tests devised by a group of scientists, engineers and industry experts assembled by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). Stone products are evaluated in five critical areas: compressive strength, freeze-thaw durability, shear bond, water absorption and density, and dimensional tolerance.

Tew said some of the test methods can be entertaining to witness. For the compressive strength test, a sample of the veneer mix is added to a cylinder form, left in place to cure, removed from the form and then placed under a round plate that pushes down on it until it explodes. The material must withstand 2,100 pounds per square inch (PSI) to earn ASTM C1670 certification.

For the shear bond test, a sample piece of the veneer is adhered to a concrete block and exposed to downward pressure until it snaps off. It must achieve at least 50 PSI.

Cultured Stone Black Rundle Alpine Pro Fit
Cultured Stone Black Rundle Alpine Pro-Fit Ledgestone

Any and all mixes of a product must be tested to earn certification. If there is even the slightest difference in the physical composition of Cultured Stone’s Black Rundle and Chardonnay Country Ledgestone veneer styles, both must be submitted for separate testing. Once they pass, they must be retested.  Three of the tests are done every 12 months while the other two are done every 24 months.

“It’s not just a one and done process,” Tew said. “It takes an investment of time and money to prove your product through third-party testing.” 

The Path to a Standard

The movement toward a unified quality standard for MSV reached an important milestone in 2008, when they were covered in the acceptance criteria (AC) known as AC 51. For the first time, msv manufacturers could test their material to a recognized standard in AC 51. But industry members recognized that manufactured stone needed to face its own, tougher benchmarks.

2013 saw the development of ASTM C1780 to address the installation methods for msv.  Followed in 2018 by the addition of ASTM C1670 to address msv manufacturing.  Tew pointed to the more stringent freeze thaw threshold as one significant difference.

Under AC 51, materials were exposed to 50 freeze-thaw cycles and could only lose 3 percent of their weight to crumbling or flaking. ASTM C1670 demanded no more than 1.5 percent loss. The tougher product will be more likely to survive the extremes of America’s cold northern and hot southern climates.

Stone veneer installation

Participation in the ASTM C1670 is voluntary for manufacturers, and the standard is not enforced evenly throughout the country. However, with its 2018 inclusion in the International Residential Code (IRC), which applies to home building, and the International Building Code (IBC), which covers commercial projects, that is now changing.

The periodically updated IRC and IBC are go-to standards for governments seeking consistent parameters for all of the construction materials used in their jurisdictions. According to Tew, it typically takes a few years for states to examine and adopt the changes (in fact, revised versions of the IRC and IBC were since issued in 2021).  Over the last few years, most states have adopted the 2018 version of the I-Codes or newer. That means local code inspectors in these jurisdictions are actively checking to ensure manufactured stone products are compliant and rejecting those that aren’t, he said.

Long Term Impact

ASTM C1670 should not be dismissed as another bothersome government code to meet, but embraced as a tool for businesses to protect their investments and reputations, Tew said. When you choose a manufactured stone veneer that’s compliant, you lower the odds of material failures and a costly return trip to the job site to redo the work, he said.

“I believe owners of buildings, architects and builders all in their cores want to use products that will stand the test of time because their names are attached to them,”

Jeff Tew

“I believe owners of buildings, architects and builders all in their cores want to use products that will stand the test of time because their names are attached to them,” Tew said. “Using a product that meets the standard is one way to do it. Being able to test to a clear criteria makes it easy for them to make their selections, and they don’t have to do a lot of research.”

Introducing Game-Changing Stone Veneer Enhancements

Introducing Game-Changing Stone Veneer Enhancements

Tradition Meets Innovation:
Undeniable Impacts & Benefits for Instone Customers

A trio of innovations pioneered by Instone stone veneer producers are bringing a new level of convenience, durability, and sustainability to the industry. With reimagined packaging solutions, a patented water management system, and a modular wall system, these Instone products are creating exceptional experiences for masonry professionals and their clients.  

Be.on, Interloc and Pangaea value propositions

Scroll below for a tour of these remarkable features and their benefits.

Stone Siding Gutters Stop Water Damage

Be.on installation photo
Vince Frassinone and Seal Tight Exteriors used Be.on Stone for this home facade in Illinois.

Be.on D.Rain

With Be.on Stone exterior veneers, any water that sneaks through the joints goes down the D.Rain. The patented and inventive D.Rain system collects and channels rainwater down through a gutter-like system affixed to the back of each stone panel, releasing it into the ground at the bottom of the building. The system was specially designed to protect building exteriors from damage that can be suffered over time from continued moisture exposure.

D.Rain system graphic
See D.Rain in Action.

Vince Frassinone, president and owner of Seal Tight Exteriors, based in Steger, Illinois, recently tried Be.on Stone for two home builds. It was recommended to him by a local supplier who praised it for both its innovation and simplicity.

“A lot of other stone products absorb water, and when they do, it gets behind them and starts rotting the structure,” Frassinone said. “With Be.on Stone, everything is being captured with a rain-screening system, so if something does get behind it, it gets out fast and dries up.”

Be.on stone installation photo

Streamlined Installation

Be.on Stone, a mechanically fastened veneer panel, also known as “screw-on stone veneer” or “stone veneer siding,” is also known for its ease of installation. The installation process is estimated to move as much as four times faster than a conventional veneer project thanks to Be.on Stone’s mortarless stone panels, which can be screwed directly into the studs or substrate. All an installer basically needs is a screw gun, a saw, a grinder, and a level.

Be.on Exterior shot
Contractor: Vince Frassinone of Seal Tight Roofing & Exteriors of IN, Inc FB: @sealtightroofinginc

Frassinone said there was a brief learning curve when his team started its first installation project, but once they got the hang of it, the rest of the project and his second one went quick and easy. Over a year after both installs, he said both homes look brand new and the Be.on Stone has done its job to perfection.

Be.on Stone comes in a variety of colors, distinctive styles, and finishes that can transform a home or building’s exterior to create curb appeal. Customers can use the Be.on Stone Visualizer to create an instant virtual rendering of what their home would look like with its various colors and patterns.

Check out our Inbuilding Design Video Featuring Be.On stone below!

Eliminate Slippage During Stone Veneer Installation

Pangaea Gripset®

Through its patented Gripset technology, Pangaea pre-scores grooves onto the back of each stone during manufacturing. When applying the stone, the grooves allow stones to quickly and effectively grip onto mortar, expediting the installation process and ensuring the work will hold up well for many years. 

Prefit Leads to Less Waste

Pangaea’s thin stone veneer is pre-cut, tooled, trimmed, and fitted, providing a mason with simpler installation and increased quality control. Each pallet layer is pre-blended for optimal color variance and size ratio, saving time and money before installation.

In addition, the company’s packing crates are specially designed to thwart the spread of invasive pest species. The pine used is inspected to ensure that its moisture levels are too low to harbor insects and each crate is International Plant Convention (IPC) certified and stamped.

Kevin and Rob Pangaea box photo
Pangaea fireplace design in living room

Check out our Inbuilding Design video featuring Pangaea Natural Stone below!

Install Natural Stone 8x Faster With Predesigned Interloc Panels

Interloc natural stone veneer panel
Interloc New England Panels

As the name implies, Interloc natural stone veneer panels are engineered to interlock seamlessly. Each panel contains several pieces of stone, allowing installers to cover a surface up to eight times faster than it would take for a typical stone-by-stone job.   

The corner pieces of the Interloc Panel System provide a smooth transition between wall sections. These shapes of the corner pieces match the profile of the Interloc panels, and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different wall heights and thicknesses.

Interloc installation along facade of home

Made from the same high-quality concrete as the Interloc panels themselves, the corner pieces ensure that they provide the same strength and durability as the rest of the wall. They interlock with the adjacent panels, providing a tight and secure fit that prevents shifting or movement over time.

Interloc Natural Stone Veneer Corner Panels from Instone
Interloc New England Corner Panels

Learn More: Find out what these innovations can contribute to your home and commercial property projects. Contact Instone today at customerservice@instoneco.com or (708) 371-0660 to consult one of our experts on Be.on Stone, Pangaea Natural Stone and Interloc Natural Stone Panels products.

Why Stone Veneer is a Natural Fit for Siding and Interior Projects in the Winter

Why Stone Veneer is a Natural Fit for Siding and Interior Projects in the Winter

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Be.On® Stone Rialto Canyon

Be.On® Stone is the Product of Choice for Exterior Stone Siding Projects in the Winter

When the cold weather hits, many building and home improvement projects come to a halt. But not stone veneer projects using Be.On Stone. This manufactured stone veneer product is applied as a mechanically fastened screw-on panel that doesn’t require mortar (which is temperature sensitive). Installation involves a starter strip, and the panels are set in place.

“The nice thing about Be.On Stone is you don’t need a mason to install it,” says Chris Miller, Instone’s territory sales manager. “If you’re a little bit handy, you can do it yourself. There’s not much to it. And it looks great.”

If you’re worried about moisture getting behind your stone veneers and creating mold issues, you can forget about it with Be.On Stone. The panels come with a D.Rain moisture management system, a track gutter system behind the stone. Any water, humidity, rain or snow that gets behind the stone will just drain right out the bottom. 

“You’ll never have moisture damage to any of your sheathing or house wrap, which is awesome!” exclaims Miller. “And it will save you money because typically, with a mortar application of natural stone, you need three or four different types of water barriers on the house, which can get expensive. With Be.On Stone, you only need one.”

Because of its mortar-less application, Be.On Stone can be applied anywhere, even in freezing temperatures. “We’ve had guys out there in negative 15 degrees installing it,” says Miller. “I don’t recommend that, but it can be done!” The screw-on application and z-shaped edges that allow it to be put together seamlessly and form inside and outside corners without separate corner pieces also make for a quicker install than a mortar install. “We’ve had crews install around 200–400 square feet in a day. With a mortar product, you’re looking at only 20–50 square feet a day,” says Miller.

For more information on Be.On® Stone, explore our product page. Interested in stock? Check out our portal page.

Also be sure to check out our Be.On® Stone Inbuilding Design Episode Below!

Interloc is One of the Fastest Installs of Natural Stone Siding

Another product option for installing stone siding in the winter months is Interloc. Unlike other stone siding veneers that are loose pieces that need to be applied one at a time, Interloc is made out of pre-cut panels that fit together and can be installed very quickly, saving time and money.  

It begins with a starter strip on the top or bottom of the install area. Once that is in place, it creates a straight line on which to lay the rest of the panels and corner pieces, which lock together with hidden joints to create a straight, seamless look.

 “It can be assembled and installed very quickly,” says Miller, “It’s designed

 to get teams off the jobs faster, which saves the homeowner money on labor costs.”

Interloc New England 

Interloc is applied with mortar, so be aware that the outside temperature needs to be above 40 degrees to avoid bonding issues. Interloc can be applied in winter in areas with temperatures that fluctuate between freezing and above. Plan the installation for when at least a week of above-40 temperatures is forecast. Some installers will also build a tent around the install area to maintain the right temperature. We recommend hiring a professional to install Interloc.

For more information on Interloc, see our product page. Interested in stock? Check out our portal page.

Want To Learn More About Interloc Products? Check Out Instone’s Jake Alicandro Break Down the Installation Process Below

Be.On® Stone and Interloc for Wintertime Stone Veneer Interior Projects 

Have you imagined how you can add a little extra something to your home interior décor? Use all that time indoors during winter to fix up your home and add some character with stone veneer. Both Be.On Stone® and Interloc can be used indoors for a variety of home improvement projects, such as:

  • An accent/feature wall
  • A Zoom background wall
  • Wainscoting
  • Kitchen backsplash
  • Fireplace surrounds

As mentioned previously, Be.On Stone’s easy install can be done by a handy DIYer. We recommend hiring a professional when installing Interloc, since it requires a mortar application.

So don’t give up on your home during the winter. Use the time to improve your curb appeal and resale value by adding the charm and beauty of stone veneer siding.