How Stone Veneer Adds Elegance to Exterior Steps

Stone veneer is a thin coating of stone or similar material, which can be installed to decorate a space or provide protection. It is often used to improve the look of concrete steps outside, taking them from boring to beautiful. Here, Garden State Brickface and Siding explains what makes stone veneer steps unique and why you should consider using them on your property.

What Is Stone Veneer?

Stone veneer is a strong material that allows it to stay preserved under different weather conditions and helps it last for several years. For consumers, it can also be a budget-friendly way to add a decorative and protective element without paying for what natural stone would cost. It’s commonly used in bay windows, doorways, and exterior or interior walls. Its traditional layout patterns are dimensional mosaic, stacked stone, and strip. Some common types of stone that it mimics include:

• Ashlar
• Cobblestone
• Fieldstone
• Granite
• Ledgestone
• Limestone
• Quartzite
• Sandstone

Typical color palettes and styles that are available are:

• Cool white, blue, or gray
• Rustic brown, gray, or tan
• Warm oranges, reds, and yellows
• Multi-colored designs

Exploring Stone Veneer Steps

Adding stone veneer to your outdoor steps can give you a timeless, sophisticated look to enjoy for several years. Steps covered with this material are created by applying a thin layer of one of its styles over a sturdy base that creates the appearance of solid stone steps. Veneer has two distinct forms that can accommodate different needs and project goals. The available types are:

• Natural: This type resembles authentic stone, lasts long, and displays natural color and texture variation.
• Manufactured: This is a cheaper option than natural veneer while also providing a realistic appearance.

Since manufactured veneer isn’t as durable as natural, it shouldn’t be used on step treads. It’s not built to handle frequent foot traffic over time, so it could crack or become uneven, creating safety concerns.

Benefits of Having Steps Covered

Many people use stone veneer to improve the plain appearance that concrete can have. Some of the reasons to enhance your concrete steps with stone veneer include:

• Boosted property value: A beautified structure adds to a space’s curb appeal, which can make it more attractive to a potential buyer.
• Cost-effectiveness: This material can maintain its authentic appearance without strenuous upkeep, allowing a property owner to save on potential maintenance expenses.
• Durability: This material, especially in its manufactured form, is well-suited to extreme cold and hot weather and different types of precipitation.
• Easy installation: Being lightweight makes veneer convenient to carry and maneuver while being put in place.
• Enhanced outdoor aesthetics: Many people add this material to help make their exterior classier and distinguished.
• Low maintenance: Simple measures to help preserve the material’s condition include brushing or vacuuming up dust and debris and cleaning with water and mild detergent.
• Versatility: The material is available in various colors, styles, and textures, allowing it to match seamlessly into different settings.

How the Installation Process Works

The time it takes to have stone veneer steps put in depends on their size, selected style, and contractor experience. For best results, hire a professional from a reputable company like Garden State Brickface and Siding to complete the job correctly. Discussing the process and reviewing your goals can give you a clearer sense of what to expect. Typical aspects of an installation are:

• Getting the steps ready: A professional will use a pressure washer or a wire brush to eliminate any access material, such as dirt, paint, or stains. They’ll then let the surface dry.
• Placing a bonding agent: This substance can help improve surface adhesion to help prevent future structural issues.
• Putting on mortar: After mixing, they’ll spread an ½-inch thick layer of mortar on the steps with a notched trowel and then smooth it with a wet one. 
• Placing the material: With levelers and spacers, they’ll install panels that fit within a step’s shape. They’ll fill open spaces with paste and secure each piece with a rubber mallet.
• Performing the final phase: After removing any extra paste from the panels, the professional will apply a sealant to the newly covered steps to block out moisture and prevent staining.

Choose a Quality Contractor Near Central NJ

If you want to have stone veneer cover concrete steps, select an experienced company to do the job well. Trust Garden State Brickface and Siding, where we have over 70 years of delivering quality customer experiences. We have a high reputation in our Central and Northern NJ service areas and use the latest products and best practices in our work. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free estimate.