Everything You Need to Know About Manufactured Stone Veneer (MSV)
21/7/2025
21/7/2025
7/21/25
If you're considering adding manufactured stone veneer to your home, you're making a smart, value-adding choice. This product has been growing in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason! Manufactured stone veneer can add a touch of elegance to any home, and it's relatively affordable.
In this blog post, we will define manufactured stone veneer, discuss the many benefits of manufactured stone veneer, as well as provide everything else you need to know on the subject. So if you're thinking about adding this beautiful material to your home, be sure to read on!
Manufactured stone veneer is a man-made product that replicates the look of natural stone. While it is not as durable as natural stone, it is much less expensive and easier to install.
The manufactured stone veneer is made from a variety of materials, including concrete, polymers, and pigments. The composition of the stone veneer you choose will affect its price, durability, and weight. For example, concrete stone veneer is the most affordable option, but it is also the heaviest. And polymer stone veneer is more expensive, but it is much lighter in weight.
The term veneer refers to a thin layer of material applied to the surface of something else. In the case of manufactured stone veneer, a thin layer of stone is applied to a backing material, usually concrete or wood. The veneer is then attached using mortar, adhesive, or screws. Once in place, it can be grouted just like natural stone.
Choosing the right siding or accent feature for your home involves weighing both the advantages and trade-offs. Manufactured stone veneer, or MSV stone, comes with many benefits and just a few things to consider.
Let's explore why manufactured stone veneer has become such a popular choice:
While MSV offers numerous advantages, there are some considerations to keep in mind:
Despite these few considerations, the numerous advantages of manufactured stone veneer, especially its exceptional ROI and versatility, make it an excellent choice for most applications.
Understanding the manufacturing and installation process can help you appreciate the craftsmanship behind MSV stone and make the best decision about your project. Let's explore both aspects of bringing this beautiful material to life.
Now that we know all about the advantages of manufactured stone veneer, you might be wondering how exactly it's made. Here's how these beautiful pieces come to life:
It’s a meticulous process, ensuring that each piece maintains consistent quality while preserving the natural beauty that makes stone so appealing in architectural applications.
Installing manufactured stone veneer is a relatively simple process. Let's say it's being installed on a wall. The process typically goes like this:
Professional installation ensures optimal performance and longevity. It’s worth consulting with experienced contractors for your manufactured stone veneer project.
As we've mentioned, MSV is extremely versatile. Here are some examples of places you can find it.
MSV is commonly used on walls, both indoors and outdoors. It can be used to create accent walls or even an entire exterior wall. Discover how you can dramatically boost your curb appeal by adding stone veneer to the exterior of your house — our expert guide walks you through stunning ideas and smart solutions.
MSV can also be used on outbuildings, such as sheds and garages. Exterior manufactured stone veneer is perfect for this.
Contrary to common misconceptions, MSV isn't limited to outdoor applications and excels in interior settings too. MSV is commonly used on fireplace surrounds and firepits. It can help to create a more realistic look, and it's also fire-resistant, which is always a bonus for these high-heat applications.
MSV is also a great choice for grilling pavilions and outdoor kitchens. It's durable, which means it can withstand the heat of grilling, and it's also easy to clean, making maintenance simple in these high-use areas.
MSV transforms ordinary structural elements into stunning focal points. Columns and pillars wrapped in manufactured stone veneer add elegance and visual weight to both interior and exterior spaces.
The water-resistant properties of properly sealed MSV make it ideal for pool copings, water features, and surrounding masonry work, creating resort-like aesthetics in residential settings. It also endures well against splashes, chlorine exposure, and temperature shifts.
While similar in a lot of ways, some key differences between natural stone and MSV can influence your project decision. Understanding these distinctions helps you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option that still delivers stunning results, manufactured stone veneer is likely the better fit, especially for homeowners tackling aesthetic upgrades or exterior remodeling. On the other hand, if you value natural variation and have the structural support and budget to match, thin-cut natural stone may be worth the investment. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and we’re here to help you decide which option is best.
There are two main types of MSV: mortared and dry stack.
Once you've installed MSV, it's important to properly maintain it. Here are some tips:
Manufactured stone veneer is beautiful, durable, and cost-effective. From understanding what MSV stone is to exploring its diverse applications, we’ve covered the essential information you need to make an informed decision about incorporating this versatile material into your next project.
As you can see, there's a lot to know about manufactured stone veneer. But don't let that overwhelm you! Stone Center has been Ohio's trusted source for premium stone products for decades, serving both the Columbus and Cincinnati areas with expertise in both natural stone and manufactured stone veneer solutions. Our premium products and professional installation speak for themselves. Contact us today to get started on your stone veneer project.
Jon, the owner of Stone Center, is a knowledgeable expert in natural stone products, specializing in various types of stone for landscaping and architectural projects. Passionate about promoting the beauty and versatility of natural stone, Jon aims to use these blogs to inspire readers with creative ideas to upgrade their homes.
How much you end up spending to restore stone varies on the type of stone, the technique, and the stone’s current condition. Stone in good condition will cost less to restore, whereas stone that has a lot of wear and tear may require a longer restoration.