Natural stone is quarried in full depth — fieldstone, bluestone, and ledgestone are all natural stone. Stone veneer is a thin slice (typically 1–2 inches) cut from natural stone or manufactured from concrete to look like stone. Natural stone costs more but is structurally part of the wall. Veneer is applied to a substrate — it does not carry load. For exterior applications in Chester County, natural stone veneer with proper weather-resistant barrier, metal lath, and scratch coat performs well. Manufactured veneer also performs well when properly installed. Veneer applied directly to sheathing without proper substrate fails in this climate — moisture intrusion and delamination are common failure modes.
Questions? We offer free on-site consultations in Chester County and Delaware County.