BUILDER PERSPECTIVES
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Weighing less than fifteen
pounds per square foot, it can
even be applied to non-load
bearing walls.
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SUMMER 2014
This page: Natural Thin Stone Veneer's light weight
allows for more versatile applications.
Opposite: The stones on this 350 square foot fireplace
would weigh over 15,000 pounds with traditional
masonry stone; using Natural Thin Stone Veneer, it
weighs less than 5000 pounds.
Taking the TON
Out of sTONe
BY : KATE CLEMENT,
S TO N E S O U R C E M A S O N R Y S U PPLI E S
I M AG ES C O U R TE S Y S TO N E YAR D.C O M
❱❱ Building with masonry is a timeless art form. Stonemasonry is one of
monuments throughout history. Think of the Roman cities, Egyptian
been a building material of choice for hundreds, even thousands of years.
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Stonemasonry evokes a feeling of permanence, strength and beauty.
SUMMER 2014
pyramids, and Greek temples that are still standing today. Natural stone has
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the earliest trades of civilization, and is responsible for the most impressive
❰❰
Unlike most building materials, which
need to be replaced and disposed of during the
lifecycle of the building, natural stone will last a
lifetime, often improving with age.
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76
❱❱
SUMMER 2014
Now, more than ever, stone is becoming more accessible to
the average homeowner.
Full bed stone veneer, often referred to as full dimensional
stone, is the standard for stonemasonry. The bed depth is the
measurement from the face of the rock to the install surface.
Full bed stone veneer has a typical bed depth of three- tofive inches or more. Its beauty is unquestionable, but it has
limitations as to how it can be applied because of its weight
and cost.
Thin cut stone, or natural thin stone veneer is a modern
twist on a timeless building tradition. Thin stone is becoming
increasingly popular. It has all of the classic and unique
qualities of full bed stone veneer, but it is more versatile,
affordable, and ultimately has a lighter impact on the earth.
Thin cut stone is 100% natural stone that is sawn to be 3/4”
to 1-1/4” thick. It should not be confused with artificial or
manufactured stone. Weighing less than fifteen pounds per
square foot, it can even be applied to non-load bearing walls.
The corner pieces are “L” shaped, wrapping around the corner
of the structure giving the appearance of a full bed masonry
stone. It does not need the footings, ledgers, and wall ties
required for full bed masonry stone. It is supported by the wall
to which it is installed. It can be installed over many different
building surfaces such as wood, metal or poured concrete. Thin
stone can be applied right on top of existing masonry, such
as bricks or blocks. Updating an outdated brick fireplace or
chimney has never been easier. Nothing structural needs to be
done. This thin profile makes thin stone easier to work with and
it can be used in areas that cannot support traditional masonry.
Think of how many homes in Steamboat have a stone
fireplace that only goes as high as the mantel. This is because of
weight constraints. With its lighter weight, thin stone can reach
all the way to the ceiling, adding to the grandness and character
of a fireplace, creating a focal point in the room.
Fireplaces are just the beginning of uses for thin stone. It
can be used outdoors and indoors. Accent walls, wine cellars,
columns, chimneys, outdoor kitchens, and archways are just
a few examples. It is a perfect choice for new construction
or remodels, residential or commercial. When it comes to
designing with stone the options are limitless. There are broad
variations in color, texture, and the cut of the stone. Stones can
be blended, to make a one-of-a-kind look, and can be used in
conjunction with full bed masonry stone.
Stone is a sustainable building material, and a product of
choice in the green building industry. It is naturally occurring
and readily available. It is durable, with a lifecycle of a hundred
The beauty of Natural Thin Stone Veneer, a green building product, can be used for interior and
exterior applications.
Thin stone corner pieces are "L" shaped, wrapping around the corner of the structure giving the
appearance of full bed masonry stone.
years or more. Unlike most building
materials, which need to be replaced and
disposed of during the lifecycle of the
building, natural stone will last a lifetime,
often improving with age. Ultimately, it
can even be reused or recycled into other
building materials. Advances in stone
quarrying and processing are further
reducing the cost to the environment. Use
of full dimensional stone or thin stone
veneer can earn LEED points in several
categories.
Thin cut stone veneer is even better
for the earth too. Often thin veneer is
a recycled or reclaimed product. It can
be made using leftover pieces from
quarrying, or stone fabrication such
as granite countertop production. One
ton of full bed stone veneer can cover
approximately forty square feet. Compare
that to one ton of thin stone veneer
which can cover about 135 square feet.
Carbon footprints are also reduced in
transporting thin stone. One truckload of
full bed stone veneer can cover about 900
square feet. Three thousand square feet of
surface can be covered by a truckload of
thin veneer. Ultimately about one quarter
of the stone is quarried.
Whether you are installing a traditional
full bed stone or a thin cut stone, a
mason, who is a true craftsman, is
recommended. There are new building
codes for Routt County that should
be followed for proper installation. A
skilled mason used to designing with
stones, will fit the stones together in
the most esthetically pleasing way. A
good stonemason can turn stones into
functional works of art.
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BY THE SQUARE FOOT, TON OR TRUCKLOAD . . . SUMMER 2014
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