Stone Work & Veneer
Custom stone masonry including natural stone walls, veneer installation, and decorative stonework.
What is Stone Work & Veneer?
Stone masonry represents the pinnacle of the mason's craft, combining natural beauty with exceptional durability. From rustic fieldstone walls to precision-cut architectural stone, professional stone work adds lasting value and distinctive character to every property.
Modern stone masonry includes both structural stone construction and stone veneer applications. While full-depth stone walls remain popular for retaining walls and high-end construction, manufactured and natural stone veneers provide the beauty of stone at reduced weight and cost.
Professional stone masons work with a wide variety of materials including limestone, sandstone, granite, slate, and manufactured stone products. Each material has unique characteristics that affect cutting, setting, and long-term maintenance requirements.
Stone veneer installation requires careful surface preparation, proper waterproofing, and attention to expansion joints and flashing details. When properly installed, stone veneer can last decades with minimal maintenance while transforming the appearance of the structure.
Whether you're building a new stone feature, repairing existing stonework, or adding stone veneer to an existing structure, working with experienced stone masons ensures proper material selection, installation techniques, and long-term durability.
Common Issues We Address
Process Overview
How professional contractors handle stone work & veneer from start to finish
Design & layout
1 visitConfirm stone type, pattern, and coursing; measure surfaces and create a material takeoff.
Prep substrate
1 dayInstall lath/scratch coat or clean masonry, add flashing, weeps, and control joints.
Set stone
2-5 daysButter stones and set to pattern, maintaining level courses and tight joints.
Tool joints & clean
0.5-1 dayStrike or over-grout joints per design, brush and wash without smearing faces.
Seal & finalize
Apply breathable sealer if specified, caulk transitions, complete punch list.
Cost Factors
What typically drives the price of stone work & veneer
Stone type
Full-bed natural stone costs more than thin veneer; hand-cut patterns add labor.
$18 - $45 per sq ft installedWall preparation
Lath, scratch coat, and flashing details add material and labor where needed.
$3 - $8 per sq ftPattern complexity
Dry-stack or random rubble layouts take longer than ledgestone or ashlar.
Height & access
Tall chimneys or facades require staging or lifts.
+$200 - $1,000Sealing and detailing
Drip edges, weeps, sealers, and transition caulking add cost but extend life.
$150 - $600