We want to take some time to catalog some significant modern trends in thin stone veneer and explore the driving factors behind those trends. We will also spend some time talking about specific thin stone veneer applications, with emphasis on the versatile utility of the product as it relates to interior and exterior architecture and design.
In general, builders often choose thin stone veneer for several reasons. Thin stone veneer weighs less than full stone veneer, which can make for more efficient shipping and subsequently reduce costs. You may also install thin stone veneer relatively easily, without the need for support ledges or footings. And with proper preparation and installation by a professional mason, it can adhere to numerous surface types, including plywood, paneling, metal, drywall, and concrete.
1. Striving for Sustainability
Among the reasons for choosing the material in a remodel or new build, perhaps the most modern motivation driving building trends is the desire for sustainability. Using various plastics and other synthetic materials for building facades or accent walls can seriously increase the carbon footprint of a project.
You may find that some manufactured veneer is cost-efficient, but when it comes to sustainability, natural stone is the better choice. Kafka Granite offers a wide range of colors and cuts for a variety of thin stone veneer applications, all thanks to the abundance of mother nature.
Additionally, we aim to make the most of our stone with every opportunity. When we cut our thin stone veneer to size, we send the cut-offs that result from this process to our crushing facility so they may be crushed into a specialty aggregate product.
2. Adhering to Authenticity
In today’s age of digital interaction and communication, the driver for authenticity in an experience is at an all-time high. When it comes to aesthetics, designers and consumers alike prefer the authentic feel inside and outside – just look at the recent surge in farmhouse-style design.
In fact, some popular thin stone veneer applications can bring the outdoor look indoors with natural color choices and complementary design elements like timber beams. Whether you use thin stone veneer to cover an accent wall or for floor-to-ceiling fireplace stonework, your guests will feel welcomed by the authentic and organic environment.
3. Making Interior and Exterior Spaces Modern and Sleek
Another approach to using thin stone veneer in commercial and residential aesthetics is that of a modern design. It seems that everywhere you look, modern architecture consists of an ingenious mix of sleek, simple, and professional aesthetics.
Contemporary thin stone veneer cuts that pair well with a variety of modern styles include the Sawn Dimensional and Dimensional cuts. This is mostly due to the consistent sawn heights. Other noteworthy cuts with more niche style pairings include Castle Cut and Ashlar, which provide more traditional and rustic looks.
4. Eye-Catching Colors that Don’t Distract
There was a time when colors that popped were everywhere – from fluorescents of the 80s to pastels of the 90s. Certainly, eye-catching qualities in design elements are important, but the natural look is in. What better way to follow eye-catching trends than with a natural assortment of colors?
Kafka Granite has a wide range of light gray to black natural stone veneers, all of which have unique characteristics that blend themselves seamlessly into a variety of design styles and material mixes. Gun Metal Marble and Galaxy Glitter are among the most popular colors we sell in thin veneer. Our Misty Gray Marble appears especially white when paired with a white mortar, while our Starlight Black is a dark charcoal gray, which can take on a jet-black appearance with the use of a natural stone enhancer.
5. Improving the Quality of the Outdoor Experience
Nothing looks quite as natural and fitting as stone used as an outdoor design element. The beauty of using natural stone veneer in outdoor projects is that you can accentuate the atmosphere without the extensive installation drawbacks of full stone veneer.
Whether adding a wall in a landscaping project or improving the aesthetic of an outdoor entertainment area, designers use thin stone veneer to greatly improve the experience of outdoor recreation and relaxation. You can find it used around pillars, garden walls, planters, outdoor kitchens, and more.
However, these are merely enhancements. The most popular way to utilize the beauty of thin stone veneer is as an exterior siding alternative. Thanks to their natural aesthetic and versatility, these stones complement a wide range of residential and commercial styles.
Complement Your Design with Natural Thin Stone Veneer
At Kafka Granite, we source our natural stone from quarries across the Midwest and Canada, which means you have access to a wide spectrum of natural thin stone veneer options. Kafka Granite natural thin stone veneer wears and weathers beautifully and will retain its natural color for years. Learn more about your thin stone veneer options by contacting us today.
