What is Stone Veneer Used For?

Stone veneer is an extremely popular choice when it comes to home remodeling and home improvement projects. This type of rock is extremely versatile in that it can be used for a number of things. Best of all, this type of product can be used to compliment any type of architectural design. Regardless of how small or large, or what type of structure you are looking to improve, stone veneer may prove to be right choice for you. If you have wanted to create a new look and feel in your home - or outside your home - this product may be right for you! This article will introduce you to this product, as well as some ways that it can be used in and around the home.

What is Stone Veneer Used For?

There are many different uses for stone veneer. Many homeowners have successfully created siding for the exterior of the home using this type of stone. Then, there are some who have placed veneer on the interior walls of the home. This product can often be seen outlining the fireplace on the inside of a residence. However, many may elect to use it to create an outdoor fireplace. If you have been looking to create an outdoor living area, you may elect to use this type of rock to do so. Many gardens, garden ponds, and even small outlining retaining walls have implemented the use of stone veneer in order to create a unique design and appeal to the structure. When it comes to stone veneer, a home owner has the flexibility to get really creative. If you are looking for a product that will bring a creative and exquisite flair to your home, this is the product for you!

Where Can Stone Veneer Be Found?

There are many stores that specialize in selling stone veneer. Unfortunately, many of these retailers specialize in products that exhibit low quality and fail in the area of appeal. They know and understand the importance of quality and pricing when it comes to veneer. You can choose from a large number of items and features as well.

Conclusion

If you are looking for beautiful building materials, or those that exemplify all standards when it comes to construction, stone veneer may be the right choice for you. You have many choices available to you when selecting this type of rock for your home improvement and home repair projects. Despite the quality and selection, this stone is actually priced relatively fair. Most individuals working on a project find that they are able to successfully purchase this product - despite their budget. If you want the best products, and the best prices, check out Halquist Stone Company.

Stone Veneer Fireplace: Have You Been Considering One?

A fireplace adds warmth to your home and an elegant touch to a room, but it doesn't always reflect your personal style. You can fix that with a stone veneer fireplace.

A fireplace provides heat for our rooms, but also is an architectural element in a room that must be addressed when remodeling and redecorating. Typically built into walls, they are traditionally not movable, meaning you can't reposition them in your room. Instead you must find a way to incorporate them into your design.

Just look in home design magazines and catalogs for fireplace ideas. The pictures will inspire you and the captions near the photos will help educate you about the many options available to you. Veneer comes in many styles and designs and can be installed easily.

Installation isn't terribly difficult and can be accomplished by those with a DIY attitude. However, you may want to consider professional installation of your new stone veneer fireplace.

Stone veneer panels can be purchased in sheets like siding locally or purchased online. The site or salesman can give you ideas about what to use in your home or how to do it yourself. The manufactured stone veneer come in ranges from thin to thick, can be real stone or fake. It can be natural stone or whatever you like. It can even be brick. Additionally you can buy it for interior or exterior applications. You will need to find out what works best for your situation. You can use it over brick or other surfaces. When you get your veneer home, before installation, be sure and keep it stacked flat so as not to break it.

A variety of finishes can be applied to stone veneer to achieve diverse architectural and aesthetic effects

Prices range from very expensive on down. You can even look for molds online or locally if you feel like really undertaking a project. This is not recommended because the application of a veneer panel is much easier to accomplish if it has been manufactured correctly. Slight variances in cement mixtures can wreak havoc on your project very quickly. Installing these siding type products is much easier then installing your own!

If you decide to install it yourself rather than letting a professional assist you, be sure and have 2 or 3 people handy for lifting and positioning. You simply can't do this alone. Your local salesman can give you more information about the right adhesive to use for your situation. You can still order online. Just be sure and use a reputable company if you do buy from a website, one that will allow you to return your purchase if you aren't happy with the color or quality. You're doing all this so you will love your new fireplace, not be stuck with a different fireplace.

Fireplaces are relaxing and appealing, and tend to reflect a sense of tradition because central heat and air manage the heating of our homes. That being said they do provide a tremendous value that surpasses their original necessity. They give us a feeling of comfort and security. Make yours also fit your style with a stone veneer fireplace surround and you're in business!

Stone Veneer - 5 Things you can do to update your Living Room For Free

We spend quite a considerable amount of time in our living rooms entertaining and receiving guests. We all want that comforts of a cozy, well-designed home. The living room can be considered the heart of some homes. A full living room update or full home makeover means you have to change the flooring, furniture and wall color. However, a limited budget can make it too hard to achieve. If you're sick of your space, don't underestimate the power of a few small changes; so if you have not changed anything in that room for quite some time now, here's how you can easily inject a breath of fresh air into your living halls without spending a dime.

1.    Rearrange the Furniture

This is no doubt the least expensive way to update a room, in fact, is also one, of the easiest ways and it’s free. When you change your living room furniture arrangement, you will give your room a whole new look and can also satisfy your need for of changing the look without spending a dime. However, if the furniture is too bulky for you to arrange you can call on a friend to help, or better still rearrange your accessories and bookshelf displays. You’d be surprised at what a big impact it can have.

2.    Add scatter or throw cushions

You can easily change your living color and look by adding some throw cushions. Cushions with bright colors or soft pastels will just work well. All you need to do is get some throw cushions in great designs that complement the rest of your living area. You can arrange in a way that pleases your eyes or throw them casually against your sofa or your window seats.

3.    Change the Lampshades

Lampshades are very cool, and they look like little jewels that are scattered around the room. When you make changes to them, then you’re changing the mood. There are a lot of designs available for you to choose from that when you see the perfect one you will know. Try going to stores to get an idea of what’s out there or go custom if you can’t find what you like.

4.    Bring the garden into your living room

Another way you can create an interesting and refreshing look for the living room is by bringing fresh blooms placed in large vases or single buds inside. You can go for the silk materials if you’re too busy to change or replace the fresh flowers; just don’t underestimate the power of green plants in the room.

5.    Update Window Treatments

Many people tend to overlook their windows and end up not adding some improvement to it. Many people tend to get caught up in what style would suit the room best, leaving the windows bare or just install simple blinds for privacy. The fact is, windows also deserve some dressing, and you’re missing out on some great design when you leave your windows bare. Your windows can be dressed to perfectly suit your style and taste.

Be creative when you are redecorating your home. Don't think you have to go out and spend a lot of money to update the look of your home. And remember to spice things up you can spend a little bucks and incorporate stone fireplace or stone veneer fireplace to get things popping. 

Stone Fireplace - Ten Ways to Add Warmth to Your Home During The Cold Winter

Winter is a hard season for everyone. It can be tough to stay positive on overcast days, stay dry on rainy ones, and most importantly, keep warm and snug when the temperature drops. When outside during the frosty season, most people will bundle up with scarves, thermals, boots, coats, hats, and other layers to keep warm and toasty.

 However, there is more than one-way to warm up your home during the cold winter months. Read on to find out 10 of the best ways to keep the cold weather from creeping in. 

Stone fireplace 

A stone veneer fireplace doesn’t only looks trendy and fashionable, but it is also one of the most effective ways to warm up your home. With a stone fireplace in your living room, you can curl up in front of a warm fire with a glass of wine, a good book, or even a loved one, and remain blissfully ignorant of the stormy weather outside.

Stone siding

Stone acts as an excellent insulator. This means that if you install exterior stone siding, you can naturally keep your house warm and save money on your energy bills. Stone veneer even keeps your home cool in the warmer months, which means that no matter the weather, stone siding has you covered!

Curtains

Curtains are a feature that most people take for granted. By making sure your curtains are shut when it’s cold, you can insulate your room naturally and cheaply.

Roof insulation

By insulating your roof and walls, you can keep heat indoors naturally. Although this can be expensive due to materials and labor costs, it can save you a lot of money on your electricity bill in the long run.

Reduce draughts

Remember the draught excluder (long thin cushions) that your grandma used to put under the door? Well, it turns out that your grandma had the right idea! It has been proven that draught excluders keep in heat, block out cold draughts from outside, and can make a difference in your energy bill. You can get them for as low as $6 online, so even though it’s a little old-fashioned it’s worth it!

Wrap up warm

When all else fails, simply wrapping yourself up in your thermals can be a great option for staying warm, especially if you are on a budget. Thick bed socks and sheepskin slippers can also keep you feeling toasty when the temperature is dropping.

Rugs

Many homes that are built on a slab and are un-insulated lose a lot of heat; a simple remedy to this is to purchase some rugs and carpets to keep your home and feet nice and warm.

Seal windows

Windows lose a lot of heat and let cold air in. There are a variety of window insulation options such as special blinds, shades, and curtains!

Blankets for your body

It seems obvious, but blankets are one of the most effective ways to keep warm. Circulation slows when sitting down, so get a high-quality blanket to stay warm and comfortable.

Blankets for the walls

It may seem like a mad scheme, but because walls can let in a lot of cold air, many people hang blankets on their walls.

Adding Value To Your Home With Stone Veneer

As a homeowner, you probably look for ways to add to your home’s value and your overall satisfaction with your home on a regular basis. Not all “home improvement projects” are created equal, though, as some are more worthwhile than others. One home improvement project that will yield the most return on your investment is adding stone veneer to your home in some form.

 According to Yahoo Real Estate, you can yield up to a 92.2% return on your investment when you incorporate veneer siding into your home’s facade. Now that you know it’s a worthwhile investment, you might wonder how to go about adding stone to your home. Thankfully, we can help you with this. Read below for some ways to incorporate stone into your home:

Exterior Stone Siding:

In most cases, you can easily have stone installed on the exterior of your home. This creates a rich look that exudes class and luxury, while dramatically improving your home’s curb appeal. It will also help your home stand out from the others around it that feature plain vinyl or clapboard siding. Moreover, it creates the illusion that your home is built out of stone, increasing its value and appeal.

Keep in mind, exterior stone doesn’t have to be only in the form of siding. You can instead use veneer stone as an accent on your home’s exterior. You can do this by creating stone pillars on the porch, having a stone accent wall added to the front of your home, or use it to cover up unattractive foundation. The idea is to incorporate stone into your home’s exterior in small amounts. Doing this will break up the long lines of a ranch or add style and flair to an otherwise dull exterior. In other words, it gives the exterior of your home a little boost.

Fireplace Stone:

Another way to incorporate stone into your home is adding a fireplace and using stone veneer to cover the visible parts of that fireplace. You can install beautiful fireplace stone in your living room or can create an outdoor patio fireplace using stone. This trend of creating an outdoor fireplace is extremely popular right now. Of course, you could add both versions for even more appeal. Just imagine yourself sitting alongside a crackling fire enjoying a pleasant evening at home. What is more relaxing than that?

A fireplace will also give you the benefit of heating your home without the use of electricity, and in Chicago, that is a huge selling point. However, if the idea of a true wood burning fireplace doesn’t appeal to you, you can always add an electric or gas fireplace that provides warmth and gives the illusion of a fireplace.

Veneer stone is ideal for electric or gas fireplaces, as it gives it a more authentic look. This will make your electric or gas fireplace easily mistaken for a real, wood burning fireplace, but you won’t have to deal with the hassle associated with those units. Furthermore, adding a fireplace, whether it be wood burning, gas or electric, is a good move when it comes to increasing your home’s value, since according to a National Home Builders report, fireplaces rank in the top three desired amenities by homebuyers.

Adding stone to your home in some form or fashion is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal and to increase its overall value. It also will ensure you love your home more than you ever have before. Therefore, the next time you are thinking about improving your home, consider adding stone through one of the methods listed above.

Ref: https://northstarstone.biz/adding-value-to-your-home-with-stone-veneer/