Stone is one of the oldest building materials in the world, providing a classic durable and beautiful finish.
Stone is probably the oldest building material in the world, something that has been used to provide a durable shelter for man since the beginning of time. Nowadays, though it’s less common to build something from stone itself, masonry veneers are still used frequently to provide a durable, high end, and timeless look to a structure.
Whether you are upgrading your home’s exterior curb appeal, designing a custom interior fireplace, or building a high-end detached structure, masonry veneer is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your property.
It can completely transform a room, an exterior, a fireplace, an outdoor living area, or any place you want to facelift and upgrade. Depending on where you’re at here in northern AZ, there are veneer options for your building – for example, in Sedona, we have the classic red stone options, whereas in the mountains around Prescott or Flagstaff, a more rustic stone is often desired.
Veneer is a non-structural outer layer of masonry applied to a wall or surface, typically 1/2″ to 2″ thick. It can be man-made or cut from natural stone. It provides the heavy, timeless look of a solid stone or brick wall without the massive structural weight requirements.
There are three main types of veneer: natural stone, manufactured stone, and brick
Natural Stone Veneer
High-end feature walls, luxury exterior facades, custom fireplaces, high end exteriors.
Real quarried stone cut thin (usually 1 to 1.5 inches thick). Unmatched, authentic color variation and unique textures.
Manufactured Stone
Large-scale exteriors, retaining wall facing, budget-conscious remodels.
Engineered concrete cast in molds and hand-colored to mimic natural stone. Lightweight, consistent sizing, and cost-effective.
Brick Veneer
Classic architectural styles, commercial facades, accent walls.
Genuine clay or concrete brick cut into thin profiles. Extremely durable, timeless aesthetic, and low maintenance.
The biggest mistake homeowners make is hiring a contractor who uses Phoenix installation methods in Yavapai County. Our region experiences a freeze-thaw cycle as well as intense summer monsoons.
If a masonry installation lacks proper waterproofing and drainage, monsoon rains will penetrate the mortar joints. When winter hits, that trapped moisture freezes, expands, and literally pushes the stone right off your house.
A veneer is only as good as the hidden layers beneath it. Here is how a premium installation process protects your investment:
Before a single stone is lifted, the substrate (whether it is wood framing or exterior sheathing) must be protected. A premium installation uses a double layer of Grade D building paper or a commercial-grade synthetic weather-resistant barrier (WRB). This ensures that if wind-driven monsoon rain ever penetrates the stone, it hits the barrier and drains down, rather than rotting your home’s framing.
Next, a galvanized, corrosion-resistant metal lath is securely fastened into the wall’s structural studs. Over this lath, masons apply a “scratch coat”—a specialized base layer of mortar that is horizontally scored. This coat cures to create an incredibly rigid, grooved surface that bonds permanently with the heavy stone.
Standard mortar mixes will crack under heavy freeze-thaw stress. High-quality installations in Northern Arizona require polymer-modified mortars or specific Type S mixes designed for high flexural strength and cold-weather durability.
Each piece of veneer is “back-buttered” with mortar and pressed into the scratch coat, creating a suction bond. Once set, the joints are meticulously filled (grouted) and struck to the desired finish—whether that is a deeply recessed joint to make the stone pop, or an over-grout finish for a rustic, old-world aesthetic.
Because of its reduced weight compared to full-bed masonry, veneer is incredibly versatile. Popular applications across Prescott and surrounding areas include:
At FinnBuilt, we specialize in high-end masonry and structural construction designed specifically for Northern Arizona. We don’t cut corners on the hidden prep work, meaning your stone veneer will look just as flawless after a decade of hard winters as it did on day one.
Ready to upgrade your property? Don’t guess on material costs or wait on unreliable contractors. Contact FinnBuilt today to schedule your free on-site masonry evaluation and design consultation.
If you are considering a project, contact us through the form here, give us a call at 928-460-3573, or email at john@finnbuilt.com and we’ll be happy to help!
Servicing the state of Arizona
928-460-3573
john@finnbuilt.com
paul@finnbuilt.com
