Marble is perhaps one of the most elegant natural stones you can choose for your interior design project. Its timeless look and pristine quality make marble the object of desire of many homeowners and decor aficionados. One of the most popular ways in which marble is used at the moment is in a veneer form. But what exactly is marble veneer?
In this article, we are going to discuss what is veneer, how to properly care for it, and some tips on how to use it in your project.
What is Veneer?
Veneer, also called stacked stone, is made by combining a layer of natural stone with a thin sheet of a second material, like fiberglass resin or aluminum composite. This is then installed over another surface, giving it the appearance of the material chosen for the veneer.
So what you end up with is essentially a “cover” made out of a specific stone. This cuts costs while keeping up the appearance of the desired stone. Underneath you can have a cheap resistant material, and cover it up with a stone that best suits the aesthetic of your ambiance.
The veneer “sheets” usually range from 3/4 to 1/2 inches thick, but they still weigh around 13 pounds per square foot. However, there are no weight restrictions for installation, so you can pretty much use them almost anywhere you want.
And you are not limited to marble! There are a lot of stones you can choose from. The manufactures can cut several different types of stones to create a veneer. That ends up giving you an array of textures and colors to choose from.
Veneer can be used both in interior and exterior design. But be mindful, it can never be used as a structural product. The installation process will depend on the kind of veneer you chose, but a good rule of thumb is to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Marble Veneer Maitenance
The veneer will need the same care and maintenance as it would a slab of the material you chose for it. One extra aspect you need to be mindful of is the accumulation of moisture between the veneer and the surface on which it is installed.
This is especially dangerous on exterior installations, where the veneer will be exposed to weather conditions. But don’t worry, a good moisture barrier will prevent any problems. Other than that, is business as usual according to the material you choose for your veneer.
In the case of marble, this article gives some excellent tips on how to properly care for it.
Applications of Marble Veneer
Vessel Sink
Interior and Exterior Wall Siding
Decking and Pool Sides
Porch Dormer
Waterfall Edge
Is it worth it to use Veneer instead of slabs?
That’s a very important question.
Although, as you could see from our ideas above, veneer can be used in a different number of ways very effectively, it doesn’t really substitute the real slab. The best option is always to go for a proper slab of marble, or of any material you want, for that matter.
A proper slab will last longer, even a lifetime, if properly cared for. Veneer, however, can cause some problems in the long run. It is harder to clean properly and the installation can be tricky sometimes. It works wonders for very specific purposes, but, overall, an entire slab is always the best choice.
On surfaces where there’s a lot of action, like kitchen countertops, veneer can cause more harm than good. And don’t even think about using it on surfaces that need to be structurally stable! Veneer is nothing more than a “coat” around a solid surface. If there’s no solid surface, there’s no way to use veneer.
Professional Help and Installation
The use of veneer can be an excellent choice in specific scenarios and when you want to cut costs but still be true to your vision. But it doesn’t exactly substitute a proper slab, always go for one if you can. As always, it is recommended that you hire professionals to help you make the best choices.
If you’re lucky enough to be around Sarasota, FL, the best professionals can be found at Eagle Stones. For years they have been providing the region with high-quality services on fabrication and installation of stone products.
Give them a call right now at +1 941-227-2000 or reach through the email sales@eaglestonesusa.com. They’ll be happy to help you with every interior design need you might have.
