![]() The biggest disadvantages of stone panel systems are the relative cost of the product is much higher than unprocessed loose stone, but when factoring in the lower cost of installation many times stone panel systems actually end up costing less on an installed cost per square foot basis. Because the product comes as a repeatable shape, it can be installed quickly and efficiently, sometimes 10x as fast as hand stacked loose stone. The ideal installer for a stone panel system is a tile installer with some experience in setting natural stone tiles, but is also well within the range of most DIY homeowners as well. The biggest advantages of a stone panel systems is in the relative easy and therefore lower labor cost to install stone panel systems as compared to hand stacked loose stone. These “thin” stones are then glued together, or sometimes mounted to a backer in a standard size. Stone panel systems have been around for about the past 15 years or so, and are made possible by advances in stone processing equipment that allows the stone to be split and cut into thinner sections. The combination of a skilled installer plus a lengthy installation can make the cost of installation high. ![]() The installation process can often be tedious and slow, and some loose stone installations also will get “mortared in”, meaning masonry mortar is “pointed” into the gaps between each stone. The drawbacks of hand stacked loose stone is that skilled, experienced labor is a must for a great looking installation. With the variety of stone available for an installation like this, it also opens us this category of stone veneer to almost every price point. Stone masons are adept at using rock hammers and chisels to strike larger stones at just the right point to break it into smaller pieces or into a certain shape to fit the installation. Pretty much any stone can be used, or modified to be used, to be stacked on a wall. Some of the main advantages of using hand stacked loose stone are the breadth of stone options available to you. Hand stacked stone has been around for centuries – just take a look at many forts, castles, city walls, etc and you’ll see examples of stonework that has been hand stacked and stood the test of time. It makes sense to start off with loose individual stones because this method really is the original when it comes to stacked stone. So let’s take a closer look at each of these product types and learn the good, bad, and ugly to help you decide what’s the right product for your next stacked stone veneer installation. ![]() ![]() There’s a healthy debate about using individual loose stones vs stone panel systems for a stacked stone veneer installation, and for good reason! Each product and installation method comes with its own set of pros and cons. ![]()
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