Are These Stone Panels?
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When it comes to adding the look of stone to your home or building, manufactured stone veneer has become a popular alternative to natural stone. It offers the aesthetic beauty of real stone at a fraction of the cost, weight, and installation time. However, if you’ve decided to go the route of manufactured stone veneer, there’s still a key decision to make: should you use manufactured stone veneer panels or opt for individual manufactured stones? Both options have distinct advantages depending on your project type, budget, and desired finish. Let's break down the differences to help you make the best choice.
Originally posted September 23, 2024, updated February 20, 2026.
What are manufactured stone veneer panels?
Manufactured stone veneer panels are large sheets made from cast molds of real stone. These panels replicate the appearance of several individual stones bound together. The panels are designed to cover larger areas quickly and often include pre-arranged patterns, giving the finished wall a seamless and uniform look.
Advantages of manufactured stone veneer panels
1. Faster installation: the biggest benefit of using veneer panels is speed, stone panels cover large areas is far quicker compared to installing individual stones. This can save both time and labor costs, making it ideal for big projects or commercial jobs where deadlines are tight.
2. Consistent patterns: panels often come in standardized sizes, making it easier to maintain a consistent appearance, which can be challenging with individually laid stones. This is useful if you want a symmetrical and uniform look.
3. Less skilled labor required: the simplified installation process of veneer panels means you don’t necessarily need a highly experienced mason to achieve a professional result. The panels fit together like puzzle pieces, which makes installation accessible for DIYers.
4. Cost-effective for large areas: for larger projects like covering full exterior walls or commercial buildings, panels are a cost-effective solution because of the time and labor savings.
Drawbacks of stone panels
1. Limited customization: while fast and uniform, panels limit your ability to customize the layout and pattern of your stones. You are essentially locked into the design that comes with the panel.
2. Visible seams: though many panels fit together seamlessly, over time the joints between panels can become more noticeable, especially if the installation isn’t flawless.
3. Weight: stone veneer is made out of Portland cement, manufacturing it in sheets/panels is just not reasonable as the weight of the finished product would make it very difficult for the end user to install/work with, therefore the majority of manufactured stone veneer available in the market today will be individual stones.
What are individual manufactured stones?
Individual manufactured stones, on the other hand, are separate pieces that mimic the look of individual stones found in nature. Each stone is applied one at a time, allowing for more intricate designs and a greater degree of customization.
Advantages of individual manufactured stones
1. Higher customization: with individual stones, you have complete control over the layout. You can create a custom design, whether that’s random patterns or something more structured. This makes individual stones the best option for more detailed or artistic projects, such as accent walls or fireplaces where the appearance is a focal point.
2. Natural, organic look: because you can vary the placement and orientation of each stone, the final look is more natural, like traditional stone masonry. If you're aiming for an authentic old-world charm, individual stones are often preferred.
3. Better for curved or irregular surfaces: if your project involves curved walls, corners, or uniquely shaped surfaces, individual stones provide the flexibility needed to follow those contours seamlessly. Stone panels may struggle with irregularities or require more cutting.
Drawbacks of individual manufactured stones
1. Slower installation: laying individual stones can take significantly more time. Each piece needs to be carefully positioned, adhered, and grouted (if required), making the process much more labor-intensive.
2. May require skilled labor: precision is key when installing individual stones to avoid gaps and achieve a polished look. If you aren’t experienced in stonework, hiring a skilled mason may be necessary, which can increase the overall cost of your project.
3. Higher cost for installation: while individual stones give you more control, the slower installation time can increase costs, especially for large-scale projects. For smaller areas like a fireplace surround, the extra labor might be worth it, but for large exterior walls, the labor cost can add up quickly.
Choosing between stone veneer panels and individual stones
Deciding between manufactured stone veneer panels and individual stones depends on the size, complexity, and goals of your project. Stone veneer panels are ideal for large areas, helping you cover walls quickly while minimizing labor costs and installation time. They provide a uniform, consistent look, making them perfect for straightforward applications like flat exterior walls or expansive interior surfaces. On the other hand, individual manufactured stones are better suited for projects that require a highly customized, natural appearance. They allow for curves, unique shapes, and detailed stonework, making them ideal for accent walls, fireplaces, or smaller areas where intricate design matters. From a cost perspective, stone veneer panels are generally more affordable overall due to faster installation and lower labor requirements, especially for large projects. Individual stones may be slightly more expensive because of the longer installation process and potential need for skilled labor, but the added design flexibility can make the investment worthwhile for high-impact or decorative projects.
Does Mountain View Stone offer stone panels or individual stones?
The majority of our stone profiles are individual stones and they are made of Portland cement. The individual stones will vary in size, shape, and thickness. To achieve the desired natural stone finish as shown in our images it is up to the installer to arrange the individual stones in the correct pattern and install each stone one at a time. As our stone veneer is made out of Portland cement, manufacturing it in sheets/panels is just not reasonable as the weight of the finished product would make it very difficult for the end user to install/work with, therefore the majority of manufactured stone veneer available in the market today will be individual stones. If you are looking for a panel system, our ready stack profile is a mini panel stone product and is installed in sections at a time. Each panel measures 4” high but will vary in length (5.5”, 8.25”, 11”, 16.5”) and thickness (1.5”-2.5”). Each ready stack panel has multiple stones on each panel face. To achieve the desired finish as shown in our images it is up to the installer to arrange the panels in the correct pattern and install each panel one at a time.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the main differences between stone veneer panels and individual stones? Stone veneer panels come in large sheets that cover more area quickly and provide a uniform, consistent look, while individual stones are applied one by one, offering higher customization and a more natural, organic appearance. Panels are ideal for large, flat surfaces, whereas individual stones are better for accent walls, fireplaces, and curved or irregular surfaces.
2. Which option is easier and faster to install? Stone veneer panels are faster to install and require less skilled labor, making them cost-effective for large projects. Individual stones take more time and precision to lay, often requiring experienced installers for a polished, professional finish.
3. Are stone veneer panels or individual stones more cost-effective? Stone panels generally cost less overall due to reduced labor and faster installation, especially on large exterior walls or commercial projects. Individual stones may be slightly more expensive because of longer installation time, but the extra cost is often worth it for projects that need intricate design or a natural look.
4. Can I achieve a custom design with stone veneer panels? Stone panels have pre-arranged patterns, so customization is limited. If your project requires unique layouts, random patterns, or detailed designs, individual stones offer the flexibility needed to create a fully customized finish.
5. Does Mountain View Stone offer stone panels or individual stones? Most of Mountain View Stone’s products are individual stones made from Portland cement. For those looking for a panel-style installation, our ready stack profile offers mini panels installed in sections, combining multiple stones per panel for easier installation while maintaining a natural look.
6. Are stone panels suitable for curved or irregular surfaces? Individual stones are the better choice for curved walls, corners, or uniquely shaped surfaces. Panels may require cutting and adjustments, which can complicate installation, whereas individual stones provide the flexibility to follow contours seamlessly.
Are these stone panels?
Manufactured stone veneer, whether in panel form or as individual stones, offers a fantastic way to achieve the beauty of stone without the high cost or weight. By understanding the differences between these two options, you can choose the one that best suits your project’s needs, timeline, and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re aiming for quick, efficient coverage or a customized, natural look, there’s a manufactured stone veneer option for you.
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DIY stone veneer installation: A step-by-step guide.
What's next?
Discover the perfect look for your project! Shop now or order a sample to see and feel the quality for yourself!
Have a question?
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For general information and questions please call: (864) 882-8960 Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm (EST) or email: info@mountainviewstone.net we are more than happy to help you.
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We look forward to working with you on your upcoming project.
The Mountain View Stone Team
Pictured is ready stack smoke.
