Stone Veneer Corners

Whether you're building a fireplace surround, an accent wall, or an exterior facade, achieving clean, professional-looking corners is crucial. That’s where prefabricated outside corners come in. These purpose-built components are designed to create seamless, natural-looking transitions around 90-degree angles. Let’s explore why outside corners matter, what your options are, and how to properly handle both outside and inside corners.

What are stone veneer outside corners?

Stone veneer outside corners are L-shaped pieces designed to wrap around 90-degree outside edges. They are made to match the texture, color, and pattern of flat stone veneer pieces but are formed to create a natural stone overlap at the corner. This overlap mimics the look of full-thickness stones stacked or interlocked around a corner, offering a professional finish.

Why use stone veneer corner pieces?

If you're installing stone veneer around a corner, using prefabricated outside corners will give you the best-looking and longest-lasting result. Here's why:

1. Natural appearance: prefabricated corners replicate how real stones would naturally overlap, avoiding the appearance of a seam or hard line.

2. Structural consistency: they maintain the visual flow of the stone pattern, which can otherwise be disrupted by cut flat pieces.

3. Time savings: using corners reduces the need for time-consuming cuts and miters.

4. Weather resistance: on exterior installations, well-fit corner pieces reduce the number of seams that could let moisture in, protecting against freeze/thaw damage over time.

Can you use flats to build outside corners?

Yes, you can use flats to build outside corners, but it’s not ideal as it takes more time and skill to get a clean result. If you choose to use stone veneer flats to build outside corners here are the two main approaches:

1. Mitered cuts: this involves cutting two flat stone veneer pieces at a 45-degree angle and joining them together at the corner. This technique creates a crisp, custom-fitted look. Keep in mind that this method requires a wet saw and precise cuts. If not done correctly, it may expose the back of the stone veneer.

2. Overlapping technique: some installers choose to alternate overlapping flat pieces on each side of the corner, mimicking a shiplap-style pattern. How it works: on the first row, extend a flat stone from the face wall past the corner. On the next row, extend a flat stone from the adjacent wall over the first stone. Continue alternating as you build upward. This technique can work in a pinch, especially in rustic designs, but it won’t match the seamless look of true corner pieces.

What about inside corners?

Unlike outside corners, inside corners are much easier to manage and are exclusively created by using stone veneer flat pieces. Here’s how to do it: start at the first wall and install the stone all the way into the inside corner. Then, on the adjacent wall, tightly butt the flat stones against the edge of the first set. Alternate the overlap pattern on each course. This staggered approach mimics how natural stones would be laid. It also helps interlock the stones for added strength and a more organic appearance.

Pro tip: inside corners are typically shaded and less visible than outside corners, so small inconsistencies are less noticeable, but careful alignment still matters.

Stone veneer corners

When it comes to achieving a polished, natural look with stone veneer, prefabricated outside corners are well worth the investment. They save time, improve durability, and elevate the finished appearance of your project. While using flats to form oiutside corners is possible, it requires extra planning and attention to detail. Whether you're DIYing or hiring a pro, understanding your corner options can help you make better design and installation choices. Always check with your stone veneer manufacturer to ensure you're using the correct components for your chosen style.