--- title: Stone Veneer Ideas and Ledge Stone | Mid Valley Rock url: https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/stone-veneer/ business: Mid Valley Rock phone: (916) 363-4239 address: 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-4:00, Sat 7:30-3:00, Sun closed --- - [Home](https://midvalleyrock.com/) - [Ideas](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/) - Stone veneer # Stone Veneer Ideas Natural stone veneer is thin cut stone, no thicker than 1 1/4 inches, that is hard-set with mortar over concrete or a solid wall. It gives walls, columns and outdoor kitchens the look of solid stone. A stacked-stone fireplace and hearth Stone veneer lets you put real stone on a wall without building the wall from solid rock. It is thin enough to set on a solid surface with mortar, yet it has the color and texture of natural stone. Veneer is common on house fronts, columns, fireplaces, seat walls and outdoor kitchens. This guide covers veneer ideas, which stones tend to work, planning and installing basics, and what to bring when you visit the yard. ## Veneer design ideas Veneer works best where it can wrap a whole feature, like a column or a kitchen island, so the edges do not show. Stacked ledge stone gives a clean, modern line. Irregular flat pieces give a rustic, fitted look. Before choosing, look at the house as a whole. Veneer on a low wainscot band across the front of the house can tie in with walls and columns in the garden. Keep to one or two stones so the look stays calm. - A stone face on an outdoor kitchen or bar - Porch columns and entry walls - The face of a block [seat wall](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/stone-wall/) or planter - An outdoor fireplace surround ## Which stone works and why Mini ledge cuts like Gold Rush, River Gray and Sockeye Red Quartzite are thin, stacked strips. Gold Rush is light silver with mica and gold. River Gray is dark charcoal quartzite. Sockeye Red has gold, white and gray with hints of red. Arizona Ledge Sedona Red is deep red sandstone. Storm Mountain comes in veneer and ledge stone. Lompoc Natural is a cream to golden California stone. Walapai Chocolate is a dense, deep purple-brown stone with white swirls. Patio flagstone, like Silver Amber, can also be used as veneer. See [ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/wall-stone/) and call to check what is in the yard today. Stock photo: stone veneer on a house ## Planning and installing basics Veneer is often called 1 1/4 inch minus in the trade, meaning no thicker than about 1 1/4 inches. It is hard-set with mortar over concrete or a solid, prepared wall. Davis color can tint the mortar to suit the stone. Lay out pieces on the ground first to mix colors and sizes before you set them. Our [flagstone thickness guide](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/flagstone-thickness-guide/) explains the cuts. Work from the bottom up and keep joints staggered so no long seams line up. Cut pieces with a stone-cutting blade to fit around corners and openings. Cut stone outdoors with a wet saw or water on the blade, and wear eye protection and a dust mask rated for silica. Clean mortar off the face as you go, since it is harder to remove once it sets. Sealing is optional and should wait until the stone and mortar are fully dry. ## What to bring when you visit Measure the wall area in square feet, subtracting doors and windows. Bring photos of the house and the wall, and note what the wall is made of. Staff can suggest stone, mortar, color and tools for the job. ### Visit or call - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed 5300 Excelsior Road Sacramento, CA 95827 Arrive 45 minutes before closing so we have time to help. [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239) ### Keep reading - [Ledge & wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/wall-stone/) - [Stone walls](https://midvalleyrock.com/ideas/stone-wall/) - [Flagstone thickness guide](https://midvalleyrock.com/rock-talk/flagstone-thickness-guide/) ## Stones that work well - [Gold Rush Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/gold-rush/) - [River Gray Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/river-gray/) - [Sockeye Red Quartzite Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone / Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/sockeye-red-quartzite/) - [Arizona Ledge: Sedona Red Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/arizona-ledge-sedona-red/) - [Storm Mountain Flagstone / Tumbled flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/storm-mountain/) - [Lompoc Natural Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/lompoc-natural/) - [Walapai Chocolate Flagstone / Ledge and wall stone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/walapi-chocolate/) - [Silver Amber Flagstone](https://midvalleyrock.com/stone/silver-amber/) ## Questions we hear a lot Still unsure? Call the yard at [(916) 363-4239](tel:+19163634239). We are happy to talk it through. ### What is natural stone veneer? Thin cut stone, no thicker than about 1 1/4 inches, that is hard-set with mortar over concrete or a solid wall. ### What is mini ledge stone? Thin, stacked strips of stone set on a wall face. Gold Rush, River Gray and Sockeye Red Quartzite come in mini ledge cuts. ### Can I put stone veneer on a block wall? Yes, a solid block wall is a common base for veneer set with mortar. Bring photos so staff can suggest stone and supplies. ## Come see the stone in person Walk the yard with us, bring your measurements and a photo of your house, and we will help you pick stone that fits the project and the budget. 5300 Excelsior Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Mid+Valley+Rock&query_place_id=ChIJhQvD0VfCmoARcSXoEbY0WSc) - **Monday - Friday:** 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - **Saturday:** 7:30 am - 3:00 pm - **Sunday:** Closed