Compare
Faux stone vs real stone vs manufactured veneer.
All three give a stacked-stone look. They differ in what they weigh, who installs them, how long the crew is on site, and what the wall costs when it is done. Here is the honest comparison.
| Natural stone veneer | Manufactured stone veneer | ezfaux PU panels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material, per sq ft | $15 – $30 | $9 – $14 | $4 – $7 |
| Installed, per sq ft | $35 – $55 | $21 – $34 | $7 – $12 |
| Weight, per sq ft | 13 – 15 lb (thin) / 40+ lb (full) | 10 – 15 lb | About 1 lb |
| Who installs | Mason | Mason | Carpenter or siding crew |
| Wall prep | Lath, scratch coat; ledger or footing for full stone | Lath and scratch coat | None over sheathing or drywall (WRB outside) |
| Cure time | Yes, mortar | Yes, mortar | None |
| Winter install | Needs heat and protection | Needs heat and protection | Yes; use a cold-rated adhesive |
| Freeze-thaw | Mortar joints can crack | Absorbent; can spall if water gets behind | Non-absorbent; no mortar joints |
| Up-close realism | Real stone | Very good | Good from normal viewing distance |
| Impact | Excellent | Good | Can dent under hard impact |
| Fire | Non-combustible | Non-combustible | Combustible; test reports on request |
Natural and manufactured stone figures are typical Twin Cities ranges, estimates only. ezfaux material is our current panel pricing; labor assumes a two-carpenter crew. Your quote will vary.
Choose natural stone when
The budget allows it, the wall can carry the weight, and you want real stone you can touch, for decades.
Choose manufactured veneer when
You need a non-combustible finish, such as inside fireplace clearances, and have a mason on the schedule.
Choose ezfaux panels when
You want the stone look at about half the installed cost, installed by your own crew in a day, in any season.
Run your own wall.
The installed-cost calculator compares veneer and panels for your square footage. See also the install guide and FAQ.