Design Considerations

 
Building Stone Veneer
Generally, stone masonry veneer products are not intended to be load bearing. It is a facing that is constructed to a non-horizontal surface that is otherwise self supporting or self contained and may be installed in direct contact or incorporated as a component of a cavity system. It is used for aesthetic purposes with an advantage being that it is virtually maintenance free. The stone itself can be considered a forever product, already being hundreds of millions of years old.
 
Veneer Patterns
Mosaic Pattern Veneer
Irregularly shaped and exhibits the seam face (natural face) of the stone.
 
Roughly Squared/Roughly Rectangular
Produced on guillotines to approximate squares and rectangles. The stones do not necessarily exhibit 90° degree angles, though some pieces may. Reveals the seam face (natural face) of the stone.
 
Landscaping Stone
Irregular Flag Stone
Irregular Flag Stone is generally 1 to 3 inches thick. It is often used for patios, walkways, around pools, etc., generally in areas limited to medium use foot traffic. Its shape is irregular, or "mosaic", and exhibits the seam face of the stone.
 
Heavy/Oversized Flag Stone
Heavy Flag Stone is different from the Irregular Flag Stone in that it is thicker, generally 3 to 5 inches. It is used as paving stone in areas of limited vehicular traffic and as flag stone in areas of particularly heavy foot traffic.

Oversized Flagging offers the same general characteristics as irregular flagging, but exhibits larger facing areas that span the full range of thickness available in our flagging products. This landscaping stone lends itself to large paving applications resulting in dramatic visual appeal. Because of the varying thickness, this paving stone is not intended for vehicular traffic or load bearing use.
 
Wall Stone
Wall Stone is a blocky stone used to construct exterior, freestanding walls. This stone, installed, will exhibit both seam faces and split faces. It can also be used with other natural stone products for a completely individualized look.
 
Uniform Rise Wall Stone
Uniform Rise Wall Stone differs from Wall Stone in that there is less variation in the heights. Because it is typically somewhat smaller it is generally easier to handle.
 
Thin Wall Stone
Thin Wall Stone is generally 1 to 3 inches thick. The depth of the stones is typically less than that of the heavier wall stones.
 
Garden Bed Edging
Garden Bed Edging is basically the same as European Ashlar except in use. The intended use of this product is as curbing for bordering driveways, walkways, lawns, gardens and the like for a clean-cut and well-defined look. It is also used to encircle trees and to aid in the prevention of erosion.
 
Step Slabs, Random Slabs & Boulders
Step Slabs, Random Slabs & Boulders can be used to effect dramatic project designs or be included in erosion control and bank retention designs. These materials are being used extensively in the creation of park settings and waterscapes.

Corinthian Granite® slabs - the general size range of slab material as cutting stock ranges from 2' up to 6'.

American Granite™ slabs - this "top rock" of the granite quarry does not lend itself to large slab material. Average lengths range from 2' to 4'. Fabrication is not recommended. Keep in mind that the above mentioned granites are a gneiss and, therefore, certain layers, fissures and cracks are the norm. Homogenous granites such as those used in fabrication of monuments and statuary are generally more sound. This is due in part to the method by which it is quarried; sawn out of the ledge rather than blasted.
 
Sawn Thin Veneer
Sawn thin veneer is available in American Granite™, Corinthian Granite®, Van Tassell Granite®, and South Bay Quartzite®. Available patterns include random mosaic, ashlar, and roughly squared/roughly rectangular. At 15 lbs. per square foot or less, sawn thin veneers do not require a bearing shelf and may be installed on a wide variety of substrates. They are ideal for interior applications, remodels, or anywhere a full-bed depth foundation is missing or impractical.

Unlike their full-bed depth counterparts which are traditionally sold by the ton, thin veneers are sold by either the square foot (flats) or the lineal foot (corners). Lineal foot measurements for sawn corners are taken along the vertical "spine" of the stone (not the horizontal returns). Complete specifications, including coverages, packaging, and installation instructions can be found in the Thin Veneer section of this Guide, beginning on page 75.

In addition to our sawn thin veneers, we've also added a "Hand Select" product to our South Bay Quartzite® offering (only). Hand Select is also a thin veneer, but is split product rather than sawn and is available in random mosaic pattern flats only.
 
Sawn Custom Fabrication
Custom sawn caps, water tables, sills, hearths, mantels, thresholds, keystones and treads are just a few of the many options now available in each of our six unique stone types. Custom finishes are also available. Our Sales & Marketing or Project Development Staff can assist you with your specific requirements.