Overcoming Objections to Real Stone Veneer
The main objections to using real stone veneer typically revolve around cost, weight, and installation complexity. Whether you are exploring real stone veneer for yourself or for a customer, you’ve probably heard these concerns before. This article explores the common concerns and what you need to know to make an educated decision about real stone veneer.
What are the main obstacles preventing people from using real stone veneer?
When it comes to choosing materials for construction or renovation projects, real stone veneer is often admired for its natural beauty and timeless appeal. However, despite its aesthetic advantages, there are several obstacles that typically prevent people from taking the plunge. Understanding these challenges is essential for anyone in the industry, from architects to contractors, and especially for sales professionals who need to address these concerns head-on. These main obstacles range from financial considerations to technical complexities, and they often influence the decision-making process in significant ways. Let’s delve into these barriers to better understand what keeps people from opting for real stone veneer.
Initial Investment
The upfront cost for real stone veneer has historically been significantly higher than for alternative materials like manufactured stone. However recent advancements in cutting technology have made the manufacturing of real stone veneer less expensive. This, combined with the increased costs for raw materials and importing manufactured stone, has made real stone veneer more affordable than ever.
Weight of Real Stone
Manufactured stone was originally developed as an alternative to full-width building stone. If you know the history of real stone veneer, you know that companies capitalized on the demand for the appearance of stone without the price and weight associated with building stone. Architects were quick to utilize these manufactured stone products and many still do today, mostly due to a lack of awareness about real stone veneer.
With Natural Facing, you get the quality and beauty of real stone at a comparable weight to many manufactured stones.
Installation Complexity
Many people falsely believe that real stone veneer is significantly more complicated to install than manufactured stone. The reality is that sawn-thin natural stone veneer installs similarly to higher-quality manufactured stones. Proper installation is critical for maintaining the durability and longevity of any building material. Our real stone veneer installation guides breakdown the process of installing Natural Facing on different substrates.
When evaluating real stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer, both options have their merits and limitations, and the best choice often depends on the specific needs and preferences of the project. Real stone veneer is made from natural stone and is praised for its unique textures, color variations, and unparalleled durability. It offers an authentic look that is difficult for manufactured stone to replicate. Additionally, real stone has eco-friendly benefits, as it is a naturally occurring material that doesn’t require the use of synthetic chemicals or significant energy consumption for its production. The advantages of real stone veneer easily outweigh the marginal increase in cost and weight.
Learn More About Real vs. Manufactured Stone Veneer:
Overcoming Objections to Using Real Stone Veneer
When considering a material as timeless and luxurious as real stone veneer for construction or renovation projects, it’s not uncommon for customers to have reservations. These often stem from perceived challenges such as the initial cost, weight, and the complexity of installation, as described above. However, these objections aren’t insurmountable barriers; rather, they are challenges that can be addressed with thoughtful solutions and effective communication.
The key to overcoming these objections lies in understanding the unique selling points of real stone veneer and effectively conveying them to potential customers. Whether it’s the long-term return on investment, the unparalleled aesthetic appeal, or the various support options available, each objection can be met with a compelling counterpoint.
Here are some strategies to tackle common objections and guide clients towards making a decision that aligns with their best interests, needs, and preferences:
Highlight Longevity and ROI
While real stone veneer may come with a higher upfront cost, it often outlasts synthetic options and may offer a better return on investment (ROI) over the long term. This is particularly appealing to customers who are looking for durable, long-lasting solutions.
Showcase Aesthetic Superiority
Real stone has a unique look and feel that many find more attractive than synthetic materials. Use high-quality images or samples to demonstrate the texture, color variations, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Discuss Support Options
If weight is a concern, talk to the customer about potential solutions like reinforcing the existing structure. Many modern homes are actually built to handle the weight of real stone veneer.
Simplified Installation
Demonstrating expertise in the installation process can ease concerns about it being too complex or costly. Natural Facing offers stone veneer installation guides and professional education to help you understand the installation process.
Get Creative with How You Sell
- Host demo days to bring Natural Facing experts in front of your customers and address any questions they may have.
- For customers who are concerned about the upfront cost, consider offering financing options to spread out the expense over time.
- Provide a detailed cost-benefit analysis showing how the higher initial cost could be offset by the longer lifespan and low maintenance needs of real stone veneer.
Why Would Someone Invest in Real Stone Veneer?
Despite the percieved challenges—cost, weight, and installation complexity—that might make someone hesitate, there are numerous compelling reasons to invest in real stone veneer.
Long-Term Durability
Real stone is a robust, natural material that can withstand the elements better than most other siding options. It’s highly resistant to fading, chipping, and cracking, which means it maintains its aesthetic appeal for years to come. This durability often translates into lower long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Aesthetic Appeal
Nothing quite matches the natural beauty of real stone. It offers a unique texture, color variations, and a classic look that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. The aesthetic superiority can not only satisfy personal taste but also significantly increase the resale value of a property.
Return on Investment (ROI)
While the upfront costs can be higher, the long-term benefits often provide an excellent return on investment. The combination of durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal often leads to an increase in property value, making real stone veneer a wise financial decision in the long run.
Eco-Friendly Choice
In an era where sustainability is more important than ever, real stone veneer stands out as an environmentally friendly option. It’s sourced naturally and doesn’t require the chemicals or energy-intensive processes involved in manufacturing synthetic materials.
Versatility
Real stone veneer is incredibly versatile and can be used in both interior and exterior applications. Whether it’s enhances the facade of a home, adding a rustic touch to a fireplace, or bringing a natural element into a kitchen, stone veneer offers unparalleled versatility.
Maintenance Free
Unlike some other materials that might need regular painting, sealing, or treatment to maintain their appearance and durability, real stone veneer often requires minimal upkeep. Its natural resistance to weathering, discoloration, and decay eliminates the need for frequent and costly maintenance routines.
Educated Buyers Choose Natural Facing
From ordering, delivery, and installation to enjoying the finished product for decades to come, Natural Facing is the leading supplier for real stone veneer in the Mid-Atlantic. Our stone experts understand the nuances of real stone and work tirelessly to provide quality products and exceptional customer service.
Those who invest in Natural Facing understand the value of real stone veneer. And once they choose Natural Facing, they keep coming back. Our real stone veneer quality, longevity, and timeless beauty can’t be manufactured.
The Natural Facing Difference
- 100% real stone sourced from domestic quarries and handpicked by our stone experts
- Strict quality control processes with consistent cuts and pre-blended palettes for more usable stones and less waste
- Responsive customer service and quick delivery
- Easy to install, clean, and maintain
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
- Lifetime weather resistance and low moisture absorbency