Slippery Rock Gazette

Lisa Miller

Delgado Stone

If you have researched natural Thinstone Veneer or spent any time on the internet seeking inspiration, you already know one thing: there are more options to personalize your space than you imagined! Natural stone is quarried across the country, in a variety of types, color schemes, and shapes. Delgado Stone alone has more than 20 different types of stone, and most are available in five different patterns. 

With the right planning and approach, the range of choices is beneficial because each pattern has different characteristics. The traits you like the most about a particular stone can be enhanced by the pattern you choose. The Mosaic, Strip, and Roughly Square and Rectangle patterns feature the stone face, while the Ledgestone and Ashlar showcase the end grain. Here is a closer look at each of them. 

This project features a custom mix of CT Blend thinstone patterns.

Mosaic accent wall using CT Blend, by JJ Stone and Masonry.

Mosaic Veneer

Mosaic includes irregular shapes that fit together like a puzzle, allowing you to create your own unique design.

The face surface ranges from approx. .25 to 1.25 square feet. 

Mosaic patterns are a popular choice to give projects a more natural, rustic look. Accent walls, like this one (right), featuring Connecticut Blend and the talents of JJ Stone Design and Masonry, is a great example of how a little stone makes a big impact. 

Strip Veneer

Strip is the pattern that most resembles the layout of brick.

The face ranges from approximately five to eight inches in height, and 12 to 18 inches in length.

Stones are all cut to almost the same size so they fit together to create a smooth, flat surface.

The rectangular shape makes Strip a good fit for projects needing consistent and longer stones. This fireplace project (below) features the talents of Lakeside Masonry using Spruce Mountain Strip.  

Fireplace featuring Spruce Mountain stone, strip construction.   Stone provided by New Hampshire Thinstone.

Ledgestone Veneer

Ledgestone (typically referred to as Ledge) is made up of thin- cut pieces of natural stone, often used for siding.

These end-grain pieces run in size approximately one to four inches in height, and six to fourteen inches in length.

This pattern creates a unique, layered look when used for stone walls or fireplaces (as you can see in the photo below, featuring design and install by Rockport Post and Beam and Larry Luce Masonry, LLC.)

The smallest pattern of the five, Ledgestone can be used for a wide range of projects, from home siding to step risers.

Fireplace designed with Connecticut Blend Ledgestone.

Roughly Square Veneer

Roughly Square and Rec-tangle (typically referred to as Square & Rec) pieces are “roughly”  six by six inches and larger, while the rectangular pieces are longer.

In contrast to the Mosaic pattern,  Square & Rec is used to create a clean and more modern look. Often used for exterior siding, Square & Rec offers a smooth, consistent shape that puts the focus on the color choice and range.

Colonial Tan ashlar veneer, stone installed by Northeast Walls and Patios.

Ashlar Veneer

Ashlar is a combination of approximately 50 percent Strip pieces (rectangular) 25 percent Ledge and 25 percent Small Squares.

The combination of these three patterns provides the mason with the flexibility to create a unique design for each project.

In the photo example above, Northeast Walls and Patios installed Colonial Tan in the Ashlar pattern for the new home’s entryway, pillars, and arch siding. 

Montauk Blend Ashlar, Stone provided by Masonry Depot.

Even with a wide range of options, there are no bounds for imagination and creativity, as you can see in projects (like the one at the top of the page) that feature their own blend of different patterns. Homeowners often coordinate with their masons and dealers to select a truly customized design that fits their individual project. We love seeing the way these projects maximize the impact of natural stone and showcase the talents of the designers and installers!

Lisa Miller is a Customer Experience Associate with Delgado Stone. You can read more of her blog posts at Delgadostone.com/blog.