Designing with Manufactured Stone Veneer to Enhance Mood and Energy

Designing with manufactured stone veneer with Cultured Stone Tenley Brick

Homes are intimate spaces, and the elements we choose to style them with consequently bear the ability to influence the way a homeowner feels when they enter a room. That’s why it is all the more important that they connect to the energy of the home on a deeper level. Here’s how designing with manufactured stone veneer and leveraging the colors and textures can influence mood, emotion, and even energy levels.

A Hue for Every Mood When Designing with Manufactured Stone Veneer

When used intentionally, designing with manufactured stone veneer throughout the home is an excellent way to express personal style and speak to the senses on a deeper level.

Thanks to what we know regarding color theory, the shades and hues we choose to incorporate in homes can prompt a number of different psychological responses. The perception of color is highly personal, so homeowners should pay close attention to how they respond to certain colorways. While bright hues of red and orange might be invigorating to some, these same shades may introduce feelings of anxiety and overstimulation to others.

Eldorado Stone’s LorieoBrick in Farola colorway.
Eldorado Stone’s LorieoBrick in Farola colorway.

If calm, serene spaces are desired, nature-inspired shades of greens and blues, or perhaps earth-toned neutrals, tend to be warm and welcoming. In contrast, deep, dark shades of greys, purples, and even black are often associated with a sense of mystique and might speak to the senses on a soulful level.

Pay close attention to the color palettes your customers naturally gravitate to and encourage them to trust their intuition.

Infusing Tone-Setting Texture

Often flying under the radar, we tend to neglect the importance of texture for interior spaces. By incorporating tactile diversity into the design, you can give a room a refined, finished look while improving overall mood.

Textures, much like color, can evoke certain feelings in our senses by adding visual depth to a space. This sense of depth, scientifically speaking, adds dimension and expands our mental engagement with the physical spaces we inhabit. It may sound surprising, but enhancing the textural elements in a space often translates in the brain to that comfortable feeling of “home.”

Versetta Stone Ledgestone in Sand
Versetta Stone Ledgestone in Sand

While it will manifest differently from room to room, incorporating textiles, wood grains, metals, decorative accessories, and other interesting materials is what makes the space welcoming and unique. Sleek, shiny textures and geometric patterns tend to reinforce a more suave, cosmopolitan atmosphere, whereas organic shapes and natural fibered textiles often have the opposite effect, directing our senses back to the warm, cozy familiarity of nature.

Spending time in spaces with natural or biophilic design elements is correlated with reduced stress and lower heart rates and blood pressure while increasing creativity, productivity, and well-being. A textured stone statement wall can not only create a memorable space but also evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world.

Throw pillows, rugs, wall hangings, and lampshades can also add texture and dimension. On a larger scale, incorporating a stone or brick accent wall or woven wallpaper may be the perfect way to add charm and character to the space.

Designing with manufactured stone veneer using Eldorado Stone’s Cliffstone in Montecito colorway.
Eldorado Stone’s Cliffstone in Montecito colorway.

Smart, intentional changes to color and texture may be just the adjustment homeowners need to feel their best in every space, helping to manifest inherent creativity while creating warmth and familiarity in the spaces where they live, work, and entertain. Designing with manufactured stone veneer is an easy, versatile way to achieve energy-giving interiors.

Introducing: New Versetta Stone Accessories & Accessory Colors

Versetta Stone trim stone accessory

Westlake Royal Building Products™ is expanding its Versetta Stone™ siding line with a new Large Light Box and new colors for stone accessories.

Featuring panelized installation, Versetta Stone siding provides the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry without the added skill and time required for installation. The siding panels combine seamlessly with Versetta Stone accessories—including universal corners, wainscot cap/sills, receptacle boxes, and light boxes—to create a fully finished look. Every component works as a system with the stone siding panels and is made with the same premium materials and in coordinating styles, colors, and textures.

The accessory expansion includes new Large Light Boxes, measuring 9.5” by 15”. Like the smaller Light Boxes, the new size provides a finished look behind sconces at the home’s front entryway, garage, and rear entry. The new Large Light Boxes come in Charcoal, Stone Grey, and Taupe, which coordinate with Versetta Stone’s siding profiles and color palette.

In addition, three existing accessories have new color options:

  • Trim Stone is now available in Stone Grey (pictured above) as well as Taupe and Charcoal. The Trim Stone measures 36” by 9-1/2” and has a 8.2” exposure.
  • Starter Strips also are now available in Stone Grey in addition to Taupe and Charcoal. Starter Strips come in 10’ lengths, install with mechanical fasteners, and have built-in weep holes for drainage.
  • J-Channel offerings now include Charcoal and Stone Grey as well as Taupe. J-Channel comes in 10’ lengths.

Versetta Stone siding and accessories coordinate to create a flawless exterior, and the new sizes and colors provide contractors and DIYers alike with more options than ever to elevate their homes’ curb appeal in a way that is beautiful, cohesive, and unique.

Learn more at www.versettastone.com.

7 Best Practices for Installing Stone Siding

Versetta Stone, installing stone siding

Versetta Stone™ panelized stone siding combines the timeless look of stone with an easy-to-install format suitable for pros and DIYers alike. It also can be supplied at traditional lumberyards with your other exterior materials.

Much like a traditional siding panel, Versetta Stone features an integrated nailing flange through which it is fastened to the wall—no mortar, scratch coat, or metal lath required. Each lightweight panel covers 2 square feet and features a built-in rainscreen.

Full instructions should always be followed and can be found here. In addition, here are a few best practices and key steps to keep in mind to ensure Versetta Stone looks and performs at its best:

Plan ahead: Versetta Stone’s Ledgestone and Tight-Cut profiles are made from 20 different master molds that can be flipped, allowing for 80 square feet of wall coverage without visual repetition. Still, it’s important to plan your layout ahead of time to avoid repetition and visible seams. Ensure your seams will stair step by staggering each course a minimum of 8”. Versetta’s Universal Corners ensure corner intersections also have a finished appearance; follow the installation instructions for a staggered left-right installation to achieve an authentic look.

A recent Versetta Stone installation demonstrates a stair-step approach to stagger seams.

Mark studs ahead of time and be sure to hit two studs per panel.

Consider black housewrap or felt paper when to help further disguise seams.

Keep it level: Just like any siding installation, verify your courses are level often.

Brush away dust: When cutting, debris can sometimes land in the panel grooves. Be sure to brush it out to ensure the tongue-and-groove panels nest together properly and your courses stay level.

Drive fasteners straight and flush when installing stone siding to ensure proper performance.

Create smooth transitions: When installing stone siding half-walls for a multi-textured facade, Versetta Stone’s wainscot cap/sill can create an ideal finish and transition from the stone to the cladding above. The wainscot includes the same nailing fin as the siding for easy installation. Install flashing over the nailing fin and then shingle the other cladding over top to ensure water sheds off of the sill. Leave a small gap between the cladding and the stone, per each cladding’s installation instructions.

Adjust for continuous insulation: If installing Versetta Stone over foam insulation boards, it’s best practice to install an additional layer of sheathing on top of the foam tied back to the studs. You will need to use longer fasteners to accommodate the additional two layers. Consult this Technical Evaluation Report for fastener requirements.

Learn more about Versetta Stone installation by downloading the full guide here and by watching our YouTube video series, starting here with Chapter 1.

Cost vs. Value Report: Manufactured Stone Veneer, Vinyl Siding Among Projects Delivering Most Remodeling ROI

Remodeling ROI, Versetta Stone

If you’re looking for remodeling projects that will deliver the most bang for the buck, exterior projects are some of the best bets. According to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior projects such as garage door replacement, manufactured stone veneer, and vinyl window replacement were among the top projects delivering the best remodeling ROI.

The 36th annual study by Remodeling magazine and Zonda Media compares the average costs of 23 remodeling projects with the value those investments will retain at resale based on surveys of more than 6,000 Realtors. “True to form, this year’s report confirms a consistent truth that has been revealed on every report for the last 30 years: Exterior replacement projects typically provide a higher return on investment than interior discretionary remodels at the time of house sale,” the magazine said.

Leading the way among exterior projects were garage door replacements, recouping 102.7% of costs. It was topped only by HVAC electrification conversion, a new category for 2023, which recoups 103.5% of costs.

Manufactured stone veneer (such as Westlake Royal Building Products’ Versetta Stone panelized stone siding) once again placed high on the list, offering the third-best ROI at 102.3%, up more than 10 percentage points over last year. The study looked at the cost versus return from replacing a 300-square-foot band of vinyl siding from the bottom third of a home’s front façade with manufactured stone veneer, along with sills, corners, and address block.

The other exterior projects in the top 10 were steel entry door replacement (100.9% cost recouped), vinyl siding replacement (94.7%), fiber cement siding replacement (88.5%), vinyl window replacement (68.5%), and wood window replacement (61.2%). Minor kitchen remodel and a midrange bath remodel joined HVAC conversion as the other non-exterior projects in the top 10.

“The reason for high returns on exterior projects stems from what real-estate professionals regularly witness from buyers: If their first impression is a run-down exterior, they tend to enter the property wary and reluctant to spend large on the property,” Remodeling editors said. “If, on the other hand, the home looks well taken care of, they enter with a more positive view from the outset.

Manufactured Stone Delivers Most Remodeling ROI in Two Regions

When the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value report is broken down geographically, manufactured stone delivered the most return on investment among all projects in two areas: the South Atlantic (Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), with a dramatic 109% ROI, and the East North Central (Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio), with 103% ROI.

With a panelized format the installs with nails or screws and requires no mortar, Versetta Stone offers remodelers an easy way to embrace the high-ROI benefits of manufactured stone. Each lightweight panel covers 2 square feet and features a built-in rainscreen. Browse profiles and colors here.

See the full Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report study and associated trends at www.costvsvalue.com.

(Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report: © 2023 Zonda. Complete data from the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.)

Stone Siding Provides Varied Streetscapes in Albany

Versetta Stone on Hodorowski Homes project

At the Legends Preserve of Bethlehem in Bethlehem, N.Y., residents can enjoy walking trails, picnic spaces, and just a short five-minute commute to the state’s capital, Albany. They also benefit from eye-catching, varied streetscapes across the community’s cottages and townhomes, with on-trend facades showcasing multiple materials, profiles, and colors.

The curb appeal comes in part from the addition of stone to the façade: Hodorowski Homes uses Versetta Stone panelized stone siding in a variety of ways to add texture and interest to its homes in Bethlehem and its other communities, says Vice President Kristan Hodorowski. These include half walls, gables, and bumpouts.

The builder switched from traditional stone veneer to stone siding about five years ago and now offers it as a standard exterior feature for every residential project. “It dresses up our houses,” Hodorowski says. “It speaks of longevity to me.”

In addition, Hodorowski notes that one of the reasons the builder relies on Versetta Stone is its panelized installation, which requires just screws or nails but no lath or mortar. This means it can be installed well into upstate New York’s cold winter season without requiring tenting and heaters. “The product is easy to install,” she says. “I have my siding installer put it up; I’ve had carpenters install it as well.”

At the Legends Preserve, home buyers can choose their stone colors—which include Terra Rosa, Sterling, Sand, Mission Point, Plum Creek, and Northern Ash—with enough options to provide plenty of choice but not too much to overwhelm.

“We’re very happy with it,” Hodorowski notes. “We’ve never had any service issues, we’ve never had any customer complaints, and I think our homes look wonderful clad in it.”

Best Practices for Panelized Stone Intersections

Versetta Stone panelized stone half wall

Multi-textured facades are one of the most popular trends in home exteriors. And incorporating stone—on a half wall, on columns, or on bump outs and other architectural features—is one of the most common ways to create these varied looks.

Versetta Stone panelized stone siding makes adding these accents easy, combining the look of stone with mortar-free installation using just nails or screws. Each panel interlocks together, fastens through the nailing fin, and includes a built-in rainscreen.

Panelized Stone Installation Strategies for Cladding Transitions

Achieving a truly finished look when combining Versetta Stone with other materials to create coveted multi-textured facades is fairly simple, and the manufactured stone material is compatible with nearly all other claddings.

For stone half walls, adding Versetta Stone’s wainscot cap/sill creates the ideal finish and transition from the stone to the cladding above. The wainscot includes the same nailing fin as the siding for easy installation. Install flashing over the nailing fin and then shingle the other cladding over top to ensure water sheds off of the sill. Leave a small gap between the cladding and the stone, per each cladding’s installation instructions.

For side-to-side transitions, a simple J-channel or trim piece will ensure a finished look. As with the wainscot cap, be sure to flash at the transition point.

Plan Ahead for Multiple Cladding Materials

Aesthetically, Versetta Stone requires little planning—Ledgestone and Tight-Cut profiles are made from 20 different master molds that can be flipped, allowing for 80 square feet of wall coverage without visual repetition. With Universal Corners, corner intersections also are simplified; follow the installation instructions for a staggered left-right installation to achieve an authentic look.

One thing you do need to plan for with multi-textured facades are the weather-resistive barriers (WRBs) and flashings, as each cladding type has different requirements for housewrap and drainage. Versetta Stone, for example, has a built-in rainscreen to ensure the wall dries out, so it requires at minimum only a layer of #15 felt to maintain its warranty. TruExterior poly-ash siding requires a minimum of a drainable housewrap. So when installing the two products together, you’ll need to either wrap the entire façade in the more robust drainable housewrap or, to save money, plan the wall system accordingly so that the corresponding weather barrier is positioned under each cladding and properly transitions from material to material per guidelines from the WRB and cladding manufacturers.

To learn more about installing Versetta Stone panelized stone siding, download the Installation Guide or watch our installation series on YouTube.

DIYer Transforms Dining Room With Dramatic Stone Accent Wall

Versetta Stone accent wall

Lia, aka the Southern Yankee, has made a name for herself updating her farmhouse and sharing beautiful projects on a budget via her blog, Southern Yankee DIY. And it all started with a new accent wall in the dining room, which she transformed using Versetta Stone panelized stone siding.

The original dining room’s plain cream walls felt a bit ho-hum, so Lia opted to take the space to the extreme opposite, with a dark-gray wall. Rather than just paint, the DIYer chose to add texture and dimension using stone.

“I love the look of stone, especially when it’s in an interior setting,” Lia says. “I wanted to give the room something special and give it a feature. And it was so easy.”

With a lightweight, panelized format, Versetta Stone offered the ideal opportunity to create the look Lia wanted. The pieces can be cut to size outside and easily carried in. The panels connect with a tongue-and-groove system and then attach to the wall with screws, no mortar or mess required.

See the full install process in Lia’s blog post for Hometalk.

Lia chose the Ledgestone profile, a traditional dry-stack look, in Northern Ash, a strikingly bold dark gray hue.

Versetta Stone accent wall

“A lot of people are scared of darker colors,” Lia says. “They think it’s going to make a room feel dark or small. But I’ve found the opposite—it makes everything feel larger and more grand.”

The end result was an eye-catching accent that set the tone for the rest of the remodel. The wall became the base to inspire other parts of the home, carrying over to dark bookcases in the nearby living room and other touches.

“The whole process of installation was super simple,” Lia says. “It was a really fun project. And it’s one of those that people get intimidated by, but Versetta is simple to install and the look is so grand—it’s such a great feature in our home. We’re super happy.”

All images courtesy of Hometalk.

Cost vs. Value Report: Exterior Projects, Including Manufactured Stone Veneer, Deliver Most ROI

Versetta Stone manufactured stone siding

Once again, exterior projects continue to deliver the best return for homeowners’ investment, according to Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report. Within that, manufactured stone offered the second-best ROI.

The 35th annual study by Remodeling compares the average costs of 22 remodeling projects with the value those investments will retain at resale. Nine of the top 10 projects delivering the best return were exterior, with manufactured stone taking the second spot, with 91.4% ROI, behind only garage doors (93.3%). Vinyl siding also performed well, with the fifth-best return of 67.2%.

For manufactured stone, the study looked at the cost recouped from replacing a 300-square-foot band of vinyl siding from the bottom third of a home’s front façade with manufactured stone veneer (such as Westlake Royal Building Products’ Versetta Stone), along with sills, corners, and address block. Manufactured stone’s ROI was slightly lower than last year’s study, which showed a 92.1% return, but was 20 percentage points ahead of this year’s No. 3 project, minor kitchen remodel (71.2% return).

“Despite sharp cost increases in 2021, the decline in overall ROI in the 2022 report was a modest 1.2%, proving the resilience of the remodeling market,” Remodeling magazine said.

The other exterior projects in the top 10 were fiber cement siding replacement (68.3% cost recouped); vinyl window replacement (67.5%); wood window replacement (66.3%); wood deck addition (64/8%); steel entry door replacement (63.8%); and composite deck addition (62.1%).

“‘Curb appeal’ and ‘first impressions’ are strong concepts in real estate because they have a surprisingly big impact on how much money prospective home buyers are willing to pay for a home,” the magazine explained. “Prospective buyers who see a ‘buttoned up’ exterior form the impression that the house is in good shape—or, as we all like to say, ‘has good bones’—and they proceed to fit all the new information they learn once they walk through the front door around these positive impressions.”

Manufactured Stone Delivers Most ROI in Two Regions

When the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value report is broken down geographically, manufactured stone shows similar levels of ROI as on a national level. In two regions, however, manufactured stone delivers the most return among all projects: South Atlantic (Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), with 92.5% ROI, and West North Central (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri), with 93.6% ROI.

Versetta Stone offers remodelers an easy way to leverage the ROI opportunity of manufactured stone. The siding panels provide the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry in a panelized, mortarless format that can be installed easily by traditional carpenters and siding contractors using nails or screws. Each lightweight panel covers 2 square feet and features a built-in rainscreen. Browse profiles and colors here.

See the full Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report study and associated trends at www.costvsvalue.com.

(Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report: © 2022 Zonda. Complete data from the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.)

6 Lifestyle Shifts Influencing Exterior and Interior Design

Exterior Portfolio siding in blue

The last two years brought significant change to all aspects of our lives. To make their homes more comfortable, functional, and beautiful, homeowners—now more than ever—are willing to spend more on home renovations, both interior and exterior.

As the pandemic shifted lifestyles and altered our overall sense of what’s important, so followed consumers’ approach to the design and livability of their homes. Here’s a look at how these new realities translate into key exterior and interior design trends and changing product designs and innovations.

1. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design—the use of natural or nature-inspired materials and textures within a space—remains one of the hottest design trends for both residential and commercial properties. This allows them to feel connected to the natural world even when they’re indoors, and it has a marked benefit to people’s physical and mental health.

Incorporating natural colors and textures—including greenery, accent pieces such as water or fire features, and light wells and stone veneer statement walls—into the built environment can provide inhabitants with multisensory components and connections with the outside world. Natural light is key to any space, and research suggests incorporating more sunlight can help with everything from reducing overall stress levels to encouraging healthier sleep patterns.

2. More Is More: The Resurgence of Maximalism in Design

Many homeowners are stepping back from the “less is more” movement and embracing Maximalism instead, where “more is more.” The beauty of Maximalism is that it allows their space to be as unique and expressive as they are. Designers and building pros should start the process by asking the client to consider, quite simply, themselves.

One of the true joys of Maximalism is the freedom to be bold in their color choices, in terms of color selection, layering, and juxtaposition. For example, an accent wall with architectural stone veneer in a lighter, more neutral color palette provides the ideal backdrop for incorporating bold colors. With those bolder colors, an overarching scheme will help maintain a sense of cohesiveness and intention.

Cultured Stone manufactured stone veneer Echo Ridge Old Country Fieldstone
Cultured Stone’s Echo Ridge Old Country Fieldstone

The key to achieving a Maximalistic masterpiece is the incorporation of both patterns and textures. Consider scale and pair larger patterns with small prints. A large-scaled stone or brick accent wall is a clever way to achieve this look and find balance by incorporating depth and texture without overpowering the eye and taking away from the unique appeal of the space.

For exteriors, choose bold and darker colors of siding and/or trim, wider siding profiles, and Craftsman-style trim. 

Westlake Royal Building Products’ Atlas Stone in Sierra and Cedar Renditions 6" Aluminum Siding in Timberline
Westlake Royal Building Products’ Atlas Stone in Sierra and Cedar Renditions 6″ Aluminum Siding in Timberline.

3. Optimizing Your Outdoor Space

More than ever before, the outdoors has provided us with our most favorite bonding experiences. Making memories under a canvas of stars can happen without needing to travel any farther than our own backyards.

Outdoor spaces allow homeowners to expand their living area without adding interior footprint, and they’ve continued to blur the lines with designated activity areas and inclusion of interior comforts from entertainment to furniture. Outdoor dining was already on the rise for years, and it’s now more attainable than ever before. Today, there are more options at varying price points for elevating the outdoor space, including rapid-install outdoor kitchen “building blocks” that can be custom ordered and configured to match the exact appliances and countertops they prefer.

Zuri Premium Decking in Weathered Grey
Zuri Premium Decking in Weathered Grey

For kids, creating a unique play space, such as with a play structure or treehouse, provides ample opportunities for them to be physically active while spending time in an outdoor space that is primarily “theirs.”

And, of course, nothing complements an evening outside better than the warmth and glow of a fire. An intentional conversation space anchored with a fire bowl or fire pit elevates the ambience as they build and reinforce personal connections.

Sherwood wood-burning fireplace from Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds
Sherwood wood-burning fireplace from Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds

4. A Dash of Rustic Allure: Unique Accents in the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, yet so much of what we think about during the kitchen design process is focused solely on function over form. For a space as universal and iconic as the kitchen, there is more we can explore to infuse character into its walls.

Tile backsplashes provide an immensely versatile range of options for incorporating colors and patterns, but for those looking to incorporate a touch of texture on the walls, brick veneer remains your best bet. (A “brick-splash,” if you will.) And nothing complements the vibrancy of natural light quite like other natural textures, so a light stone accent wall could be ideal when pulling off a kitchen transformation; stone or brick veneer offers a transitional style, providing a contrast to sleek, modern cabinetry, fixtures, and appliances.

Eldorado Stone’s Lucera Hillstone veneer adds rustic warmth to this otherwise modern-leaning kitchen.
Eldorado Stone’s Lucera Hillstone veneer adds rustic warmth to this otherwise modern-leaning kitchen.

When updating the accent wall, consider tying in some of the other color tones in the space. And don’t rule out the power play of white-on-black or gray-on-white.

5. Balancing Modern with Traditional

Design styles are shifting from minimalist and clean lines toward something with more personality and character. When it comes to stone, consumers are looking for traditional-style stone with a modern, clean color palette. On the exterior, the Modern Farmhouse continues to trend, in part for its blending of comforting traditional elements with modern accents, mixed materials, and a subtle contemporary vibe.

Architect Michael McKinley’s modern interpretation of the traditional farmhouse, featuring TruExterior Nickel Gap siding and InSpire Roofing in Olive, Ash Grey, Evergreen, and Red Rock.

6. Metro Mojo: Urban Aesthetics for the Sophisticated Suburbs

Since early 2020, numerous surveys show a significant bump in the number of people moving from the cities to the suburbs or rural areas. Transitioning from one environment to another in this way can be emotional, especially if you’ve acclimated to a metropolitan vibe. As a significant portion of the population shifts from one setting to another, it’s likely that some of the most prominent design trends and other aspects of city life will soon take root in suburban areas as well.

To help your clients bring a chic, cosmopolitan feel to their new abode, consider accents such as brass hardware on kitchen cabinets, a statement lamp in the entryway, or dark, industrial-like windows.

Versetta Stone siding panels in the Ledgestone profile and Sand color.

Westlake Royal Building Products’ portfolio of siding, trim, stone, and roofing brands offer a diversity of styles and options to meet the needs of your buyers’ shifting tastes and needs. Learn more here.

How Renderings and CGI Can Assist in Home Marketing and Sales

Renderings aren’t a new concept—architects have relied on them for decades, and builders have often employed them for marketing materials. But advancements in technology for renderings and computer-generated images (CGI) are making these tools even more relevant to home selling, both as a way to market and sell homes as well as to assist buyers with purchasing decisions. And as the pandemic accelerates virtual selling, builders who don’t get on board might find themselves falling behind with digital-savvy (and digital-expectant) younger buyers.

We checked in with Bob Masulis, president of RM Design Studio in Bartlett, Ill., about the importance of leveraging today’s visualization tools—and why they’re more important than ever.

What Are the Benefits of Using Renderings?

For those who specialize in renderings and CGI, the goal is, essentially, to make a pretty picture, Masulis says. “Whatever you’re selling—a property, a product—you come to us to create something cool for marketing.”

Drawings and renderings are not new in brochures and marketing materials, but new innovations and better imaging are elevating their use. In new master-planned communities, CGI and virtual experiences fill the void before model homes are built.

Floor plans just aren’t sufficient to help potential buyers fully understand and experience the eventual finished product, but realistic renderings and CGI give them the ability to see the kitchen, bathrooms, family room, etc., providing a better understanding of what’s being built.

This means the builders and developers are able to cost effectively show their home the day the community opens for sale, adding tremendous marketing capability that can accelerate the sales process to help save time and money in the long run.

Along with more realistic and relatable visuals compared to a flat floor plan, renderings offer the right size and scale, which makes it easier to compare the sizes of the rooms. They also can show features less visible in a plan, such as a tray ceiling, without the buyer having to decipher small words and labels.

“It gives people a feeling for what the homes in the community will look like—it gives them physical and emotional scale,” Masulis notes. “It takes undefinable numbers and measurements and turns it into something emotional.”

Renderings also can help strengthen the community approval process. RM Design Studio, for example, can take a developer’s sketch and turn it into a rendering that looks like it’s been designed and photographed, elevating presentations for public hearings and design review boards.

Rendering featuring TruExterior 6" Nickel Gap Siding painted dark grey, TruExterior 6" Nickel Gap siding painted red, and Versetta Stone panelized stone siding (Tight-Cut profile in Terra Rosa).
Rendering featuring TruExterior 6″ Nickel Gap Siding painted dark grey, TruExterior 6″ Nickel Gap siding painted red, and Versetta Stone panelized stone siding (Tight-Cut profile in Terra Rosa).

What’s Changed With Renderings?

Of course, renderings aren’t a new concept. But computers and technology have advanced rapidly over the past decade—just in time to keep up with surging demand for digital-first sales.

Builders typically can only afford to build about three models, no matter how many plans they offer, relying on floor plans for the rest. But now, with CGI, you can very affordably build out the other models in virtual mode, allowing home buyers to see them in a way they’re more comfortable with. This not only opens up all models the day sales begin, it ensures a more balanced playing field for all plans.

Rendering featuring 7" Foundry Split Shake siding in Eggshell 034, green vinyl lap siding, Versetta Stone panelized stone siding in Tight-Cut Sand, and Mid America three- and five-board spaced shutters in Tuxedo Grey 018.
Rendering featuring 7″ Foundry Split Shake siding in Eggshell 034, green vinyl lap siding, Versetta Stone panelized stone siding in Tight-Cut Sand, and Mid America three- and five-board spaced shutters in Tuxedo Grey 018.

These innovations have been especially welcome during the pandemic, as buyers have embraced virtual experiences to reduce in-person contact or shop from afar. Even as social distancing needs ease, expect these virtual selling tools to continue, particularly as Millennials and Gen Z become the chief buying demographic.

Using CGI tools provides for easier product swaps, as well. If products are discontinued or trends change over the course of a multi-year community build, they can be easily switched out in the virtual tours and renderings. It also allows builders to adjust and re-use the virtual models in other communities.

Virtual walk-throughs using computer-generated images immerse the buyer in the experience similar to touring a model home in person—they can spin around, “walk” from room to room, zoom in, learn more about features and products, and even swap out colors and materials.

You can experience this type of technology for yourself at Show Village during the upcoming International Builders’ Show. In addition to in-person tours, visitors near and far can tour the two demonstration homes via an “Immersive Home Experience” on their laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Virtual host “James” will point out key features, and visitors can click on icons for more details on various products and design elements.

The advantages don’t just benefit large builders and developers. For smaller operations selling small communities of semi-custom homes, virtual models can provide much-needed marketing relief and help sell the home before it’s completed, providing time to make changes to suit each buyer’s preferences.

Rendering featuring Versetta Stone panelized stone siding (Tight-Cut profile in Northern Ash) and TruExterior poly-ash siding (6” Channel Bevel and 10” Nickel Gap).

For custom builders, renderings and CGI help buyers visualize how certain design decisions will impact the look and livability of their home. For example, Masulis used CGI to design his own kitchen remodel, and experimenting with the colors made him realize that the all-white cabinets he’d planned needed some balance with wood grain or color on the island. (See a similar process for yourself with Boral Building Products’ Virtual Remodeler tool.)

This type of visualization provides tremendous power for builder and buyer alike. By leveraging the capabilities of CGI and virtual selling tools, builders can not only more effectively sell, but can bring welcome confidence to customers that they’ll be getting the home they envision and the home of their dreams. 

For more information on RM Design Studio, visit their website at www.rmdesignstudio.com

Whether in renderings or in person, Boral Building Products’ portfolio of siding, trim, and accessory brands offer a diversity of styles to meet the needs of your buyers and communities.

Exterior Cladding for Interior Applications

Versetta Stone stone veneer fireplace

Siding, trim, and accessories are designed primarily for the home exterior, but the properties that make some materials ideal for those traditional uses can sometimes carry over to benefit the inside of the house.

Consider these applications in which exterior materials can bring aesthetic or performance value on the inside of the home.

Fireplaces

The beauty of a stone fireplace never falls out of favor, but installation challenges make it a prohibitive option for some projects. Panelized stone offers an easier path to creating eye-catching fireplace surrounds, combining the look and feel of stone with easy installation to deliver the dramatic look of a stone fireplace within reach.

For example, Versetta Stone panels install quickly without mortar and require no special tools. Each panel can be cut with a diamond blade and fastens to the wall with screws through the integrated nailing fin. As such, it does not require a mason for installation and can be installed by traditional siding contractors and carpenters.

The Northmade Farmhouse, shown below, features a soaring two-story fireplace made with Versetta Stone Ledgestone in the Mission Point colorway, perfect for the new home’s modern-farmhouse vibe.

Because the panelized stone eliminates the messiest parts of masonry installation—with no lath, no scratch coat, and no mortar—they’re particularly helpful for remodeling projects. Cut the panels outside and pass them through the window.

And while stone fireplace surrounds require an artisan’s touch to lay out the stones so they look perfect and fit well together, panelized stone comes pre-configured in beautiful, authentic patterns. Corner pieces also make it easy to create a clean, finished look.

Accents

Panelized stone can provide a lightweight solution for rustic accent walls. Use the panels under or behind a home bar, add a cozy feel behind a freestanding tub, or create an eye-catching accent wall in the great room.

Versetta Stone stone veneer bathroom accent wall

Bathroom Trim and Moulding

For wet areas such as the bathroom, cellular PVC trim provides a moisture-resistant option that will help avoid the potential for cracking, chipping, or even rot. Along with crown moulding, PVC beadboard, such as that from Kleer Lumber, is ideal for creating clean, crisp wainscoting. The material also resists dirt and is easy to wipe clean if needed.

Kleer Lumber cellular PVC wainscoting in bathroom

Décor & Accessories

Even shutters can play a role in sprucing up the interior. A custom color such as that from Atlantic Premium Shutters or a reclaimed vintage piece can create a unique artpiece or be used to craft a one-of-a-kind mail holder.

Contemporary Stone Looks Made Easy

Versetta Stone Carved Block in Sea Salt on home

Love the look of stone for your projects but looking for a more modern aesthetic? Carved Block combines the mortar-free installation benefits of Versetta Stone with a split-stone look perfect for contemporary and commercial designs.

Like all Versetta Stone profiles, Carved Block offers a panelized format that installs easily with screws or nails, suitable for traditional siding contractors or carpenters; no metal lath or scratch coat needed.

Carved Block comes in two colors: Midnight, featuring gray, black, and subtle tones of brown for darker applications, and Sea Salt, with lighter tones of taupe and white for the crisp appearance of split block stone. 

Here are a few projects featuring Carved Block’s contemporary stone look to spark the imagination:

Versetta Stone Carved Block in Sea Salt on home

Carved Block in Sea Salt lends a contemporary edge to this traditional home, perfectly complementing the brick and large windows and shutters.

Versetta Stone Carved Block in Midnight in residential entryway

Carved Block in Midnight provides an eye-catching accent for this home’s entryway while complementing the modern feel of the large, crisp cladding panels.

Versetta Stone Carved Block in Midnight on industrial project

With the look of chiseled stone, Carved Block offers an ideal alternative to traditional concrete blocks for commercial applications, with fast, easy installation.

Versetta Stone Carved Block in Midnight on commercial project

As seen in this commercial project, Versetta Stone in Carved Block installs anywhere without the need for additional footings for support.

Ready to learn more about the possibilities of Carved Block? Visit the product page here.

Simple Strategies to Upgrade Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces are one of the biggest trends in home building and remodeling, and demand has only grown during the pandemic.

As the demand for outdoor living moves from growing trend to must-have status, simply adding on an ordinary deck isn’t going to be enough. Building pros can elevate outdoor spaces in numerous ways, and they don’t have to break the bank.

Here are a few simple and relatively inexpensive details to consider to add the finishing touch to your outdoor living spaces and take them to the next level.

Create Indoor-Outdoor Connections

Not every home can have an eight-panel opening glass wall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create those connections that let in more light and expand the entertaining space.

As Andersen Windows points out in a recent article, the standard French patio doors with sidelight windows can easily be replaced by a small multi-panel door with one or two sliding panels, helping to expand the clear opening to preserve views and create that desired indoor-outdoor connection.

Another more budget-friendly option is to include pass-through windows to create an indoor-outdoor bar, such as this project by Denny Sturgis Construction.

Detail the Deck

No matter the size of the deck, there are a few simple strategies to make it look more finished and polished.

• Rather than leaving deck planks exposed, add fascia board around the perimeter to create a more finished look. TruExterior poly-ash trim can be painted or stained any color and can be used in contact with decking material.

• For composite decks, hidden fasteners cost a little more but make a big difference in the look and feel of the deck. For grooved-edge boards, clip-style hardware stays completely hidden; for face-fastening, a plug system is the most hidden option, or, at minimum, choose color-matched screws.

• Add flair to composite decks with inlays and picture framing. These techniques can be used to add a decorative perimeter, break up long expanses, or create an outline around different areas, such as a sitting area or outdoor kitchen.

• Don’t neglect lighting, which can add ambience, make the space safer, and extend its use later into the night and farther into colder months. Integrated post cap, railing, or stair lights can be easy and economical to add on or integrate.

• Add an accent wall or elevate the grill area with stone, such as panelized stone siding from Versetta Stone.

Versetta Stone grill surround
Ledgestone Mission Point

Amp up your outdoor buildings

A beautiful backyard can be the perfect spot for a studio, she shed, or ADU. But make sure it’s got style. A rickety wood shed or wobbly plastic structure can bring down the aesthetic of the whole outdoor space. Use real siding and trim, include accessories, and add landscaping.

This beautiful tiny house ADU by Koncept Design/Build, for example, looks just as good as a main house, with beautiful craftsmanship, on-trend black-framed windows and doors, and meticulous trimwork using TruExterior poly-ash trim

Koncept Design/Build tiny house ADU

This garage/man cave by Adam Hass Fine Homebuilding also could pass for a main living space, with its traditional forms and well-thought-out details.

Adam Hass Fine Homebuilding man cave/garage

Even a storage shed can look a bit more refined, as seen with this example from Zuccon Works, which features richly colored siding and Kleer cellular PVC trim and window casings.

Zuccon Works shed

Don’t Neglect the Accessories

It’s easy to leave the aftermarket accessories up to the homeowner, but why not complete the look or at least show them how?

For example, this flower box made with Kleer Lumber PVC trim not only offers a cleaner, more stylish look than run-of-the-mill planters, it’s durable and can be used in contact with the ground without moisture concerns.

Kleer Lumber flower box

Kleer is also a fun choice for these Adirondack chairs. The teal offers a fun pop of color to the porch without too much commitment or concern over resale value.

Kleer Lumber, Adirondack chairs

And don’t forget to finish the porch. Here, installers used TruExterior Beadboard in a soft robin’s egg blue to add to the vintage vibe of this wide porch.

TruExterior Trim poly-ash beadboard on porch ceiling

Post wraps, such as these from Kleer, are a simple way to enhance the porch or deck without adding extra maintenance needs.

KleerWrap post wraps on porch

Get more ideas for beautiful outdoor spaces in our TruExterior Idea Gallery and Versetta Stone Idea Gallery.

Cost vs. Value Report: Exterior Products, Manufactured Stone Veneer Deliver Leading ROI

Versetta Stone in Ledgestone Mission Point

Manufactured stone once again has shown its ability to recoup homeowners’ remodeling investment. According to the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, an annual study by Remodeling magazine, manufactured stone veneer offers a 92.1% return on investment. That ROI is second only to garage door replacement.

The Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report compares the average costs of 22 remodeling projects with the value those investments will retain at resale. The study looked at the cost recouped from replacing a 300-square-foot band of vinyl siding from the bottom third of a home’s front façade with manufactured stone veneer (such as Boral Building Products’ Versetta Stone), sills, corners, and address block.

Manufactured stone veneer’s place in the study is slightly down from 2020, where it reached No. 1 with an ROI of 95.6%. Still, manufactured stone was 20 percentage points higher than the third project on the list, minor kitchen remodel.

Along with manufactured stone and garage doors, exterior products dominated the top of the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report list, claiming 11 of the top 12 spots: fiber cement siding replacement (69.4% cost recouped); vinyl window replacement (68.6%); vinyl siding replacement (68.3%); wood window replacement (67.4%); wood deck addition (67.4%); steel entry door replacement (65.0%); composite deck addition (63.2%); fiberglass grand entrance (60.9%); and asphalt shingle roof replacement (60.7%).

“The trend of exterior replacements outperforming larger discretionary remodeling projects has been accelerated, no doubt, by a year in which COVID has made people reluctant to have contractors inside their homes, but yearning to improve outdoor spaces,” the Remodeling editors said. “It’s been a year when we’d expect decks to reign supreme, but the data doesn’t track what’s most popular. The Cost vs. Value report tracks the ratio of value over cost for 22 common remodeling projects, and in that ratio lies the rub: Material costs, especially for decking and pressure-treated framing lumber, went through the roof in 2020, bringing down the return despite the project’s value.”

Manufactured Stone Delivers Most ROI in Two Regions

Manufactured stone maintains a similar level of ROI when broken down geographically, with 90% or more of cost recouped across all regions. In two regions, however, manufactured stone came out on top: West North Central (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri), with 94.1% ROI, and South Atlantic (Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), with 94.1% ROI.

See the full study and evaluation of trends at www.costvsvalue.com.

(Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report: © 2021 Zonda. Complete data from the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.)

Are Siding Materials Fire Resistant?

TruExterior Siding

From higher frequency of wildfires to an overall focus on safety as more Americans work and school from home, fire safety is top of mind. How do Boral Building Products’ siding and trim materials compare to others when it comes to fire resistance?

Here’s a guide:

Fire Resistance of TruExterior Siding & Trim

All thicknesses, widths, and profiles of the TruExterior Siding & Trim product line are certified by the California Building Commission for inclusion on the Wildland-Urban Interface Zone (WUI) Products Listing, one of the strictest regulations on building products, systems, and assemblies in the country. The product line is part of a relatively small group of cladding materials approved for WUI-designated buildings. This means that architects and contractors can confidently specify the product for use throughout all areas of California, regardless of WUI restrictions.

Fire Resistance of Versetta Stone siding

Versetta Stone offers the look of stone and the ease of panelized installation—and a Class A fire rating meeting the requirements of the ASTM E 84 – fire spread & smoke test.

Versetta Stone can be used for interior fireplace surround applications.

Fire Resistance of Foundry Siding

Not only does Foundry Siding’s authentic looks separate it from other similar siding products, Foundry shakes and shingles contain PVC, which contributes to a 1A fire resistance rating. Siding made with polypropylene does not carry a 1A rating.

In addition, Foundry’s Grayne Shingle line is included on California’s WUI building materials listing.

As with any material, use of Boral Building Products’ siding and trim materials beyond the parameters to which they are designed could impact fire resistance. Have questions? Contact our customer service team today.

What do the 2021 Colors of the Year Mean for Your Exteriors?

One of the most fun reveals at the end of each year are the various Colors of the Year announcements from manufacturers and color experts. They’re a unique reflection of the current moods of the populace and perhaps also a nudge toward where we expect to be headed in the coming 12 months.

This year was no exception, as three of the major Color of the Year announcements seemed to deliver on a similar theme of calm, hope, and grounding.

Here’s a look at the colors, what they symbolize, and how you can leverage them on your homes.

2021 Colors of the Year

For only the second time in 22 years, Pantone selected two Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray (17-5104) and Illuminating (13-0647). The two hues “highlight how different elements come together to support one another,” the company says. “Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.”

(Check out ArchDaily’s collection of projects featuring similar colors.)

Pantone 2021 Colors of the Year, Iluminating, Ultimate Gray
Pantone’s Illuminating and Ultimate Gray (Image courtesy Pantone)

Sherwin-Williams named Urbane Bronze (SW 7047 (245-C7)), a rich, enveloping gray-brown, its Color of the Year. “Nature at its simplest and most elemental—embodying the richness of the Earth’s stone, metal, and wood—forges a feeling that’s grounded, meditative, and serene,” the paint manufacturer describes. “Let a color rooted in nature create a feeling of calm and bring all you cherish together.”

Sherwin-Williams 2021 Color of the Year, Urbane Bronze
Sherwin-Williams’ Urbane Bronze (Image courtesy Sherwin-Williams)

Paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore went for a richer neutral as well with its selection of Aegean Teal 2136-40, “a blend of blue-green and gray … an intriguing midtone that creates natural harmony,” as its Color of the Year. The hue, along with the other colors in the company’s Color Trends 2021 Palette, celebrates the simple pleasures of home, eliciting a feeling of calming positivity that embraces the viewer in its warmth. The aesthetic feels traditional but much more modern in tone. 

Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal (Image courtesy Benjamin Moore)

“Every year, the Colors of the Year reflect what’s happened over the past 12 months, and that is very apparent in this year’s selections,” says Trisha Wagner, National Accounts Manager for Boral Building Products. “People have changed a lot in how they view their surroundings; it’s taken a turn from looking at home from outside in. And these colorscapes demonstrate that.”

How to Apply Trending Colors to the Home Exterior

Wagner points out that home aesthetics are no longer just about curb appeal. With the pandemic, home is also a workspace, vacation space, and much more—so how colors live is important. They need to be much more fluid, with a flow from inside to out, rather than a bold exterior color with a more neutral interior or vice versa.

Trending colors have a feel of the “new neutral,” with a natural tone but with a richness that keeps them feeling modern. In siding, Foundry’s Deep Granite color is one example.

“When I look at new construction projects, it’s not just siding and stone; it’s shake in the gable, multiple textures, but they’re all tonal. Texture and color fold and weave into this calm, serene space,” says Wagner. “It’s the same on the interior. We’re seeing less of the stark contrast, such as a single accent wall in a bold red. It’s more of a blend. It’s not just about one room, it’s about the palette throughout the home.”

Foundry siding
Foundry siding on the second floor blends with the first-floor hues to create a soothing-yet-elegant look.

There’s still a place for bold, but there’s an elegance to it. The bright red is still around, but in a deeper, earthier version that feels calm instead of overpowering. On the exterior, a neutral palette may pair with black-framed windows or a half wall of Versetta Stone’s Northern Ash hue. “That’s the foundation for some of these modern neutrals. We’re not going back to the boring hues. These are elevated, richer, calmer,” Wagner explains.

Versetta Stone in Northern Ash offers an opportunity to add a bold look without feeling overpowering.

The Colors of the Year themselves can be easily weaved into a front door, shutters, and other accents, areas that showcase a trend without having to make a dramatic change.

Atlantic Shutters, Bahama Shutters, green shutters
Shutters and doors offer homeowners an opportunity to experiment with trendy colors, whether the Colors of the Year or a bright green as seen here, without making too much of a commitment.

“Colors are an absolute reflection of where we are this year,” Wagner says. “Color inspires. We shouldn’t be afraid of it, but it has to work with you.”

Ready to take advantage of the latest color trends? Atlantic Shutters can be matched to nearly any color, offering a perfect opportunity to incorporate similar hues to the Colors of the Year. And TruExterior Siding & Trim can be painted any color, making it easy to respond to the latest preferences.

Triangle Shape, Blended Textures Add Drama to Indiana Orthodontist Office

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, TruExterior

It’s not every day that an orthodontist office wins rave design reviews. But that’s just the case with a recent project completed by MKM architecture + design, which turned a challenging site into a unique space highlighted by modern geometric forms and eye-catching textures.

The property along the Jefferson Corridor in Fort Wayne, Ind., was difficult to say the least: a pie-shaped lot wedged between two major roadways. A connector to downtown and close to schools, the corridor is a high-traffic area that’s convenient to patients—but also high profile and highly visible. Rather than feeling daunted, Dr. Parrish was drawn to the property, finding inspiration in its similarities to the Flatiron Building in New York. He seized the opportunity to work with MKM to create a design that was distinctive yet still complementary to the neighborhood. 

In addition to the oddly shaped lot, the office’s location just outside the city’s commercial core necessitated balancing the feel of heading downtown while staying true to the aesthetic of nearby residential areas. 

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, TruExterior siding

Dr. Parrish’s eye toward style and forward-looking approach allowed MKM architecture + design Principal Matt Sparling, AIA, LEED AP, to explore different forms as well as different materials. A square building was out of the question due to the lot shape and the limitations of required parking and driveways. Instead, MKM designed the building with a triangle shape extending into the lot, coming to a steep point with a dramatic 20-foot overhang where the building faces the street corner.

Pulling off the shape required a more intensive and lengthy review process; any changes to the square footage of the building meant reworking the plan and proportions of the triangle. The skin of the roof took its own shape and form over the triangular footprint and simultaneously had to balance the design and scale of the building exterior. To achieve this design, all the trusses were unique in size and length with no one alike.

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, TruExterior

To maximize the floor plan and allow space for parking, MKM had to petition for a variance to extend past the building setback line. This allowance also saved seven well-established trees during construction, helping the building appear as if it had been there for years. 

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, Tight-Cut stone, TruExterior siding, Channel siding

Along with its shape, the project is visually distinctive in its use of color and texture. The lower areas of the exterior feature TruExterior 8” Channel Siding in two shades of gray and taupe. The product’s workability was essential for creating the crisp mitered corners and clean lines, as well as for navigating the trickier points of the triangle. Made with poly-ash, TruExterior offers dimensional stability ideal for the fluctuations of temperature and weather in Indiana, and its authentic wood look adds dimension to the flat surfaces. 

Just as striking is the stone cladding along the sides of the triangle and the broad overhang. To pull off this look in a somewhat challenging area of the façade, contractor Steve Desmond installed Versetta Stone panelized siding in a Tight-Cut profile and Plum Creek colorway. Because of Versetta Stone’s lighter weight compared to brick, it could be used for the overhang without adding tremendous structural costs. Its panelized format, requiring just screws to hang, simplified what could have been a time-consuming and costly traditional masonry installation. 

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, TruExteruor

The stone carries over to other areas of the façade, including half walls and planter boxes, completing the multi-textured look. 

Using TruExterior and Versetta Stone eases the building’s sharper geometries, where previously considered metal options would have been too severe. “You can make it look unique for the area and still be complementary to your neighbors,” Sparling says.

TruExterior also could be installed in the winter, helping to avoid construction delays, he adds. “Contractors around here really favor it because it’s a no-nuisance product.”

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, TruExterior siding

Inside the office, the building’s shape created dead space in corners, so MKM used those areas for infrastructure, like a vertical chase, as well as for countertop display areas. 

MKM architecture + design, Versetta Stone, TruExterior siding

The Mid-Century Modern décor, featuring stone and wood finishes and a feature wall made with plank flooring, maintains a contemporary appeal while keeping the space inviting. Sparling incorporated two setback windows into the layout for the always-on nightlights. Outside, can lights on the underside of the overhang provide emphasis while highlighting the angles. Like the rest of the building, and the design approach overall, the effect is both strikingly modern and comfortably warm. 

Inspiration Gallery: Versetta Stone in Northern Ash

Versetta Stone, Northern Ash, Pacific Northwest Exhibition

Not only is Versetta Stone easy to install, with a panelized format that goes up with nails or screws, it adds the perfect aesthetic touch to homes, multifamily projects, and light commercial spaces. Versetta Stone’s authentic look is ideal for adding an elegant or rustic touch to exterior walls, chimneys, and columns, while inside it can easily enhance the visual appeal to fireplace surrounds and walls without the added weight of real stone. 

This is especially the case with Northern Ash, the newest colorway and the boldest yet. The dramatic, near-black hue is perfect for today’s trends favoring dark colors—to add a pop to the exterior or create the perfect accent wall.

Need inspiration? Here are a few early applications of this new color:

Versetta Stone, Northern Ash, Pacific Northwest Exhibition
Image Courtesy Pacific Northwest Exhibition

This beauty was the prize home for the Pacific Northwest Exhibition, a non-profit organization in British Columbia that funds local community, agriculture, and arts programs. The 3,188-square-foot mountain home boasts a rustic-modern look, a perfect fit for first-floor walls made with Versetta Stone in Northern Ash. Project participants included Gentek Building Products in Kelowna (dealer), Freeport Industries (builder),  Chartwell Exteriors & Standard Insulation and Siding (installers), and Canadian Stone Industries (distributor). 

Versetta Stone, Northern Ash, multifamily design

For this multifamily project, Northern Ash added the perfect accent on the corners, providing contrast to the lighter hues elsewhere on the façade and providing a multi-textured look that’s tremendously popular right now. 

Versetta Stone, Northern Ash, fireplace, two-sided fireplace
Image courtesy Construction in the Creek

Bold and modern, this beautiful two-sided outdoor fireplace by Construction in the Creek is clad in Versetta Stone Northern Ash. The dark hue perfectly coordinates with the space’s black-and-white color scheme.

RR Buildings, Versetta Stone, outbuilding
Image courtesy Rural Renovators

A half wall of Versetta Stone Northern Ash adds an aesthetic touch to this outbuilding by Rural Renovators, Inc., combining with the shutters and porch to provide a slight residential appeal suitable for the property. 

Versetta Stone, lobby design

Northern Ash is just as suitable for interiors and for light commercial spaces, as shown here in a lobby waiting room.  

Excited by Northern Ash? See all the Versetta Stone profiles here.

Versetta Stone Elevates Post-Frame Outbuildings

RR Buildings, Versetta Stone, outbuilding

Rural Renovators (or RR Buildings, for short) in Franklin Grove, Ill., specializes in custom post-frame outbuildings, with a reputation for quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Founder Kyle Stumpenhorst’s love of the job shows through in every project in the company’s extensive portfolio, which includes an array of residential, agricultural, and commercial buildings.

As you look through RR Buildings’ project gallery and Instagram page, it’s hard not to be struck by the aesthetics. Rather than being staid or ordinary, the builder’s rural outbuildings catch the eye with pops of color on the roof or accent walls, interesting overhangs, and texture.

In some of the outbuildings, Stumpenhorst has added Versetta Stone stone siding to achieve a varied look and add a touch of softness to the metal facades. This building is just one example.

RR Buildings, Versetta Stone, outbuildings

A warehouse-like interior accommodates a Crossfit gym, along with a small storage area for the owner’s work truck and professional plumbing equipment. Using post-frame construction with open-span trusses provided not only installation efficiencies but also kept the interior space free of excess load-bearing beams that may have hindered workout equipment. Large rolling doors on the rear provide fresh air to gym-goers in warmer months.

RR Buildings, Versetta Stone, outbuildings

RR Buildings built the structure on a full foundation footing wall to avoid installing posts in the ground. On the exterior, Versetta Stone panelized stone siding in a dark Northern Ash color pops against the white metal cladding for an on-trend look. The stone, dark shutters, and timber frame porch add a touch of residential styling ideal for the building’s location on a family property. 

RR Buildings, Versetta Stone, outbuildings

See more from RR Buildings at https://rrbuildings.com/.


5 Insights from LBM Journal’s Siding Review

LBM Journal magazine, siding trends

In many ways, it’s business as usual in the siding market—authenticity is in demand, low maintenance is a must, and the Modern Farmhouse continues to reign. And while the pandemic shifted the way most of the industry is doing business, many homeowners are using the extra time at home to improve their exteriors.

LBM Journal’s annual In Depth feature on siding takes a look at the current trends in siding and siding sales. Here’s some of what they found:

Siding Market Remains Strong

While the pandemic has created challenges for so many, it’s also driven many homeowners to embark on improvement projects, particularly as they embrace the home’s role as sanctuary. “During stay-at-home orders, many Americans have been making wish lists for the ways they will have professionals make improvements once that’s allowed in their areas,” Boral Building Products’ Vice President of Sales Jack Delaney told LBM Journal. “Siding replacement is a perfect way to give existing homes an instant facelift.”

Siding also has the distinct advantage of offering outside work, which is isolated from the homeowner and is easier to do safely as the pandemic continues, making it an ideal option to consider for a facelift.

Popular Siding Trends Continue

Multi-textured facades continue to be in demand, manufacturers say, combining traditional siding with stone and accents to help the home stand out and catch the eye.

And despite some predictions that the Modern Farmhouse style has run its course, the look remains popular, as homeowners desire the authenticity blended with clean lines and a contemporary vibe.

“Authenticity has been in demand for the past few years, and we think that desire will only get stronger as Americans look to their homes as a sanctuary,” Delaney said. “The draw of tradition, of the tried-and-true, is likely to continue as homeowners look for any sense of normalcy in these times.”

TruExterior Siding & Trim’s Craftsman Collection, offering the look of wood in seven authentic profiles such as Shiplap and Channel Bevel, is one way to deliver on that preference.

Low Maintenance a Must

The demand for low-maintenance materials is here to stay, as older and younger homeowners alike eschew the idea of painting their exterior every year. Two products to consider are TruExterior poly-ash siding and Foundry Specialty Siding, each offering a combination of durability and little upkeep.

Easy Installation in Demand

As the labor shortage continues, straightforward, speedy installation is key to maintaining schedules and ensuring long-term performance. (Try Versetta Stone stone siding, which has a panelized format that can be installed by traditional carpenters and contractors.) Building pros also are looking for a partner in their suppliers, one that can be both a single source of materials and provide value and knowledge.

Virtual Training Takes Off

With demand still high but face-to-face meetings off the table in many areas of the country, manufacturers have quickly implemented online training sessions. Boral Building Products, for example, has been hosting product knowledge workshops and live installation demonstrations. Check out some recorded classes on our YouTube channel or contact your rep to arrange a live session.

Learn more about the latest siding needs and trends by reading the full LBM Journal article here.

How to Install Versetta Stone

Versetta Stone installation

Versetta Stone offers the best of both worlds: The beautiful, timeless look of stone along with panelized installation that’s within reach of nearly any contractor or experienced DIYer.

Much like a traditional siding panel, Versetta Stone siding features an integrated nailing flange so it can simply be nailed or screwed into the wall. And unlike regular stone, there’s no need for mortar, scratch coat, or metal lath.

How easy is it to install Versetta Stone? It breaks down into the basic steps below:

  1. Gather your tools: You’ll need a hammer or screw gun, a circular saw, hand grinder, level, chalk line and tape measure, tin snips, brush, small screwdriver, masonry chisel, and a chop saw with continuous diamond turbo blade. You’ll also want to wear safety glasses or goggles, an N-95 mask, gloves, ear plugs or muffs, steel toe boots, and a hard hat.
  2. Estimate materials: Using provided formulas, calculate the area to be covered and how many panels are needed, along with corners, starter strips, and fasteners.
  3. Inspect and prep the area
  4. Mark your starting point and level lines
  5. Install the starter strip and, where needed, J-channel
  6. Install panels:
    • Install panels from the bottom to the top, one row at a time, lapping in a shingle fashion so the tongue seats completely in the groove.
    • Use screws with 3⁄8″ minimum head diameter and ⅛” shank with a length to penetrate the framing at least 1”.
  7. Install universal corners
  8. Install wainscot cap/sill and receptacle/light boxes if needed for the application. Use flashing, metal lath, and adhesive to affix receptable and light boxes.
  9. Clean dust with water and nylon bristle brush

Be sure to follow full manufacturer instructions to install Versetta Stone. For the complete step-by-step guide, download the Versetta Stone Installation Instructions here.

Watch a Versetta Stone wall installation:

https://youtu.be/f_Am_y6n5ZY

Versetta Stone comes in three profiles—Ledgestone, a traditional dry-stack look; Tight-Cut, which features the look of cut-and-fitted stone; and modern Carved Block, offering the look of split-face stone.

Ready to buy Versetta Stone? Find a retailer here. Have installation questions? Contact our customer service department here.

Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Home With Versetta Stone

Stone is a sought-after material for home exteriors and interiors, thanks to a rich, eye-catching look that’s both beautiful and timeless. And Versetta Stone stone siding, with its panelized format, makes it easier than ever to add the beloved material nearly anywhere inside and outside the home.

Versetta Stone panels install easily with nails or screws—no mortar, scratch coat, or metal lath needed like traditional stone. The installation method is straightforward and approachable, so much so that experienced DIYers can create projects of their own.

Available in three profiles—Ledgestone, a traditional dry-stack look; Tight-Cut, which features the look of cut-and-fitted stone; and modern Carved Block, offering the look of split-face stone—Versetta Stone is well suited to traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles.

Here are a few easy projects to elevate your home using Versetta Stone:

• Bathroom wall: Want to make your master bath even more like a spa? Add warm stone behind the soaking tub for the cozy, rustic feel of a mountain lodge. (See more images from this bathroom here.)

Versetta stone bathroom, manufactured stone

• Mailbox: Wrap your mailbox post for a touch of literal curb appeal.

• Fireplace: The beauty of a stone fireplace is undeniable, but can be pricey. Versetta Stone makes it easier than ever to create that sophisticated look, whether through a simple surround or from floor to ceiling, like Northmade Farmhouse did.

Versetta stone fireplace

• Accent wall: Nothing adds a pop to a home office, living room, or bedroom like an accent wall. Instead of the once-trendy red wall, try adding stone for a fresh take.

Versetta Stone accent wall, Versetta Stone fireplace

• Porch columns: Wrap the bottom portion of porch posts for an instant, welcoming boost. We love this look from Erdmann Exterior Designs in Illinois:

Versetta Stone porch posts, Versetta Stone wall, manufactured stone

• Shed: A ho-hum storage structure can bum out your backyard. Versetta Stone panels can add contrast and interest to this seemingly simple outbuilding or bring pizazz to Cheryl’s she-shed. Oak Lane Structures in Indiana is an expert at elevating sheds with shutters, windows, and stone, as seen here:

Versetta Stone she-shed

• Kitchen backsplash: Tired of tile? Versetta Stone adds a unique twist to the kitchen backsplash. Try Ledgestone in Plum Creek for a traditional feel behind warm wood cabinets, Tight Cut in Northern Ash for a modern backdrop to an all-white kitchen, or blend whites with warm tones as this builder did:

Versetta Stone kitchen backsplash, stone backsplash

• Freestanding bar: Basement bars can feel a bit pedestrian. Add a professional touch by wrapping the bar in Versetta Stone panels.

• Deck accents: Have an awkward wall on your deck? Turn it into stone like this Mid-Century home:

Ready to try Versetta Stone? Find a retailer here.

Cost vs. Report: Manufactured Stone Brings Largest Return on Investment Among Remodeling Projects

Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value Report

Remodelers and homeowners seeking the biggest bang for their buck will find it with manufactured stone veneer, according to the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value report.

The annual Cost vs. Value Report examines which remodeling projects deliver the highest perceived return in resale value. In 2020, manufactured stone (such as Boral Building Products’ Versetta Stone), was the retrofit project with the highest ROI at the national level—95.6%, an increase from 94.9% last year. The only other project with an ROI in the 90% range was garage door replacement, coming in second at 94.5%.

The 95.6% ROI for manufactured stone is based on replacing a 300-square-foot continuous band of existing vinyl siding from the bottom third of the street-facing façade with manufactured stone veneer, sills, corners, and address block, along with outlining the entry archway and adding a keystone and a soldier course on either side.

Manufactured stone also offered the highest ROI of all categories in five out of nine regions: Pacific (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California), with a whopping 119.5% return; Mountain (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico), with a 100.0% return; South Atlantic (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida), at 94.0%; West South Central (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana), at 91.1%; and East North Central (Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio), at 88.0%.

Exterior Facelifts Continue to Deliver

As with the 2019 report, the 2020 Cost vs. Value study found that exterior projects dominated all others, capturing nine of the top 10 spots for ROI. Following manufactured stone and garage door replacement, those projects comprised fiber cement siding replacement, vinyl siding replacement, vinyl window replacement, wood deck addition, wood window replacement, steel entry door replacement, composite deck addition, and asphalt roofing replacement. Only minor kitchen remodels ranked as high, at 77.6%.

“The reason for high returns on exterior projects, and especially façade facelifts, stems from the valuations set by the real estate community,” Remodeling reported. “In order to make the best use of the Cost vs. Value tool, a remodeler has to think like a real estate broker. ‘Curb appeal’ and ‘first impressions’ are central to a real-estate professional’s estimation of resale value. Granted, a home’s exterior will only persuade potential buyers to see more, and first impressions can vary from one individual to the next. But the impact these impressions make is critical in setting the stage for what a buyer is willing to pay for a home.”

To read more analysis and see results, including those broken down to metro area, visit the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value portal on Remodeling’s website.

Cost vs. Value Report note: © 2020 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2020 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.

Trends and Products From the 2020 International Builders’ Show

International Builders' Show 2020

Attendee numbers—and attendee attitudes—remained strong at the 2020 International Builders’ Show Jan. 21-23. NAHB reports that nearly 65,000 attendees converged on Las Vegas, just a few thousand short of last year’s total. When combined with the co-located Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, attendee numbers soared to about 90,000. Not too shabby considering it was the show’s second consecutive year in Sin City.

“The strong attendance at this year’s show reflects the positive outlook for the home building industry and the enthusiasm that our attendees have for the future,” NAHB Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Meetings Geoff Cassidy said in a statement. “Attendees continue to seek the innovative products, education sessions, and networking opportunities that only IBS can provide.”

If you weren’t able to attend, read on for a look at the trends, news, and highlights from the show floor and beyond.

IBS Trends: Easy Installation, Dark Windows, Smooth Siding

Visit enough booths and talk to enough people, and trends start to emerge. Here’s a bit of what our team saw on the show floor:

Labor: The labor shortage continues to dominate conversations about builders’ and remodelers’ biggest business challenges, and manufacturers touted products accordingly. (Be sure to check out our Versetta Stone stone siding, which installs like a traditional siding panel with nails and screws.) In addition, the Home Builders Institute and The Home Depot announced a half-million-dollar grant to fund student training in home construction careers. Meanwhile, Fine Homebuilding continued its mission to #KeepCraftAlive.

Versetta Stone stone siding, manufactured stone veneer

Black windows: Like last year, black window frames were everywhere. We also noticed an uptick in black window trim—coinciding with a decline in white window trim. (If you’re jumping on board this trend, be sure to consider TruExterior trim, which can be painted dark colors, including black.)

Bookend colors: Along with dark accents, exterior siding, stone, and trim products are trending to both sides of the scale—lots of darks and, in direct contrast, lots of whites. Warm neutrals were scarce to nonexistent.

Smooth siding: Smooth siding appears to be on trend as more manufacturers jump on board. Love texture still? Try our new TruExterior Reversible Shiplap/Nickel Gap, which comes in both smooth and wood-grain.

• Outdoor living: No surprise, outdoor living is here to stay, and manufacturers are responding with more options than ever to deck out the space with all the comforts of the interior. As just one example, our sister company, Kindred Outdoors+Surrounds, launched at the show with fire bowls, fire pits, fireplaces and surrounds, and outdoor kitchens.

Kindred outdoor living fire bowls

For even more prognosticating, check out NAHB’s latest trend report, released at the show. Top “most likely” features include walk-in closets, low-E windows, and laundry rooms.

Show Houses Reveal Consumer Preferences

Each year, a handful of showhouses offer a look at what today’s homeowners are, or will be, looking for, from the practical to the extravagant. This year was no exception:

The New American Home, the show’s centerpiece demonstration home combined wow factor with “ahhh” factor, with water and fire features, flooring that resembles drifting sand, and a soothing color palette. Professional Builder walks you through it here.

And for more “TNAH,” check out Products magazine’s summary of 7 Design Ideas to Steal From The New American Home.

Photo courtesy Jeff Davis Photography (c) 2020

• The designers behind this year’s The New American Remodel leveraged advances in home performance technology to help demonstrate to showgoers how to achieve true net zero. Follow along with Professional Remodeler.

• The pre-fabricated, multi-million-dollar Sekisui Showhouse home renovation concept showcased Japanese homebuilding innovation to highlight the future of building. Las Vegas Review Journal provides a peek.

New From Boral

Boral Building Products’ portfolio of exterior products means you can find the perfect whole-house solution for any home, any design, and any budget. Check out our newest options to inspire your work:

• Versetta Stone Northern Ash: The easy installation and beautiful look you love about Versetta Stone stone siding in a dramatic new hue. This bold head-turner meets consumer demand for darker colors and accents on the exterior. See it here.

• Kleer Lumber Extruded Beadboard: Our new beadboard is extruded as one piece and sealed on all four sides to eliminate the open cells that may be prone to dirt intrusion—ensuring a brilliant white out of the box and on the jobsite. Learn more here.

Kleer Lumber, beadboard, cellular PVC trim

• TruExterior Reversible Shiplap/Nickel Gap: Two looks in one! The newest profile in our high-performance TruExterior Siding & Trim lineup comes in two formats: one features smooth Nickel Gap on one side and wood-grain Shiplap on the other; the second has wood-grain Nickel Gap on one side and smooth Shiplap on the other. Check it out here.

Boral TruExterior Reversible Shiplap Nickel Gap

Foundry Grayne Shingle Siding Colors: Foundry’s Grayne shingle siding now comes in Mountain Ash, a sandy white, and Rustic Slate, a bluish gray, both a perfect complement to the sidings’ distinctive graining patterns and sharp, crisp edges. 

Foundry Grayne shingle siding

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A Simpler Method for Installing Stone Sills

Stone sills can be a hassle to install—from propping them up while waiting for mortar to dry to dealing with wasteful breakage. No matter what type of stone you’re installing, Versetta Stone sills can provide a simple solution.

Versetta Stone panelized stone sill/wainscot cap

Like Versetta Stone stone siding, Versetta Stone sills feature a panelized format that installs easily with nails or screws—no more holding them in place with mason ties while you wait for the mortar to dry.

Simply follow these steps:

  • Remove the alignment tab from the bottom of the Versetta Stone sill product with a masonry chisel or hammer.
  • Apply a layer of mortar to the top of your installed veneer stone with a mortar tube or trowel. 
  • Secure the Versetta Stone sill to the wall with nails or screws, ensuring the bottom of the sill is in full contact with the layer of mortar below. Lap the weather barrier over the flange.

The sills’ simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing aesthetics. Versetta Stone offers an authentic look and feel in a range of color options—Taupe, Stone Grey, and Charcoal—to perfectly accent your choice of stone veneer. And since Versetta Stone sills come in longer 3’ lengths, there are fewer seams than traditional sills.

Versetta Stone sills measure 36” by 3.5” with a 2.6” exposure and 3” thickness.

Stone Facades Made Easy

Versetta Stone sills offer the same convenience and aesthetics as Versetta Stone stone siding. Along with panelized installation accessible to siding contractors or carpenters, the lightweight stone siding panels feature a tongue-and-groove system for perfect spacing and a built-in rainscreen. The siding carries a Class A fire rating, passes freeze/thaw testing, and is wind resistant up to 110 mph.

Along with sills, Versetta Stone accessories include light and receptacle boxes, J-channels and starter strips, and universal corners. Together, Versetta Stone accessories make it simple to create a fully finished look without extra hassles or wasted time. Every component works as a system with the stone siding panels and is made with the same premium materials and in coordinating styles, colors, and textures.  

Click here for more information on Versetta Stone.

Versetta Stone Adds Warm Touch Inside and Outside Modern Farmhouse

When the Dokken family decided they needed a larger home for their growing kids, Trisha Dokken knew she was going to buck the style trends of her Minnesota locale and opt for the modern farmhouse she had craved for some time. 

Dokken worked closely with her builder, Nate Moran of KLS Construction, to select the products and design elements that would achieve the look she desired. The result is a cozy-yet-fresh interplay of white shiplap, weathered woods, crisp stone, and striking blacks. 

On the exterior, Dokken’s vision comes to life with white board-and-batten siding and black-framed Marvin windows. Moran introduced his client to Versetta Stone, having used the product, which installs with nails or screws like traditional panel siding, on a previous project. Dokken liked the look and chose the Ledgestone profile in the Mission Point colorway, whose white-gray tones coordinated perfectly with the siding. 

modern farmhouse, Versetta Stone stone siding panels, manufactured stone, board-and-batten

Along with the posts and garage, the builder wrapped the lower half of the entire house with the stone siding; because the home backs up to a golf course, the couple felt it was important to ensure the rear aesthetic was as pleasing as the front.

Inside, Moran used the same Ledgestone to create the two-story fireplace, mirroring the exterior while breaking up the shiplap on the walls. A hand-poured concrete hearth and salvaged-wood mantel complete the look.

Versetta Stone fireplace, shiplap, modern farmhouse

“The fireplace worked out really well,” Dokken says. “The craftsmanship is great; no one can tell its faux stone. It really did make the fireplace the centerpiece of the room.”

Salvaged wood and local sourcing were key components throughout the house. The interior shiplap was made with real pine by a local sawmill; in the bonus room, four handmade bunks are built into the wall with weathered oak shiplap. A local craftsman handmade the barn doors with reclaimed barn wood, and the exquisite stair rails were locally hand-welded. Dokken’s co-worker made the double vanity in the master bedroom with red pine and a white oak top; layered finishes and burnishing helped create a weathered, rustic look. 

vanity, reclaimed wood, shiplap

Black accents in nearly every room, from the gridded shower door to pendant and vanity lights to cabinet hardware, contrast perfectly with the white and wood that otherwise dominate the modern farmhouse décor.

Though the home is less than two years old, the design decisions lend a decidedly vintage feel. “When you come in you get the feeling you’re being taken back to a simpler, quieter time,” Dokken says.

View more inspiring images from around the Dokkens’ home on their Instagram page, Northmade Farmhouse.

Boral Adds Northern Ash Colorway to Versetta Stone Stone Siding Lineup

The Versetta Stone family of stone siding panels is expanding with new Northern Ash, the line’s darkest color yet. A bold, dramatic look, Northern Ash is ideal for meeting today’s demand for dark colors and accent options for the exterior.

Versetta Stone siding panels provide the beauty and texture of authentic stone masonry without the added skill and time required for installation.

Versetta Stone Northern Ash, manufactured stone, stone siding, mortarless stone veneer

Northern Ash blends near-black and dark gray stones with subtle taupe and light gray undertones, creating a visual texture and a varied aesthetic across the façade. The new color is available with Versetta Stone’s Ledgestone and Tight-Cut profiles; Ledgestone offers a traditional dry-stack look, while Tight-Cut features the look of cut-and-fitted stone.

“Increasingly, customers are requesting more options for darker accents, and Northern Ash answers that call. The stone siding offers a bold look ideal for half walls, columns, and nearly any other application, and works well in combination with both light and dark hues elsewhere on the façade,” says Ben Drury, Brand Manager for Boral Building Products. “And with Versetta Stone’s straightforward panelized installation, it’s easy for traditional carpenters and siding contractors to achieve this trendy look.”

Versetta Stone mortarless panels install easily with nails or screws with no scratch coat or metal lath needed, and they feature an integrated moisture management system; they do not require additional footings for support. The stone siding carries a Class A fire resistance rating, is wind resistant up to 110 mph, and passes freeze/thaw testing. Coordinating accessories are available, including starter strips, sills, and receptacle boxes. For more information, visit www.versettastone.com.

Inspiration Gallery: Mixed-Texture Façades

One of the hottest trends in exteriors right now is mixed-texture façades, in which stone, varying colors and textures of siding, and trim combine to create unique looks that set homes apart, highlight key features, and vary the streetscape.

With multiple brands under one portfolio, Boral Building Products makes it easy to mix and match cladding and trim to create one-of-a-kind exteriors that stand out while also standing the test of time. Even better, you can see what the home will look like before making a commitment with our new Virtual Remodeler tool. Simply upload a photo of the house, or use a similar home from our image gallery, select products and colors from Boral’s collection of brands, and get a real-time view of how the home will look. Give it a try here.

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few ways builders, remodelers, and designers are blending textures to create one-of-a-kind exterior facades:

Foundry split shake siding

Colors don’t have to be boldly different to make an impact. The brown-gray tones of the Foundry Split Shake siding, stone, and garage doors create layers of visual texture that unfold slowly on this home.

Boral TruExterior Siding and stone

A small section of light-gray stone, along with the juxtaposition of horizontal and vertical TruExterior siding, give this L-shaped home a unique pop for a modern take on the popular Farmhouse look.

Grayne engineered siding and Versetta Stone mortarless stone veneer

Combining Versetta Stone and Grayne engineered siding with a unique porch roof adds visual interest to this seemingly simple, smaller home.

Boral TruExterior siding with stucco

Bumpout accents with TruExterior siding and stone block set this home apart from the plain stucco next door.

Foundry siding with stone

Foundry siding combines with rich stone and gable accents to evoke a cozy vibe.

Boral TruExterior Siding

Vertical and horizontal TruExterior siding, along with cedar-like shakes, create a visual feast across this all-white exterior.

Versetta Stone mortarless stone veneer, manufactured stone

Versetta Stone in the Ledgestone profile plays both a primary and secondary role in this exterior by Canadian Stone Interiors.

Ready to see how mixed-texture façades will look on your homes? Try our new Virtual Remodeler tool.

Versetta Stone Adds Warmth to Bathroom Remodel

Versetta Stone manufactured stone veneer

Stone is a sought-after material for exteriors, but its rich texture is also an ideal option for injecting cozy warmth into interior spaces. Case in point: Debbie Merica’s spa-like bathroom, where a Versetta Stone stone siding accent wall provides the perfect backdrop for her luxury soaking tub.

Versetta Stone manufactured stone veneer

Versetta Stone siding wasn’t always in the plan. The focal point of the room is by far the ample tub designed to accommodate Merica’s 6-foot-4 husband. “Once I picked it out, I told him we had to do something awesome with the wall behind it,” she says. “Having just plain drywall there was going to look boring.”

Merica reached out to her boss at Jenkins Lumber & Hardware, owner Dave Jenkins, for ideas. He suggested using rock, and Merica quickly thought of Versetta Stone. A call with Jenkins’ distributor, Boise Cascade, confirmed that it was suitable for use in a bathroom environment. Next up: convincing her husband, who was swayed after seeing its straightforward installation in a YouTube video.

Indeed, Versetta Stone’s mortarless, panelized format makes it easier and less messy for indoor installations, including in tight spaces like a bathroom. The panels install with nails or screws and feature a tongue-and-groove profile that ensures proper spacing. The lightweight aggregate makeup helps reduce installer fatigue.

Merica chose the Ledgestone profile, which offers a traditional look of narrow, dry-stack stones; combined with the rich Plum Creek color, the stone expertly complements the bathroom’s rustic vibe alongside the knotty wide-plank wood floors, earthy-tone walls, deep red accents, and wood console table.

Versetta Stone manufactured stone veneer stone siding

“It turned out amazing. All my family and friends love it,” Merica says. “We plan on using it in other areas of our house as we do more remodeling.”

Along with bathrooms, Versetta Stone makes a great accent in bedrooms, family rooms, under bars, wine cellars, and around fireplaces. Check out our Idea Gallery for inspiration.

2019 Builders’ Show Wrap-Up: Dark Colors, Blended Textures, and Fun New Products

International Builders Show Boral Building Products

The numbers are in: The 75th annual International Builders’ Show marked its largest draw in a decade, with more than 67,000 attendees. Combined with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, collectively referred to as Design & Construction Week, more than 100,000 people flocked to Las Vegas Feb. 19-21. We felt the enthusiasm at the Boral booth, where a steady flow of builders, remodelers, and designers were eager to get inspired, learn about products and trends, and gather new strategies to positively impact their business.

Couldn’t make it to the show? Here is just a handful of the noteworthy trends and products.

Exterior Trends: Dark, Vertical, and Blended

In touring the Builders’ Show floor, the Boral team spotted a few common design threads, including several we highlighted earlier this year.

  • Dark colors: The preference for dark colors has been building for the last few years, and that was clear at nearly every exterior product manufacturer’s booth, from black window frames to rich brown trim to deep blue siding panels.  If you’re loving this trend, too, check out TruExterior® Siding & Trim, whose superior dimensional stability makes it an ideal choice for darker hues.

Boral Building Products International Builders' Show

Boral Building Products International Builders' Show Home Exteriors

  • Vertical siding: Whether a traditional board-and-batten for Farmhouse-style exteriors or a more simple approach for modern-style homes, vertical installations attracted a lot of attention during IBS.
  • Authenticity: Historic profiles, such as Shiplap, Nickel Gap, and V-Rustic, were prevalent. We’re partial to our TruExterior Siding Craftsman Collection.
  • Smooth siding: Even with the push for authenticity, smooth siding was prominent in many displays. In fact, we saw many instances of contemporary panels and traditional wood grain siding used in combination.

Industry Experts Weigh In

As usual, journalists from around the industry were out in force at the Builders’ Show reporting on the latest trends and new products. A few of the highlights:

New From Boral

Boral Building Products showcased our breadth of exterior products at the Builders’ Show, including several new options to spruce up your facades:

  • Virtual Remodeler: This online home design tool makes it easy for contractors and homeowners alike to create eye-catching exteriors. Users simply upload a photo of their home (or choose one from an online gallery) and then select from Boral’s siding, trim, and shutter lines to update the image in real time. Color Harmony palettes are available to further simplify the process. Learn more about the Virtual Remodeler here.

Boral Building Products Virtual Remodeler Remodeling Exterior Design

  • Versetta Stone Carved Block: We’re giving our popular stone siding a contemporary edge with this new larger-format profile that’s reminiscent of split-face stone. Carved Block features the same easy-to-install format pros love: simply nail or screw the panels to the wall—no mortar required. Choose from dark gray Midnight or creamy Sea Salt. Click here to learn more.

Versetta Stone Carved Block stone siding mortarless stone veneer

  • Kleer Lumber 10” Post Wraps: Our KLEERWrap cellular PVC post wraps, which conceal treated posts for a beautiful, finished look, are now available in a 10” version. Even with their robust size, these wraps install with just one person—simply apply adhesive to the three-sided piece, secure around the post, snap the fourth side into place, and fasten. Complete the look with accompanying cap and base moldings. See the wraps here.

Kleer Lumber cellular PVC post wraps

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Virtual Remodeler Tool Makes It Easy to Customize Home Exteriors

The Virtual Remodeler is an online home design tool providing contractors and homeowners with a simple way visualize how their facade will look with different profiles, textures, and colors from the company’s comprehensive lineup of siding and trim products.

With Virtual Remodeler, launched during the 2019 International Builders’ Show, users upload a photo of an existing home or select a similar house from an online gallery. Using the program’s product interface, the user then selects from Boral’s siding, trim, and shutter lines, including Versetta Stone®, Kleer® Lumber, TruExterior® Siding & Trim, and Mid-America Siding Components®; the image updates in real time, revealing how the exterior will appear with each product and color selection. To further ease the process, the home design tool includes Color Harmony coordinating color families, each of which can be further changed and updated to suit the homeowner’s tastes and needs.

“Designing a home with fantastic curb appeal requires navigating an endless array of options, from the shape of the siding to the color of the trim to the size of the shutters. Boral’s new Virtual Remodeler tool eases the process for homeowners—and their remodelers—by helping them visualize how products will look on their house, much more than a small sample ever could,” says Becky Duffy, Director of Marketing for Boral Building Products. “Remodelers can ensure customers are happy with their home exterior before products are ordered and installed, leading to fewer surprises and greater satisfaction when the project is complete.”

Virtual Remodeler users can save multiple projects to work on later and compare. For a small fee, pros can have their image professionally mapped by Boral, which will increase the accuracy of the rendering’s appearance. And once a finished look is chosen, Virtual Remodeler will generate a product list for easy ordering through Boral dealers and distributors.

Give Virtual Remodeler a try at http://wrvirtualremodeler.com/

Cost vs. Value Report: Manufactured Stone Veneer, Siding Projects Offer High Returns

Remodelers and homeowners can once again count on exterior stone and siding to provide a solid return on investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value report.

An annual survey released in January, the Cost vs. Value report provides insights into which remodeling projects deliver the highest perceived return in resale value. Manufactured stone veneer, such as Boral Versetta Stone® stone siding, continues to be a safe bet, with a 94.9% recoup of investment at the national level. Though this is a small drop from last year, manufactured stone veneer ranks second-highest in ROI, after garage doors.

Boral Versetta Stone manufactured stone veneer Cost vs. Value report
Manufactured stone veneer, such as Versetta Stone in this Ledgestone profile, offers the second-highest return on investment for remodeling projects.

The 94.9% ROI for manufactured stone veneer is based on replacing a 300-square-foot continuous band of existing vinyl siding from the bottom third of the home’s front façade and replacing it with adhered manufactured stone veneer, sills, corners, and an address block, along with an entry archway with keystone and soldier course of flats on each side.

As in 2018, manufactured stone veneer offered the highest returns in the Pacific region (Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Hawaii), at 110.4%. Returns were also particularly high in the East South Central region (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky), at 107.7%.

Manufactured stone veneer offered the highest ROI out of all categories in the East South Central, South Atlantic (91.4%), West North Central (93.5%), and West South Central (98.3%) regions.

Exterior Investments Deliver Biggest Paybacks

Siding overall finished strongly, as well, with a fifth-best return on investment at 75.6%, just shy of the 76.7% recoup in 2018. In fact, out of the 10 projects with the highest returns, nine were exterior categories, including a wood deck addition, steel entry door replacement, vinyl window replacement, a fiberglass grand entrance, wood window replacement, and a composite deck addition.

“The reason for high returns on exterior projects, and especially façade facelifts, stems from the valuations set by the real-estate community. … ‘Curb appeal’ and ‘first impressions’ are central to a real-estate professional’s estimation of resale value,” Remodeling says. “The impact these impressions make is critical in setting the stage for what a buyer is willing to pay for a home.”

What’s more, projects like kitchen and bathroom renovations tend to be  more individualized, which can mean some buyers may not like the look.

The overall percentage of investment recouped across all categories on average decreased slightly year over year. The magazine attributes the decline to the sharp increase in material costs over the summer, including those driven by tariffs.

To read more analysis and see results down to metro area, visit the Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value portal on Remodeling’s website.

9 Exterior Trends to Expect in 2019

When it comes to the outside of the home, what does this year hold? A few familiar looks as well as some emerging exterior trends. Here’s what to expect:

• Outdoor living: Demand for outdoor living spaces isn’t abating. In AIA’s annual Home Design Trends survey, architects named the outdoors as the No. 1 specialty room increasing in popularity.

• Low maintenance: This one will also sound familiar—home buyers, particularly younger buyers, simply don’t want to deal with painting, staining, and cleaning their façades and decks. In fact, the AIA survey lists low maintenance as the top product feature increasing in popularity. Expect composites and other low-maintenance materials for decks to continue to grow alongside demand for easy-to-maintain siding materials like TruExterior Siding & Trim, Kleer Lumber, and Grayne engineered siding.

• Darks and lights: Move over, earth tones. Consumers are increasingly drawn to the contrast of dark-colored siding against bright white trim. Trying to achieve this look? TruExterior Siding’s dimensional stability makes it an ideal fit for the darkest of paints, while Kleer trimboard’s TruEDGE technology and UV inhibitors ensure the trim stays brilliant white for years to come.

• Black trim: When trim isn’t white, look to black and dark browns. (Try TruExterior Trim, which can be painted dark hues, including black, without concerns about expansion or warping.) Also increasingly popular—the streamlined, sophisticated look of black window frames.

TruExterior Siding black window frames exterior trends
The sleek look of black window frames against white or light trim is very in.

• Grays (for now): Gray is still a go-to hue, but its popularity could finally be waning. Boral Senior Product Manager Trisha Wagner reports seeing more reds creeping in and believes it may be one of the colors to affect gray’s go-to status.

• Match game: The coordinated look of a matching entry door, garage door, and window trim is in.

• Blending textures: The varied streetscapes created by blending stone and siding textures across the façade continue to dominate. As in 2018, the transitions between textures are a bit more seamless than in years’ past. Versetta Stone siding makes this trend easy, with a panelized format that installs with screws or nails.

TruExterior Siding Stone Siding exterior trends
Blending stone and vertical and horizontal siding is an ideal way to boost curb appeal and make homes stand out from the rest.

• Authenticity: Also returning for 2019 is demand for historic looks brought by siding profiles such as nickel gap, shiplap, and board and batten.

• Modern farmhouse: Like it or not, the modern farmhouse style is sticking around for at least a little longer. Some designers are tiring of the look, but it’s still going to be popular among homeowners both inside and outside the house. “White [board-and-batten] siding delivers a ‘homey look’ and can provide texture and interest to an otherwise flat façade,” the Washington Post reports.

Looking for the perfect product to meet this year’s in-demand styles? Contact your Boral representative today.