Thin veneer has been around since Ancient Rome, but its beauty means that it’s still popular today. A veneer is a series of stones that have all been cut into slices and attached to the outside of buildings or walls to create a decorative or protective covering. Typically, veneer is roughly an inch thick, lightweight, and durable enough to be used both indoors and out. SBI Materials offers many different types of stone that can be made into veneer.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that comes in many different styles and colors. Some of the most popular shades are white, yellow, orange, red, and even gray or black; it’s among the most colorful of all rocks. Sandstone is very durable and lends an outdoorsy, rustic feeling to any area.

One special type of sandstone is bluestone, which (as the name implies) has a bluish-gray tint. Bluestone may also come in pale green or even lavender, and is one of the strongest types of sandstone. Bluestone can be made into a thin veneer that makes a wall seem slick, modern, and sophisticated.

Limestone is one of the world’s most popular building materials. After purchasing from SBI Materials, it can be easily cut into thin slices, making it good for veneer, and it also comes in a wide variety of shades. It is commonly seen in shades of white, cream, or tan, which are the most popular, although it also might crop up in reds, yellows, or blacks.

One specialized type of limestone is travertine. While normal limestone often forms at the bottoms of oceans, travertine appears inside of hot springs. This makes each piece unique and often leads to interesting patterns appearing in the rock. Other forms of limestone might even have fossils inside.

Finally, slate is a dense and highly textured rock that comes in both dark varieties and multicolored patterns. Slate is durable and communicates elegance—but it’s not the only option. With all the other options available at SBI Materials, you should be able to find the perfect stone for your thin veneer.

Many homeowners understandably crave an alternative to plain concrete or asphalt driveways.  Still, the prospect of choosing the right alternative driveway paving material can seem daunting.  Although SBI Materials offers a broad range of stone paving materials, there are a few that will be much more effective and aesthetically pleasing than others.  Here are a few of the top driveway paver choices that are available.

Cobblestone is one type of driveway paving material that is difficult to match in terms of appearance and durability.  As evidenced by cobblestone roads and paths that were built hundreds of years ago and are still preserved around the world, this type of paver is durable.  It will last even longer than brickwork, which is typically considered one of the sturdier driveway pavers available.  Cobblestone does cost more than options like concrete, but if you weigh in how much longer it lasts — the difference can be more than 50 years — it is clear that the price difference represents a smart investment.  The attractive appearance of cobblestone cannot be matched by options like concrete, either.

Travertine is another paver that can work surprisingly well for driveway paving.  SBI Materials carries Alpaca Travertine, which offers a neat appearance with its neutral color stones and clean lines.  Despite its appearance, which is far from utilitarian, Travertine can withstand the weight of cars and larger vehicles, putting it on par with choices like concrete.  As an added benefit, Travertine works well in all kinds of outdoor projects, from pathways to patios, which gives homeowners the option of creating a more integrated outdoor look. 

SBI Materials offers various other types of stone pavers that can be used in driveway paving, whether as the primary paver or as a means of providing contrast.  Many of these options are more durable than typical choices like concrete, and virtually all of them are more attractive as well.  Homeowners are welcome to visit the business website SBIMaterials.com to look at more design ideas or to discover other available paving options that will make their home exterior look unforgettable.