Combining different types of stone in a single project might sound risky, but when done right, it creates some of the most visually stunning and timeless designs. In 2025, homeowners and designers are getting creative by mixing manufactured and natural stone in their outdoor and exterior spaces. With a thoughtful approach, you can blend textures, tones, and shapes to achieve a cohesive and high-end look. In this article, we’ll explore why this mix works, when to use it, and how to apply smart design strategies using exterior stone veneer to create a beautiful balance that enhances your home’s curb appeal and value.

Understanding the Difference Between Manufactured and Natural Stone

Before you start mixing, it’s important to understand what sets these two types of stone apart. Natural stone is quarried from the earth, meaning no two pieces are exactly alike. It offers a high-end, organic look with unique color variations, textures, and a naturally weathered appearance. On the other hand, manufactured stone, also known as exterior stone veneer, is man-made using lightweight concrete and pigments to mimic the look of natural stone. It’s more uniform in size, easier to install, and often more budget-friendly. The key benefit of manufactured stone is its versatility available in countless styles, shapes, and shades that replicate nearly every type of real stone.

Why Mixing These Two Materials Works

Using both natural and manufactured stone in a project allows you to combine the best qualities of each. Natural stone brings authenticity and texture, while manufactured stone adds consistency and affordability. Together, they can create a balanced look that feels both timeless and modern. The key is to ensure the two materials complement each other rather than clash. This approach works especially well in large exterior designs where layering different surfaces adds depth and character. Mixing also helps when you want to highlight certain features of your home, like a chimney, entryway, or retaining wall, without covering everything in costly natural stone.

Tip 1: Match the Color Family

One of the first things to consider when mixing natural stone and exterior stone veneer is color. Stick to the same color family to maintain a harmonious look. For example, if you’re using natural limestone with beige and gray undertones, choose a manufactured stone veneer in similar earth tones. This creates visual consistency even if the stones have different textures. Avoid combining stones with contrasting hues like cool grays and warm reds unless you’re intentionally going for a bold, high-contrast look. A cohesive color palette helps everything blend together naturally.

Tip 2: Play with Texture and Shape

Texture plays a huge role in how your stone design is perceived. You can create visual interest by combining rough, rustic natural stone with smoother, sleeker manufactured stone. This adds dimension to your project without overwhelming the space. Similarly, mixing shapes like flat ledgestone with round river rock or irregular fieldstone can make a design more dynamic. Just be careful not to mix too many textures or shapes at once—two types are usually enough to create interest without visual chaos. The contrast between the two materials will make your walls, columns, or borders stand out in a stylish and tasteful way.

Tip 3: Use One Type as the Main Element

When combining materials, it’s smart to choose one as your dominant stone and the other as an accent. This avoids competition between the two and keeps the overall look balanced. For example, you might use natural stone as the main cladding on your home’s exterior and complement it with manufactured stone around doorways or outdoor fireplaces. Or, flip it and use exterior stone veneer on a larger surface while adding natural stone as trim or edging. Letting one material take center stage gives your design structure and direction.

Tip 4: Transition Cleanly Between Materials

The way you transition between natural and manufactured stone matters. Use clean lines and natural breaks in your architecture like corners, window frames, or horizontal bands, to switch between materials. Avoid abrupt or random transitions that make the project look disjointed. A popular design choice is to use natural stone at the base of a home for a grounded look, then switch to manufactured stone veneer above for a lighter finish. You can also use stone borders or caps to clearly separate different types of stone while keeping everything tied together.

Tip 5: Think About Placement and Lighting

Where and how you use each type of stone can change the impact of your design. Place natural stone in areas that draw attention, like front entrances, outdoor fireplaces, or retaining walls. These focal points benefit from the unique textures and visual richness of real stone. Use exterior stone veneer in areas that are larger or more difficult to access, such as upper walls, chimneys, or outdoor kitchens. Manufactured stone is easier to cut and lighter to install, making it ideal for those spots. Also, don’t underestimate the power of lighting. Well-placed lights can enhance the beauty of both materials, especially at night when shadows and highlights bring out the texture.

Tip 6: Use Complementary Mortar and Grout

The type and color of mortar you use can influence the overall appearance of your mixed stone design. Darker mortar can give a rustic, aged feel, while light mortar can make stones pop and appear more modern. Try to use a grout color that complements both the natural and manufactured stones you’re using. This creates a consistent backdrop that pulls the two together. You can also play with different grout techniques like dry-stacking, wide joints, or over-grouting to achieve various styles.

Tip 7: Use Stone to Frame or Highlight Features

Another effective way to blend these two types of stone is to use one to frame or highlight a feature made from the other. For instance, use manufactured stone veneer for a large patio wall and frame it with a natural stone cap or border. Or, surround a natural stone fireplace with manufactured stone on the surrounding walls. This strategy makes each material feel intentional and gives your project a custom, well-designed appearance.

Tip 8: Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative

Mixing manufactured and natural stone gives you more flexibility in design, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Some homeowners use natural stone to create mosaics or unique inlays in a broader wall of manufactured stone. Others combine thin stone veneer on vertical surfaces with large stone slabs on the ground to create stunning contrast. The key is to plan the look before you start and get samples of each material side by side to see how they interact.

Tip 9: Consult a Professional or Use Design Tools

If you’re unsure how to blend these materials, it’s always a good idea to consult with a designer or contractor experienced with stone. Many stone suppliers and companies like Builders Stone offer visualizers or digital design tools to help you experiment with combinations before making a final decision. These tools let you upload a photo of your home and test different styles and colors, giving you a better idea of what works together.

Tip 10: Stay True to Your Home’s Style

Lastly, while mixing materials can create a modern or custom look, be sure your choices fit the overall style of your home. If your house has a rustic cabin feel, stick with earthy tones and rugged textures. For contemporary homes, consider cleaner lines and more uniform colors. The goal of mixing natural and manufactured exterior stone veneer is to enhance not fight against, your home’s character. The result should feel seamless and intentional, not forced or out of place.

Final Thoughts

Using both manufactured and natural stone in your outdoor design gives you a world of possibilities. Whether you’re updating your home’s exterior, creating an outdoor living area, or building a garden wall, mixing these materials can bring out the best of both worlds. Natural stone offers authenticity and charm, while exterior stone veneer delivers versatility and value. With the right planning, color matching, and thoughtful placement, your stone design will look cohesive, luxurious, and built to last. So go ahead get creative and let stone take your exterior design to the next level.

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