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Serving Des Moines, IA and surrounding areas. (515) 724-6905
Tired siding and dated exteriors get a permanent upgrade with stone veneer. We install natural and manufactured stone that holds up through Iowa winters - properly moisture-barriered and mortar-set from day one.
Stone veneer installation in Des Moines means applying a thin layer of real or manufactured stone over an existing wall surface, creating the look of a full stone wall at a fraction of the cost and weight - most residential projects take two to five days, depending on the area size and any surface preparation required.
The work starts with the wall behind the stone, not the stone itself. A water-resistant barrier goes on first, followed by metal mesh backing where the surface needs it, so the mortar has something solid to grip. Skipping or rushing those steps is the most common reason stone veneer fails within a few years, and it is one of the first things we check when homeowners call us about someone else's failed installation.
If your project involves an outdoor living space or an existing block wall that needs finishing, our stone masonry page covers full-depth structural work alongside decorative veneer options.
If your home has peeling paint, dented vinyl, or an exterior that simply looks tired, stone veneer is one of the most durable and visually striking upgrades available. Unlike paint or new siding, it does not need to be redone every 10 to 15 years, which makes it a genuine long-term solution rather than a temporary refresh.
That white, powdery residue is called efflorescence - it means water is moving through your masonry and leaving mineral deposits behind. If you see it on your foundation or lower walls, moisture is already working against the structure. Addressing the cause and installing veneer with a proper moisture barrier stops the cycle while dramatically improving the appearance.
Gaps, crumbling material, or pieces that have fallen away from an existing brick or stone surface signal active deterioration. In some cases, stone veneer can be applied over a repaired surface as a fresh start - but only after a contractor confirms the underlying structure is sound enough to hold it.
Stone veneer on a front facade, porch columns, or entryway can meaningfully change how a home photographs and how buyers feel when they pull up. In a market where many homes have similar vinyl or fiber cement siding, it is one of the few exterior upgrades that genuinely stands out.
We install both natural quarried stone and manufactured stone veneer, and the right choice depends on your budget, your home style, and how much variation you want in the finished look. Natural stone gives you more color and texture variation; manufactured stone is lighter, easier to install on a wider range of surfaces, and tends to cost less. We walk through both options during the estimate visit so you can compare samples side by side against your existing exterior.
Our work covers full facade applications, accent walls, fireplace surrounds, porch columns, and foundation walls. For homes adding an outdoor living feature, we often combine stone veneer with our concrete block wall work - building the structural layer first, then finishing the visible surface with stone. The Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association sets installation guidelines we follow for moisture barriers, mortar application, and surface preparation on every project.
Best for homeowners replacing aging siding or brick and wanting a permanent, low-maintenance finish.
Suited for adding visual interest to a specific section of the exterior without replacing the entire surface.
Ideal for interior or exterior fireplaces where the existing finish looks dated or is beginning to deteriorate.
A practical upgrade for concrete or wood columns that need a more permanent and durable surface treatment.
For homeowners wanting to cover an exposed block or poured concrete foundation with a finished stone appearance.
Applied over an existing or new block retaining wall to create a finished look that matches the home exterior.
Des Moines winters create real challenges for exterior masonry. The city sees significant freeze-thaw cycling from late fall through early spring - temperatures regularly drop below freezing overnight and rise above it during the day, putting constant stress on mortar joints. That is why we use cold-weather-rated mortar mixes and schedule exterior installations between May and October. Homes in older neighborhoods like Beaverdale and Sherman Hill often have original wood-framed or brick exteriors that need extra surface preparation before stone can be applied - something a contractor who does not know Des Moines housing stock will underestimate at the estimate stage.
Iowa's clay-heavy soil adds another layer of complexity. Des Moines homes can experience subtle seasonal movement as the ground swells and shrinks with moisture changes - and that movement can stress mortar joints if the installation did not account for it. We also handle permit coordination with the City of Des Moines before any work begins. We serve homeowners throughout the metro, including Waukee and Ankeny, where many newer neighborhoods have HOA design guidelines - we advise homeowners on the approval process before any stone is ordered.
We respond within 1 business day and schedule a free in-person visit - no price is quoted over the phone. During that visit we measure the area, assess the wall surface, and discuss stone options that fit your home style and budget.
We apply for the required city permit before any work begins. The crew then prepares the wall - cleaning, repairing damaged areas, and installing the water-resistant barrier and metal mesh backing where needed. This step determines how long the job lasts.
Working from the bottom of the wall upward, the crew sets stones in mortar and cuts pieces to fit around corners, windows, and edges. Most residential projects take two to five days. Expect some noise and dust during this phase.
Once the stone is set, we clean excess mortar from the stone faces and remove all debris. The city inspector verifies the work. Mortar takes 24 to 48 hours to reach initial hardness - we walk you through the finished work and tell you what to watch for in the first season.
Free in-person estimate. No obligation. We handle the permit process from start to finish.
(515) 724-6905We handle the City of Des Moines permit process on your behalf before any stone goes up. The finished work is inspected and on record - which protects you legally and gives you documentation if you ever sell the home.
Every installation we complete includes a water-resistant barrier behind the stone and metal mesh backing where the surface requires it. These steps are required by MVMA installation guidelines and are what separate a 40-year job from a 5-year one.
We only schedule exterior mortar work between May and October, unless specific cold-weather precautions are in place. That discipline protects your investment - mortar applied in freezing conditions does not cure correctly, and the failure shows up in the first winter.
We serve all 12 metro-area communities we cover and provide written, itemized estimates for every project. No verbal quotes, no surprises on the invoice. You know the full scope and cost before a single stone is ordered.
Stone veneer is one of the most durable exterior upgrades available, but only when the prep work is done right. We follow Mason Contractors Association of America standards and handle every phase in-house - from the permit to the final walkthrough.
For projects that call for full-depth structural stonework rather than a veneer layer, our stone masonry service covers walls, columns, and custom features.
Learn moreStone veneer pairs naturally with a concrete block substrate - we build the block structure and finish it with stone in a single coordinated project.
Learn moreOur Des Moines installation calendar fills up quickly once spring arrives - reach out now to lock in your project date and get a written estimate with no obligation.