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Aug 17, 2020
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The Look of Stone Without the Time and Mess

Boral Versetta Stone Northmade Fireplace Beadboard White Chair

The Dokken family home fireplace remodeled by Nate Moran, KLS Construction

Blending colors and materials is one of the most popular design trends, as remodelers shy away from ho-hum facades in favor of varied streetscapes for exteriors and accented statements inside the home. And stone is a go-to option for incorporating natural texture—as wainscoting, accent and half walls, bump-outs, column wraps, backsplashes, fireplace and garage door surrounds, and much more.

Adding those stone accents can be accomplished without the typical mortar, lath, and scratch coats: Versetta Stone stone siding offers the same look and feel as natural stone but in a panelized format that traditional siding contractors and builders can install themselves using nails or screws.

Each 8-inch-by-36-inch panel covers 2 square feet. The lightweight, fiber-reinforced concrete replicates the authenticity homeowners crave while helping to reduce installer fatigue. This also allows for installation nearly anywhere without additional footings for support.

The panels’ tongue-and-groove system creates proper spacing, while the integrated nailing fin ensures a solid attachment to the wall and a built-in rainscreen provides moisture management. Once installed, no paint, coatings, or sealants are required. The panels carry a Class A fire resistance rating, are wind resistant up to 110 mph, and have passed freeze/thaw testing.

Coordinating accessories, including universal corners, wainscot/cap sill, J-channel, and receptacle boxes, work as a system and coordinate with the stone profiles and colors to ensure a cohesive, professional look.

Illustrating one example of how Versetta Stone is utilized inside and outside of a home is the story of Trisha Dokken and her modern Minnesota farmhouse. When she and her family decided they needed a larger home for their growing kids, she knew she wanted to buck the style trends of her locale and opt for the modern farmhouse she had craved for some time. 

Dokken worked closely with 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.

Boral Versetta Tone Sand Fireplace Wood mantle

On the exterior, Dokken’s vision comes to life with white board-and-batten siding and black-framed windows. Having used the product on a previous project, Moran introduced her to Versetta Stone. She liked the look and chose the Ledgestone profile in the Mission Point colorway, whose white-gray tones coordinated perfectly with the siding.

Along with the posts and garage, Moran wrapped the lower half of the entire house with the stone siding and – because the home backs up to a golf course – the Dokkens 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.

“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. 

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. 

Providing the greatest opportunity for stylized work, Versetta Stone comes in three profiles:

  • Ledgestone offers a traditional dry-stack appearance, with staggered layers and rugged texture for a well-worn look suitable for both traditional and modern-style homes.

  • Sophisticated Tight-Cut features the look of expertly cut and fitted stones, with a tight fit emulating rural 19th century architecture.

  • Carved Block, the newest profile, has a chiseled texture that mimics split-faced stone for a contemporary look ideal for modern homes and light commercial applications.

Ledgestone and Tight-Cut come in seven colors ranging from a lighter Sand hue to dark-and-dramatic Northern Ash. Carved Block is available in Midnight or Sea Salt.

With so many ways to incorporate sought-after stone looks into any exterior or interior style, check out this inspiration gallery for how other remodeling professionals have utilized Versetta Stone.