When planning a monument installation or a custom masonry project, selecting the right type of stone is critical—not just for how it looks, but for how it performs over time. Two of the most common choices are Thin Veneer Stone and Full Bed Veneer Stone. Although they may look similar once installed, they differ in weight, thickness, application methods, and long-term durability.
Whether you’re designing a lasting memorial, enhancing a commercial property, or building a retaining wall, knowing how these two stone types compare can help you make a confident, informed decision. In this guide, we’ll explore their differences and explain which is better suited for your monument or masonry needs.
What Is Thin Veneer Stone and When Is It Used?
Thin Veneer Stone is a lightweight, natural or manufactured stone cut to about ¾ to 1 1⁄4 inches in thickness. It maintains the appearance and texture of full-dimensional stone but comes with a fraction of the weight. This makes it ideal for decorative, non-load-bearing surfaces.
Thin veneer is often used in interior fireplaces, memorial walls, signage-style monuments, or areas where weight restrictions prevent the use of heavier materials. Because it doesn’t require a foundation or ledge, it’s a popular choice for retrofits, lightweight constructions, and creative masonry accents. While it can be used outdoors, it’s best applied to vertical, supported surfaces with proper moisture barriers.
What Is a Full Bed Veneer Stone?
Full Bed Veneer Stone is a traditional, full-thickness stone veneer ranging from 3 to 5 inches thick. Heavier and more substantial, it typically requires a concrete footing or support structure due to its weight. This stone offers a timeless, solid appearance and is commonly used in structural masonry, outdoor walls, and permanent monuments.
Because of its mass and strength, Full Bed Veneer Stone is an ideal material for projects that demand longevity and durability. It’s especially popular in commercial buildings, cemetery monuments, civic memorials, and exterior masonry where structural integrity is a top priority.
Stone Veneers in Monument Construction
When it comes to monument creation, the choice of stone matters. Full Bed Veneer Stone is often preferred for freestanding monuments and memorials because it can handle outdoor exposure, engraving, and long-term use. Its thickness allows for deep carving and detailing, while its natural weight ensures lasting stability.
Thin Veneer Stone, though visually appealing, is generally used for non-structural purposes in monument projects. It may serve as a decorative facing on monument bases, memorial signage, or interior tribute walls. Its lightweight properties make installation easier, but it lacks the structural depth required for standalone or heavily exposed installations.
If you’re planning a monument for a cemetery, park, civic space, or institutional site, using Full Bed Veneer Stone can help ensure your project stands the test of time.
Key Differences Between Thin Veneer and Full Bed Veneer Stone
Understanding the technical distinctions between the two materials is key when deciding which stone to use for your monument or masonry build.
| Feature | Thin Veneer Stone | Full Bed Veneer Stone |
| Thickness | ¾” to 1¼” | 3″ to 5″ |
| Weight | ~10–15 lbs/sq ft | ~35–45 lbs/sq ft |
| Installation | Directly on wall surface | Requires foundation or ledge |
| Application | Decorative/non-structural | Structural or load-bearing |
| Cost | Lower labor and material costs | Higher due to prep and support |
When to Use Thin Veneer Stone in Masonry Work
Thin Veneer Stone is a smart option when you need a beautiful stone finish without the structural demands of heavy materials. It’s ideal for:
- Memorial signage
- Wall-mounted tribute plaques
- Light commercial façades
- Interior accent features
- Cemetery walls or entryways (non-load bearing)
This type of veneer is especially helpful for remodels or locations where existing surfaces can’t support heavier stone.
Why Full Bed Veneer Stone Is Ideal for Monuments and Structural Builds
Full Bed Veneer Stone is the go-to choice when building structural features or long-lasting monuments. Its depth and weight make it suitable for:
- Memorials and headstones
- Civic monuments and park tributes
- Structural retaining walls
- Outdoor columns and entry gates
- Full masonry façades
Although it requires more time and labor to install, its strength and timeless appearance make it a worthy investment for permanent installations.
Aesthetic and Design Considerations
Both Thin Veneer and Full Bed Veneer Stone offer a wide range of colors, textures, and natural finishes. Whether your goal is modern minimalism or classic tradition, there’s a stone profile to match your design.
Full Bed Veneer delivers deeper shadow lines and visual dimension, especially useful for large outdoor monuments. Thin Veneer, with its clean profile, offers a polished and professional finish ideal for decorative applications. With expert craftsmanship, either material can contribute to a refined, cohesive look.
Installation and Cost Comparison
Thin Veneer Stone is quicker and easier to install because it doesn’t need additional support or deep footings. It adheres directly to a properly prepared surface with mortar, making it cost-effective for both materials and labor.
Full Bed Veneer Stone, by contrast, needs more intensive preparation—including a ledge or base to support its weight. This increases upfront costs but offers a greater return on longevity and structural performance, especially important for enduring monument work.
Choosing the Right Stone for Your Monument or Masonry Project
Both Thin Veneer and Full Bed Veneer Stone bring natural beauty and durability to your build. The right choice depends on the type of structure you’re building, the environmental exposure it will face, and your project’s design goals.
If you need a reliable material for permanent memorials, outdoor masonry, or structural applications, Full Bed Veneer Stone is often the superior choice. For lighter-weight decorative work or interior features, Thin Veneer provides excellent versatility and ease of installation.
Need help choosing the right stone for your monument or masonry project?
At Northland Companies, we combine decades of experience with the finest materials to deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re designing a custom memorial, enhancing a church, or managing a civic construction project, our team can guide you to the right stone solution. Contact us today to speak with a specialist, view samples, or request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Veneer Stone Be Used in Monument Construction?
Yes. Full Bed Veneer Stone is commonly used for monuments due to its durability, thickness, and ability to support carving and exposure to outdoor elements. Thin Veneer Stone may be used in non-structural aspects of monument design, such as signage, base facings, or tribute walls.
What’s the Main Difference Between Thin Veneer and Full Bed Veneer Stone?
The primary difference is in thickness and weight. Thin Veneer is around 1 inch thick and lightweight, ideal for non-load-bearing applications. Full Bed Veneer ranges from 3 to 5 inches thick and is heavier, making it suitable for structural or permanent builds like monuments.
Which Stone Type Is Better for Outdoor Use?
Full Bed Veneer is generally preferred for outdoor, structural applications due to its strength and weather resistance. Thin Veneer can be used outdoors if applied correctly, but it’s better suited for vertical surfaces or decorative projects with less structural demand.
Does Thin Veneer Look Different from Full Bed Veneer?
Not necessarily. Both are often cut from the same natural stone, so their colors and textures can look nearly identical. The main visual difference is the depth and how shadows fall. With skilled installation, either can look seamless and high-end.
Which Is More Budget-Friendly: Thin Veneer or Full Bed Veneer?
Thin Veneer is usually more cost-effective thanks to simpler installation and no need for structural footings. Full Bed Veneer has higher upfront costs but may offer better value for projects that demand long-term durability, such as outdoor monuments and structural masonry.