Engineered stone veneer has become a popular choice in modern architecture, blending style, durability and versatility. The key to stone veneer’s trending appeal is the range of profiles and colors available. At Sunset Stone, we’re constantly approached by homeowners, interior designers and other building professionals who have had incredible success adding texture and interest to their modern applications. It’s no surprise to us. Here are a few reasons to consider incorporating Sunset Stone veneers into your modern project.
Traditionally, the thought of stone conjures up visions of Tuscan architecture and rustic charm. The fact is, stone veneer products are far more versatile. Think beyond rough-hewn fireplaces for a moment and consider modern exterior applications. Engineered stone veneer is perfect for creating striking facades that exude modern elegance. Architects often use it to accentuate entryways, pillars or entire walls, adding texture and depth to otherwise sleek, minimalist designs. It pairs beautifully with materials like glass, steel and wood often found in modern architecture. If you’re working on a commercial exterior, consider a more monochromatic color selection with less “movement” or veining. Sunset’s Limestone is a perfect example. Neutral-toned Winter Sky and Ash are versatile, look great with tight grout lines, and are a perfect choice for entryways and entire facades.
Inside, Sunset Stone veneer is no less versatile and can transform spaces by introducing a blend of warmth and sophistication. It’s commonly used for feature walls, fireplace surrounds and kitchen backsplashes. Its varied textures and tones complement modern palettes of neutral grays, whites and earthy hues, while its light weight allows for installation in places where traditional stone might be impractical or cost-prohibitive. A great example of this efficiency is Sunset Stone’s Thin Brick collection. It delivers the look of actual brick with an installation process that is significantly more budget-friendly and much faster.
Engineered stone veneer seamlessly bridges the gap between natural charm and modern innovation, making it a standout choice for designers and homeowners seeking timeless yet contemporary architectural solutions. Its consistency of color and dimension makes for more predictable budgeting, installation and desired result.
If you’re thinking modern, give Sunset Stone a try, you might be surprised how something as timeless as the look of stone compliments your desire to make something look new.
Sunset Stone Aligns with Mutual Materials
CASTLE ROCK, CO [December 17, 2024] – Colorado stone veneer manufacturer Sunset Stone has entered a sales agreement with Pacific Northwest’s largest supplier of masonry and hardscape products, Mutual Materials (MM). Effective immediately, Mutual Materials will be the exclusive distributor of Sunset Stone products, making them available in each of their 18 branch locations. See their exclusive Sunset Stone veneer offerings here.
Kendall Anderegg, Mutual Materials CEO and President, pointed out that the two organizations teamed up in earnest for the launch of this partnership. “We see a lot of ourselves in Sunset Stone: rooted in family, passion, and a firm belief in collaboration and teamwork. Our teams worked together to create a rollout plan that has inspired, educated, and incentivized our sales organization from top to bottom, and we’re already seeing the fruits of their efforts.”
“Sunset’s willingness to enter into an exclusive relationship really opened our eyes to the brand,” added Anderegg. “We see a tremendous upside. We’ve all been impressed with Sunset’s colors and how natural their profiles look. We’re currently stocking around 15 variations of stone profiles and colors and are here to support our customers with any additional Sunset Stone variations that best suit our customers’ projects. Our team has the ability and the tools to sell the entire product line.”
With the MM partnership secured, Sunset Stone is effectively expanding their scope of influence from primarily Colorado to a massive swath that includes parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
“We’re working hard to solidify relationships and we think the key to that is providing meaningful support,” said Sunset CEO and President Michael Cobb. “We’re looking past sample boards and cut sheets… with the help of the Mutual Materials’ leadership team, we’ve created an onboarding package that addresses the needs of internal team members and provides marketing tools that can assist with reaching out to the market. We’re on a mission to make Sunset Stone a nationally recognized brand. This partnership will serve as the blueprint for how we’re going to make that happen.”
About Sunset Stone
Sunset Stone is a stone veneer manufacturer headquartered in Colorado’s Front Range. With a wide range of profiles and hand-veined color options, Sunset Stone offers hundreds of natural-looking options. From rustic to chic, Sunset Stone helps commercial and residential building professionals achieve their vision. Visit sunsetstone.co to learn more.
About Mutual Materials
Mutual Materials has been building beauty that lasts across the Pacific Northwest for over 120 years. Family-owned for five generations, they’ve been the leading manufacturer and distributor of masonry and hardscape materials, delivering products coast to coast. Mutual Materials is committed to manufacturing quality products their customers demand. Learn more about Mutual Materials and their product offerings at mutualmaterials.com.
Sunset Stone Hires Vice President of Operations
CASTLE ROCK, CO [November 26, 2024] – Colorado stone veneer manufacturer Sunset Stone has announced Chris Kline will be joining the company on Monday, December 2, as the new Vice President of Operations.
Chris comes to Sunset Stone with an impressive resume and experience in operations management with several manufacturing companies. Chris was most recently the Regional Operations Manager for Olde Castle APG. In his position there, Chris had responsibility for all P&L management across ten block and dry mix facilities with $225 million in annual sales; led all CAPEX projects for ten locations with annual investments of ~$20 million; and managed a workforce of more than 260 employees.
As Sunset Stone continues to aggressively pursue growth, Kline’s experience and track record will help the company prepare for increased output and performance.
“We’re taking this company to a new level… a level Chris is very familiar with,” says President Michael Cobb. “We’ll be looking to him to not only provide Sunset Stone with leadership but also new ideas and processes that will help us maximize our operations and become the organization we hope to be.”
About Sunset Stone
Sunset Stone is a stone veneer manufacturer headquartered in Colorado’s Front Range. With a wide range of profiles and hand-veined color options, Sunset Stone offers hundreds of natural-looking options. From rustic to chic, Sunset Stone helps commercial and residential building professionals achieve their vision.
Sunset Stone Expands Sales Team, Hires Sales Director
CASTLE ROCK, CO [November 12, 2024] – Colorado stone veneer manufacturer Sunset Stone has expanded their sales team and added seasoned veteran Emily Bonilla in the position of Sales Director.
“I have great confidence that Emily will be a tremendous asset to our company and help guide us to the level of sales growth that we are planning for. She’s incredibly passionate about the product, articulate and customer-focused. From day one, she’ll have a very positive impact on our sales team,” says Vice President of Sales Michael Barnett.
Bonilla is a long-time Colorado resident and a graduate of the University of Colorado–Boulder. She joins Sunset Stone with an impressive résumé and experienced background in the stone veneer industry. She was most recently the Regional Sales Leader of Western markets for Westlake Stone. Bonilla has overseen multiple brands, including Cultured Stone, Eldorado Stone, and Dutch Quality Stone. Emily began her career with Owens Corning in 2006 when Cultured Stone was an OC business. She stayed with the brand through several ownership transitions of Cultured Stone, and during her tenure, Emily held various roles, including sales, sales management and product management.
In her new role as Sales Director, Emily will lead Sunset Stone’s sales effort, both in and outside of Colorado.
“This is a competitive business,” said Sunset Stone CEO and President Michael Cobb.“In order to accomplish the goals we’ve established, we need to put knowledgeable and engaging people in the field. Emily’s track record and personality are going to be very instrumental in our ability to attract and retain the kind of blue-chip clients we’re looking for.”
About Sunset Stone
Sunset Stone is a stone veneer manufacturer headquartered in Colorado’s Front Range. With a wide range of profiles and hand-veined color options, Sunset Stone offers hundreds of natural-looking options. From rustic to chic, Sunset Stone helps commercial and residential building professionals achieve their vision.
Product Spotlight: Sunset Stone Cobble
With irregular shapes and broad variations in sizes, Sunset Stone Cobble is hard to distinguish from its natural stone counterpart. It conjures up images of sun-bathed villas, cottages and cantinas. There’s a reason it’s one of our most popular profiles. Cobble reinforces romance wherever it’s used.
Among our most popular products, Ash Cobblehas become an overwhelming favorite. Whether you’re looking to add warmth and drama to a fireplace, or surround and create an entire commercial building façade, its rustic geometry and neutral tone works well with virtually any design style and any pallet.
There’s more to see. Whether you’re looking to enhance the curb appeal of your home or add beauty and performance to a hospital, apartment complex, or restaurant… inside or out, you’ll love Sunset Stone. See all stone profiles here.
6 Myths & Misconceptions About Manufactured Stone Veneer
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Manufactured stone veneer (MSV) has long since proven itself to be a go-to building material across residential and commercial interiors and exteriors, sought after for its looks, durability, and installation efficiencies. Yet some misconceptions still proliferate among those either unfamiliar with the material or new to the industry.
Myth #1:Manufactured stone is “not real” or “fake”
While manufactured stone veneer is not straight-from-the-ground natural, it is a genuine material crafted from concrete. Concrete has been relied upon as far back as Roman times and is often uncovered from ancient civilizations.
Every MSV master, which is created to make stone veneer molds, starts with natural stone. Advances in mold technology and a commitment to authenticity ensure today’s products replicate natural materials down to the smallest detail. What’s more, they do so without having to worry about culling waste due to flaws and inconsistencies that can occur in natural stone.
Myth #2: Manufactured stone is fragile
Manufactured stone veneer may be thin, but it is not fragile. MSV products undergo testing for compliance with ASTM and CSA standards to ensure quality and performance. Many products also are rated for resistance to fire, wind, and sound.
Myth #3:MSV takes away wall share
Manufactured stone delivers a number of benefits over natural stone that help increase versatility for pros and homeowners alike. Most notably, manufactured stone is lighter in weight, allowing for its use in areas where stone or brick may not otherwise be possible. MSV also provides flexibility for installers and designers: If there is an issue with a product, simply reach out to the manufacturer for expertise or a replacement. With natural stone, there’s not much to be done.
Myth #4:Manufactured stone is a DIY product
While manufactured stone is easier to install than natural stone, it still requires a skilled craftsman in most applications. Most MSV installers have undergone training and follow ASTM guidelines. CMHA also offers a Certified Installer program to increase expertise as well as efficiency.
Certainly, MSV is a great option for enhancing a kitchen backsplash or refreshing a fireplace surround. But it also is a go-to, high-performance material for many of the commercial and multifamily projects you see every day, and is part of the design spec for a number of restaurants and hospitality chains. Warranties from manufacturers often provide insight into expected longevity.
Myth #5:Manufactured stone causes water damage
Manufactured stone veneer is just like any other cladding product: It’s one component in a building envelope that depends on a systems approach to protect against water infiltration. The wall system must be properly designed and detailed behind the veneer, according to manufacturer specifications, including a weather barrier and proper flashing to allow moisture to escape.
In addition, some manufactured stone veneer materials have water repellency in their formulations to slow the spread of bulk water, something natural stone doesn’t have. MSV systems can also be designed with drainage planes to manage moisture.
Myth #6:Manufactured stone is hard to maintain
One of the benefits of manufactured stone veneer is that it requires very little maintenance. If cleaning is needed, simply wash it with a soft brush and an appropriate cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Cleaning frequency is no more than you would see with natural stone or brick.
Manufactured stone veneer delivers the best of both worlds: The look of natural materials with the installation flexibility, versatility, and efficiency of a veneer. Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to us here.
Sunset Stone products have proudly earned certification from The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA). It’s an achievement we don’t take lightly as it indicates that our people, our practices and our products are the best they can be.
We pour our hearts into every stone that rolls off our production line. Our manufactured stone veneer products possess a natural beauty capable of rivaling the Rockies themselves. As a building professional, design professional, or even a homeowner, you can trust you’re getting a product that looks great and performs for a lifetime.
Visit our Resource page, under Specifications + Technical Details, to see each stone profile’s letter of CMHA certification.
Sunset Stone Releases New Brick Veneer Line
CASTLE ROCK, CO [April 23, 2024] – Sunset Stone, a Colorado manufacturer of cast stone veneer products since 1970, has introduced a new line of thin brick veneer for interior and exterior use. Sunset Stone’s Tumbled Edge Thin Brick brings a touch of warmth and character, achieving the look of weathered, time-kissed brick without decades of waiting. Available in six colors, Tumbled Edge Thin Brick rounds out Sunset Stone’s comprehensive offering of interior and exterior cast veneer stone.
“We are excited to reintroduce brick to the Sunset Stone product line,” said president and CEO Michael Cobb. “The brick aesthetic has always been a strong performer as well as a commercial exterior staple. We felt it was critical to get it back in our lineup and expand the number of colors.”
Tumbled Edge Thin Brick is now available for purchase through authorized Sunset Stone dealers across the country. For more information about pricing, availability and delivery, contact Sunset Stone at .
About Sunset Stone
Sunset Stone is a stone veneer manufacturer headquartered in Colorado’s Front Range. With a wide range of profiles and hand-veined color options, Sunset Stone offers literally hundreds of natural-looking options. From rustic to chic, Sunset Stone helps commercial and residential building professionals achieve their vision.
Media Contact: Abby Anderson
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