Stone veneer is a thin layer of any stone used as decorative facing material that is not meant to be load bearing. Stone cladding is a Stone veneer, or simulated stone, applied to a building or other structure made of a material other than stone. Stone veneer can be made from natural stone as well as manufactured stone. Natural stone veneer is made from real stone that is either collected, i.e. fieldstone, or quarried. The stone is cut to a consistent thickness and weight for use as a veneer.

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Stone cladding is sometimes applied to concrete and steel buildings as part of their original architectural design.