Natural versus manufactured stone veneer for an Ottawa house front?

Natural stone veneer is the more expensive of the two in published Ontario contractor pricing, 2025–26: natural stone at about $35 to $75 per sq ft installed and manufactured stone veneer at about $18 to $36 per sq ft installed; your quote will differ based on the wall, the stone and the job conditions.

What the Building Code says about veneer

Under O. Reg. 163/24 s. 9.20.6.4, solid masonry veneer units are not less than 70 mm thick, with not less than a 25 mm air space behind the veneer over a wood-frame wall. Veneer less than 90 mm thick requires unraked joints. Corrosion-resistant metal ties, not less than 0.76 mm thick and 22 mm wide, connect the veneer to the structure; the Code sets three maximum spacings: 400 mm vertical by 800 mm horizontal, 500 mm by 600 mm, or 600 mm by 400 mm. Throughwall flashing directs any moisture in the air space to the exterior, and weep holes are spaced not more than 800 mm apart at the base of the cavity.

For slab and panel facings of natural or artificial stone, s. 9.20.6.6 requires conformance with Subsection 4.3.2. If the stone being considered is thin-cut or panel format rather than a solid unit, ask the mason and the City how that system is assessed and attached.

What to weigh when choosing

Beyond the price gap, ask what matching material will be available if a section ever needs repair. A mason at the wall can tell you which system suits your substrate, what the air space and tie layout will look like, and whether the existing structure needs any preparation before veneer goes on.

A fair written quote for either material should include the area of wall, the stone type and source, air space and tie layout, flashing and weep-hole details, mortar colour and joint profile, scaffolding if the wall is above the first storey, and removal and disposal of any existing cladding.

If the property is designated or in a heritage conservation district, approval for re-cladding the front may be needed before work starts; ask the City's heritage staff before committing to either material.