Real stone veneer products have been available for years, but recent innovations allow natural stone to be cut thinner, faster, and more efficiently than ever before. Current cutting technology transforms full-thickness, natural stone into lightweight, thin stone veneer (nominal 1-1/4 inch thickness). These lightweight pieces reduce production, shipping, and construction costs, allowing for greater affordability, installation versatility, and real value when compared to manufactured, imitation stone products.real stone veneers can be installed quickly, without footings or ledges and they adhere to concrete, plywood, paneling, drywall, and even metal. 90-degree angles cut from full-thickness stones are used in corner applications that conceal the true thickness of the stone. The overall result is an application that looks like a traditional full thickness installation.