I could use some help. We purchased a Stone house that was built in the 1920s, it is made of hand split sand stone. Each roch is 8" high x 16" thick and random lenghts of 8" to 24", except over the doors and windows of course. I would like to add a garage and a fence it would be impossible to buy the same type of stone, I want to buy a veneer that looks the same, so far I can't find anyone who sales it. Any ideas? Would purchase recycled stone, I live in Southestern Kentucky anyone know of somone who has some to sell?

The only advice I can give, from a visual standpoint, is either match the stone exactly or miss by a mile...meaning use something else entirely, that complements the stone.

If you get something that is only similar but not an exact match, it will only draw attention to the difference, and it will not help the value of your house at all, and could hurt.

THanks, You are absolutely right.I believe that he more I look and think about my own projects the less I see what the best thing to do would be. We bought this old house with plans to remodel the entire thing.House and property.When the house was built the road was in the back of the property at some point in the past eighty something years the road got changed to what is now the front. There is a big garage attached to the house but the opening is on the wrong side LOLThere is also an alcove with french doors and an upstairs balcony all facing the back. Thanks again Angie

Angie;

If you post some pics, we may be able to help some more. I definitely agree with Richard. Even if you found an exact match of stone, you will never be able to duplicate the aging process that has happened to the original stone for 80 some years. Is your entire home out of the sandstone? Are there any other materials used such as wood siding? Other materials such as this could be matched a lot easier to compliment your improvement.

You mentioned that your remodeling the house, and with the age, please make sure your aware of any hazardous type substances that might have been used such as lead paint etc. If all of the home is original with no previous renovations, you probably don't need to worry about aesbestos and other such materials being used.

I tried to post a pic but I can't find where to do it. Where do I find the instructions for posting a pic? The only things that ate not stone are the wood shutters. The real shutters are one of the things I really like about the house also. There are very few houses left with real ones in this area. I will send a pic as soon as I figure out how. I really appreciate all the input and advice.I should have checked fior lead paint before I tore the kitchen walls and ceilings out. I will get it tested before I do any more demo. To be so old there isn't a lot of paint on the walls. There is a few cracks in the plaster but the paint isn't peeling anywhere.They had the entire house woodwork,ceilings and all painted with gloss off white paint before they put it for sale. They only left the circular staircase varnished wood. Some of the wood is cherry! and they painted it! Thanks Angie

Check out Coronado Stone or Eldorado Stone. I think you will probably find what you need there.