The Best Types of House Exterior Stone
Building or renovating your home? Whether you’re planning to use natural stone for your entire exterior or simply use it as an exterior accent, here’s everything you need to know about the different types of house exterior stone!
When it comes to the exterior of a home, there are many ways to go. From wood panel siding to classic brick, vinyl siding, painted brick, to stucco, stone, or a mix, the options are really limitless. In this article, we’re exploring the best types of exterior house stone, how durable each option is, and the most common types of stone to use on your home build or renovation project!
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Types of Exterior House Stone
1. Natural Stone Cladding
While natural stone cladding isn’t necessarily a type of stone, it is a very common method when it comes to exterior house stone. Stone cladding is essentially a type of facade, a thin layer of stone placed on a surface that isn’t stone.
Natural stone cladding can be made with real stone, such as sandstone, granite, slate, limestone, and even marble. This installation method is popular with homeowners since it is often more affordable, gives the same texture and look as full stone, and still offers many of the same benefits.
2. Engineered Stone Siding
Engineered stone, or manufactured stone, is a man-made stone veneer. This faux stone siding option is more affordable initially but doesn’t last as long as natural stone. Engineered stone is made of crushed stone that becomes a composite material. Some variations may also include concrete. If you’re building or renovating a home that you’ll be in for a long time, it’s worth noting that engineered stone will likely have to be replaced over time since its longevity is a bit shorter than natural stone siding!
3. Limestone
Limestone can give a home a beautiful, rustic look. This type of exterior house stone is perfect for many types of climates and can handle a wide range of temperatures. It also comes in a wide range of colors! Whether you use a full natural stone or thin natural stone veneer, limestone is one of the most popular exterior house stones and a great option to consider when designing your home!
4. Sandstone
If you’re looking for something durable, sandstone has excellent weather-resistant properties. While it’s popular for gardens and often used as stepping stone material, it’s also one of the best types of stone for house exteriors! It’s low-maintenance and especially works great in dry, hot climates.
5. Quartzite
While quartzite tends to be more expensive, more labor-intensive, and a bit of an upgrade, it’s often chosen for its elegant and luxurious aesthetic. It’s also incredibly durable! This type of home exterior stone can withstand many temperatures, climates, and weather conditions. It’s also low maintenance, making it a great option!
6. Flint
Flint can give a home exterior a unique, beautiful English-inspired look. Like so many other types of exterior stone types, flint is durable and can withstand almost anything. Another unique aspect of flint is that it has insulation properties, making it perfect for keeping a house warm in cold climates! It’s also one of the hardest building stones and has been used for hundreds of years in buildings and homes.
7. Granite
Granite is actually considered one of the best types of stone to use on house exteriors. It’s available in a wide range of hues and can give a home a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. This type of stone is also non-porous, making it water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and bacteria-resistant. While it is a bit of an upgrade when compared to other exterior house stone types and would require professionals for installation, it can resist high temperatures and lasts a very long time, often making it worth the price!
