Striking, durable, timeless… stone has been a top building material forever. Originally utilized for structural strength, stone is now coveted for its aesthetic beauty, uniqueness, and robust characteristics. A home can be transformed from lackluster to charming with the addition of a stone exterior. So, what kind of stone is used on houses? In this guide, CLAD Siding shares everything you need to know to get better acquainted with stone siding!
Most Common Types of Stone Siding
Adding a luxurious and sturdy look to any home, stone siding is as captivating as it is tough. But not all stone exteriors are the same. This kind of siding comes in a multitude of materials, shapes, sizes, and colors. From large slate slabs to lightweight, foam-like material, there’s an option out there to fit your design, budget, and maintenance needs.
Before we jump into each type, let’s look at the main groupings. There are two major categories of stone cladding: natural stone and faux stone.
- Natural stone, as the name implies, is composed of genuine stone, from river rock to quarry stones.
- Faux stone, as the name also implies, is manmade. This main category can be split up into two subcategories: manufactured stone siding and faux polyurethane veneer.
Natural Solid Stone
Starting off our list, we have solid stone. This is the most elemental of the options – fully genuine, with nothing added or taken away. Solid stone siding can come in big sizes, providing the unique grain, texture, and colors of unadulterated rock. Prized for centuries as superb material for structural rigidity, solid stone is as beautiful as it is strong.
Advantages
As far as pros go, the top of the list for the real deal is… that it’s the real deal. There’s nothing quite like large pieces of genuine stone. Each rock has its own story to tell, and multiple pieces come together in a symphony of visual splendor. There’s little to no routine maintenance required, and the material is impervious to the damage of sunlight. It can also hold up for a long time, in some cases for a century or more! The cherry on top? Solid stone adds big value to your property.
As with other types of natural stone siding, this type of cladding is highly authentic and natural in appearance. Coming in many different sizes and colors, it can go well with an assortment of other materials, ranging from concrete to brick to wood. It’s also highly weather and fire-resistant and provides pretty decent insulation.
Disadvantages
Now, for the drawbacks. Due to how it’s sourced, the weight, and the masonry skills required, solid stone is the most expensive of all the stone siding options. And if it’s not handled by a skilled stonemason, the stone can crack. This can be very expensive in terms of repair. It also requires a substrate to be installed over your exterior walls. And as with any other form of masonry, this siding should be done by a seasoned professional. If improperly installed, it can lead to major moisture issues. Despite the potential cons, if you’ve got your eyes set on the most authentic version of stone cladding, you can’t beat the aesthetics and durability of the solid stone siding.
Natural Stone Cladding Types
Typically made of granite, natural stone cladding is cut in very specific sizes with jutting contours that provide a classic yet visually stunning look to a home’s exterior. This is a great application for those seeking high moisture resistance, lack of cracking, and an aesthetic that is well suited for both traditional houses and modern builds. The most common stones used for cladding a home include:
- Granite
- Flint
- Limestone
- Travertine
- Marble
- Sandstone
- Quartzite
Natural Stone Veneer Siding
Natural stone veneer comes in two flavors: full veneer and thin veneer. A full veneer is composed of rock that’s typically cut to depths of 3” to 5”. Thin veneer, on the other hand, is cut to depths of 3/4” to 1 1/4”. This makes it lighter, less expensive, and easy to install than a full veneer. There are three main categories of stone used for these applications:
- Sedimentary rock (including limestone, travertine, and sandstone)
- Metamorphic rock (including slate and marble)
- Igneous rock (including granite and basalt)
Advantages
Again, like the other natural choices, genuine stone veneer provides authenticity, durability, and sustainability while also being lighter, cheaper, and less labor-intensive than solid stone.
Disadvantages
It is, however, still fairly expensive (especially compared to faux options). And if not properly installed, it can result in water damage and mold. Also, due to its rigid nature, there can be issues with venting damage. This can lead to pest infestation and moisture problems.
Manufactured Stone Siding
Also known as cultured stone, manufactured stone siding is a fantastic alternative to the weight, cost, and labor-intensive nature of real stone. This siding material is composed of lightweight cement that is poured into forms. This allows for a plethora of shapes, sizes, and textures. Whether you want to replicate the look of your favorite genuine stone or go with something that nature doesn’t typically provide, you can reap the benefits of cultured stone siding.
Advantages
So, what are the advantages of manufactured stone? Aside from being lighter and cheaper, it’s also pretty low-maintenance. All it really takes is a good cleaning with a garden hose or power washer on an annual basis. Durability is another big plus, with the average lifecycle spanning from 20 to even 75 years! It’s also recyclable, which adds major sustainability points. And finally, there’s the return on investment (ROI). Other siding types typically offer 75% ROI, while manufactured stone siding provides a phenomenal 96% ROI.
Disadvantages
As with any other type of siding, manufactured material does have its downsides. First, it does still require a professional for installation. And if you go with a less than reliable one, it can result in severe water damage. Second, this siding is unfortunately prone to fading. That’s not an issue you get with genuine stone, but when you factor in the advantages, it can very well be a small compromise.
Faux Polyurethane Stone Siding
Last but certainly not least, we have faux polyurethane. Made up of a blend of polyurethane, UV inhibitors, and fire retardants, this siding option is super lightweight and affordable. It provides the visual appeal of real stone without many of the drawbacks.
Advantages
Along with being super inexpensive, faux poly siding is highly weather-resistant (particularly when installed properly) and durable. In fact, it usually comes with a 50-year warranty. And unlike natural stone, it’s actually highly energy-efficient. The boosted R-value is definitely welcome in hotter and colder regions, which translates to lower energy bills.
Disadvantages
Now, the not-so-great things about faux polyurethane. Though the fact it’s manmade makes it much more affordable, this siding type has a mass-produced look to it. If you’re going for unique texture and colors, you might want to examine your other options. We brought up durability, but one issue it does have is impact damage. This can actually cause the material to bend in. It’s also not eco-friendly, as it’s composed of unsustainable materials. Finally, an improper installation can lead to major water damage and mold issues.
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So, now that you’ve learned about the different kinds of stone siding, you might be looking for someone to actually install it. CLAD Siding is here to help! We make it super easy to book an affordable, skilled stone siding contractor in your local area. Click here to learn more and request your free estimate today!
