You’ve heard that you only get one chance to make a first impression? The facade of your home will be the first thing people will see of your new house, so your choice of cladding plays a vital role in your house’s street appearance. Stone is one of the oldest building materials in the world, and adds elegance to your home, either through a feature wall or your entire exterior.
What are the benefits of a stone facade?
Aesthetic quality: Stone cladding has raw natural beauty which can create a striking yet down-to-earth character for your family home.
Works well with other materials: Whether the frame of your home is timber or part of your home is brick, stone cladding meshes well with a range of other materials.
Suits various styles of home: Suits a range of house designs from more traditional to contemporary and modern.
Durability: Stone cladding is a long-lasting material and can withstand most weather conditions.
Range of choices: There are a range of different types of stone including limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, and granite.
What are the drawbacks of a stone facade?
Expensive: Stone cladding is usually one of the more costly options on the market, both in terms of purchase price and initial cost. See below for more details.
More difficult installation: Installing stone cladding sometimes requires extra fixtures to be added to a home’s frame, due to the weight of stone. It may not be feasible in some cases and for some budgets.
Requires a specialist for installation: Stone is one of the more difficult materials to work with and is well beyond even the most enthusiastic DIYers. Even in the professional ranks, not everyone knows how to install stone, so you’ll need to find a specialist, who will probably cost extra.
What are the different types of stone facades?
There are two main types of stone cladding which are:
- Cladding panels: these are easier to install and ideal for
- Individual Slip Veneer: these are more customisable and often look more authentic with more intricate details. They’re also more expensive and difficult to install (which adds to the overall price).
What are the different design options & finishes for a stone facade?
Stone walls can be used for a variety of purposes including feature walls that serve as a focal point of your home, or as cladding on retaining walls for the entire house. A stone wall can work in both residential and commercial settings.
Some of the most popular types of stone used in buildings include:
- Marble
- Limestone
- Sandstone
- Natural stone
- Granite
- Slate
How much does a stone facade cost?
There’s no getting around the fact stone cladding is one of the more expensive options when it comes to facades. Expect to pay between $100-$200 per square metre for the material itself, and add on top of that at least $55 per hour for installation. While it may be tempting to try installing the facade yourself, be warned that the stone facade is difficult to install properly and should be left to the pros. Prices may vary depending on a variety of factors including where you live and the type of stone you use, so take these prices as a rough guide.
How does a stone facade perform?
Weather resistance
Stone cladding is great at withstanding the elements. Being made from natural elements, stone is resistant to pretty much anything mother nature can throw at it, from storms to hail, to fire.
Sound insulation
Stone provides sound insulation and thermal insulation for your home. It is similar in quality to brick. You home design will play a major
Mould resistance
Moss and mold can grow on stone and the best treatment is to use a cleaning agent specifically designed for stone. Mold won’t cause the same potential
Durability
Stone is an incredibly durable material that can last for decades when done well. There’s a reason many of the oldest buildings in the world are made from stone. It’s very difficult to damage stone, and chips, scratches and dents are very rare.
How much maintenance and cleaning is required for a stone facade?
Stone cladding is unlikely to be damaged, so maintenance requirements are quite minimal. At most, it’s recommended you only use a hose to provide a surface-level clean. High-pressure cleaners should be avoided as they could harm the layer of finish on the stone.
Are stone facades sustainable options?
Natural stone is a sustainable material for the following key reasons:
- Stone is a naturally produced yet plentiful material
- Its durability means less need for replacement materials to be used.
- Stone is completely recyclable and can be repurposed again and again. This minimises the need for new resources.
- It requires little maintenance and no harmful chemicals to clean.
- Technological advancements have made the process of obtaining stone extraction, quarrying and manufacturing more environmentally friendly.
What are the key differences between stone facades vs other material options?
Brick
- Brick and stone are the leaders in durability. A well-looked-after brick house can last well over a century, while stone buildings can last even longer. Stone is less likely to experience damage, but both materials boast excellent durability.
- From an aesthetic perspective, both stone and brick have a range of options in terms of colours and style. Stone cladding probably has a bit more variety. What looks better, of course, comes down to personal choice.
- Natural stone is less readily available than brick, which could add to the overall costs as you’ll need to transport material further to reach your property.
Concrete
- Concrete is much cheaper than stone.
- While concrete is durable, it has nothing on the immovability of natural stone.
- Natural stone is more sustainable than concrete, especially when it comes to the manufacturing process.
Timber
- Timber is much more readily available than natural stone, which could save you a lot of money on transport cost
- It is also much more affordable, both in terms of purchase price and installation costs.
- However, the stone is far more durable and not vulnerable to moisture damage, rot, fire and termites.
Our tips for choosing a facade for your new home
- While stone cladding has a range of benefits, it can’t be denied that it is an expensive material. If you’re on a strict budget, remember there are many quality homes made from timber and brick.
- Remember that your choice of cladding isn’t just an aesthetic choice. The material you choose can affect the durability of your home, influence the temperature during all seasons, and soundproofing.
- Talk to a building broker who can guide you throughout your journey.
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