Top 10 Best Types of Exterior House Stone For an Elegant Look and Durability

Everyone wants their dream home to look luxurious and charming, straight out of books they read daily or movies they love the most. But apart from furniture and interior design, there is something else that completes the perfect look. You see, every friend of yours who visits your home looks at the exterior of your house in the first impression, and what better could be than having it built with elegant and strong material. 

So we have decided to show some of the best types of exterior house stone finishes that you must go for your exterior build or next home renovation project. Make sure to read it till the end because we have also made a table that will assist you in appropriate material selection according to your property. 

What are Exterior House Stones? Why are they Used? 

As the name suggests, exterior house stones are natural or factory-blended stone materials that are made to protect the outer layers of homes from extreme weather changes, constant heat, dust, and harmful bacteria. Basically, other than these features, people like them most for their everlasting durability, timeless aesthetics, and pest resistance, which help them save a lot in annual repairs and maintenance charges. 

If you are someone who is looking for a stone addition to the exterior walls, then you are going to get so many compliments and ease of life because of their outdoor noise isolation properties also. After reading all these perks, if you are in the mood for upgrading your walls with natural stone for the house exterior, the next phase of this guide covers some of the best expert recommendations about types of natural stone for house exterior according to different sizes and aesthetic appeal. 

10 Different Types of Exterior House Stone? 

Although in the market there are countless natural and manmade stones available in the market, only a few of them bring real value to the table and exclusive longevity to your home. That’s why we have given all the necessary details here about the different types of exterior house stones along with their pros and cons, which will help you to make a wiser decision. 

1. Granite 

Granite is a rugged and chunky igneous rock that is primarily known for its unyielding strength and is used by the masses in the process of home creation and renovation. Its name comes from the Latin word granum, and it has been one of the most popular materials in architectural history. Costing around $11 to $17 per square foot, it is a value-for-money choice because it is a perfect blend of both classy aesthetics and durability. 

Pros	Cons
Extremely Durable.	Unavailability of color tones in a natural palette.
Has a shiny natural finish.	Hard to install.
Improves resale value of the property.

2. Limestone 

Limestone is one of the most popular sedimentary rocks on the market and is composed of calcium and aragonite, which give it extreme resistance to unexpected weather changes and breakouts. Due to its gothic and rough appeal, it has been used for centuries for making buildings, fencing, water fountains, and many other purposes. Today, due to its affordable pricing of $5 to $10 per square foot and minimal installation costs, it is widely recognized by modern-day homeowners for both home renovations and new home construction. 

Pros	Cons
Aesthetically appealing.	Sensitivity issues from acidic elements.
Extreme heat assistance.	Logistically hard to carry.
Temperature-insulated surfaces.

3. Marble 

Marble is a type of stone category that can be easily called one of the beautiful creations of nature, as it is formed when limestone beneath the mountain surface is subjected to high pressure and heat, which makes its color pale white. Due to this formation, it is a type of metamorphic rock, and its extraction is done all over the world. This stone holds an immersive charm and luxury in hand feel, which makes it priced around $10 to $250 (due to some expensive variants like Calcutta Marble, which comes in white and gold colors)

Pros	Cons
Luxurious aesthetics.	Not UV resistant.
Naturally cool.	Prone to stains and scratches.
Long lifespan.

4. Sandstone 

When the layers of sand, dust, and small moisture pores mix up together and get oxidised with all the minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and sulphur, then this natural artifact is born. Sandstone is one of the coolest and premium looking stores which comes at affordable prices and has become the first choice for many homeowners due to its iconic finish and premium look. Generally, it costs around $5 to $10 per square foot for flooring and paving and comes in some crisp color palettes like chocolate brown, grey, and beige. 

Pros	Cons
Natural earthy impressions.	Acid-sensitive.
Slip-resistant.	Color fades.
Keeps the environment insulated.

5. Slate

Next up in the list we have this very earthy and gritty-toned stone called the Slate, and over the years it has shown its capabilities in protecting various types of house flooring, rooftops, backyards, and kitchen counters. Basically, due to its formation with clay minerals, its metamorphic properties make it resilient to all the natural anomalies and give the surfaces a very definite look and feel. Many new homeowners use it in their projects because of its inexpensive cost of $12 to $25 per square foot, including specialized labor and expert assistance. 

Pros	Cons
Carries natural beauty.	Require regular cleaning
Strong and sustainable.	Can become cold in high-temperature zones.
Slip-resistant.

6. Travertine

Travertine is a very classic and sturdy type of stone that has a massive fanbase due to its simplistic appeal, strength, and longevity. Made with carbonate particles and high pressure from hot spring water, it is a sedimentary rock that brings an everlasting effect on your house in terms of sustained appeal, isolation from background noises, and longevity. Anyone can go for this because its price range falls from $3 to $30, including labour costs. 

Pros	Cons
Stylish and iconic.	Not resistant to heavy metals and chemicals
Great at insulating temperatures.	Has a porosity which can allow bacteria to enter.
Noise isolation capabilities.

7. Fieldstone

Fieldstone is undoubtedly the best choice for all the people who love the rusty appeal and rugged finish in their background without spending more. Basically, they are small, chunky stones made from clay, minerals, and water, which allows their properties to become flexible and fierce against weather changes, making it ideal for areas near the seashore. They can range from $20 to $50 per square foot with installation, but you have to buy them in bulk, so final costs would be $200 to $500 per ton. 

Pros	Cons
Earthy appeal.	Dirt can grow on the edges.
Extreme durability.	Uneven texture of the surface.
Easy repair.

8. Cobblestone

Similarly like Fieldstone,  Cobblestone is a material that includes the formation of a stack of multiple rocks like granite, basalt, or limestone, and over the ages, they have been relevant in the architecture industry, as many old buildings, churches, and public places have creations made with Cobblestone. In modern day, they are highly used for creating entrances, rooftops, backyards, and interior walls because of their natural earthy tone and protective characteristics. They can be easily opted for by someone who has a low budget, as they range from $40 to $75 per square foot, with integrating charges of professional support and labour budget.

Pros	Cons
Earthy appeal.	Dirt can grow on the edges.
Extreme durability.	Uneven texture of the surface.
Easy repair.

9. Quartzite

If you have a budget of $100 to $140 per square foot of total (including professional support and labour charges), then you should definitely go for Quartzite stone because it has everything that a modern home needs today. It has an exquisite texture and premium color tone with excessive durability. Also, it is highly tolerant to heat and ultraviolet radiation from the sun and can survive temperatures up to 1,000°F. Nothing can beat this stone finish if you want to improve the aesthetics and longevity of the back walls of your house. 

Pros	Cons
Heat Resistance.	Costly pre-construction measures required.
Durable from all the natural events.	Comes with an expensive price tag.
Premium feel and finish.

10. Brick and Stone Blend

Last up in the list we have the brick and stone blend combination of rocks, which are pretty much known by everyone as houses made in 1960-70s have their fabrication. This is the most common solution to protect your house from all the negative outdoor elements, but the thing is it doesn’t provide a good noise isolation ecosystem. It generally goes around $18 to $40+ per square foot with complete installation, depending on the weight and type of stone.

Pros	Cons
Has great flexibility.	The installation process is a bit complex.
Visually classy and timeless.	Repairs are expensive and difficult.
Durability and longevity.

Read More: What is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)? Benefits, How to Construct, Cost Breakdown, and More

Factors to Consider Before Selecting Exterior House Stone for Your Home Decor

Reaching here, you might have shortlisted some of the best exterior stones by imagining your fantasy house, but amidst all these dreams, there are some factors that you have to consider before finalizing the material for the timeless look you aim for. Below are some parameters that will provide more clarity on your selection and help you make the best decision of your life regarding the exterior look. 

• Overall Expenditure and Engineering Cost: Calculating all the costs by analyzing the dimensions of the backyard and consulting on-field specialists is the foremost practice that has to be done because without this assistance and measurements, things can go completely off track; you have unimaginable problems that will ruin your mood. 
• Aesthetics and Preferences: This is a part that everyone loves, choosing their favourite type from the catalog of thousands of stones, but don’t forget to decide with both heart and mind. You see, some stone finishing materials might look eye-pleasing but lack durability from all negative elements like seasonal changes, pests, and noise; that’s why it is always recommended to choose something that is both gorgeous and sustainable. 
• Sustainability From Climatic Changes: Here comes the most important part: ensuring the sustainability of the material from different challenges of nature which is present in your environment is very integral because here negligence won’t give you a second chance.
• UV and Heat Exposure: There are so many stone materials like White Marble which loose its original color tone, luxury finish, and real charm when it gets exposed to sunlight for a long time, which is why choosing stones that are heat and UV-proof is a must because you are investing in an outdoor look that needs to be everlasting. 
• Isolation Compatibility: Stones that are not resilient to heavy noises are considered vague today because peace and isolation are what truly matter in today’s chaotic lifestyle. Background noises from traffic or nearby construction can give you a frustrated morning. 
• Captivity from Pests and Insects: Insects and pests can create a mess around everything that is present in the house; that’s why their arrival is always unpleasant. Stones that have natural gaps can increase the number of all these creatures present in your house, which is why always check the quality of the materials before applying. 
• Annual Maintenance Charges: Last but not least, measuring maintenance costs is indispensable when you are building your backyard because opting for luxury spaces comes with higher expenses, which you manage in your lifestyle. Always select the material according to your annual maintenance budget. 

Read more: What is a Spec House? How to Buy, Cost Breakdown, ROI, Pros, Cons, and More

How to Pick An Ideal Exterior Stone Rewamp? 

Last but not least, before picking the ideal exterior stone, you have to configure the exact type of your property and which type of stones suit it the best in terms of affordability, sustainability, and durability. To save you hours of research, we have constituted this detailed chart which will help you to figure out the stone material for your exteriors. Let’s get it done!

Category	Ideal stone exterior
Modern Homes	Today, most of the modern homes are made with simplistic and minimal design, which is why stone finishes like Slate and Granite complement them the most. They also provide some necessary benefits like heat insulation, noise insulation, and a slip-free environment.
Farmhouses	Farmhouses have an eco-friendly, earthy, and soft vibe that is why Cobblestone and fieldstones are considered ideal choices because they are flexible and adapt to every surface very easily.
Mediterranean	Mediterranean houses have a natural old money appeal, and they are far cooler than modern or colonial houses, which is why finishes like Sandstone and Travertine are considered best for them.
Colonial Spaces	A larger chunk of the population lives in colonial spaces like a society or gated town, and the design of their homes is symmetrical and classy. Opting for a stone exterior made with slate and granite is a good choice here.
Craftsman Houses	Craftsman houses are something that is unique and does not have to fit in any category or area; that’s why selecting a stone material here is a very creative and tricky choice. You see, most of the craftsman houses have a brick and Stone blend, Limestone, and Cobblestone because it gives them a timeless and compelling aesthetic.

Read more: Renovation Vs Remodel: Difference, Cost Breakdown, Permit Requirements, and More

The End Note

Well, the list of stones for house exterior and necessary recommendations ends here, but we know that your curiosity is sky high and your checklist is ready for your dream exterior build. It is highly recommended that choosing the stone by prioritizing the category of house over looks gives everlasting results which will be timeless and not temporary. 

Going for high-value stones for the background can be luxurious, but sometimes the maintenance and construction cost might go high, so always go for the material that fits in your pocket. The last thing that you must ensure is that the stone you are selecting does not react with the UV rays and survives the chaos of seasonal changes. If you are willing to learn more about housing and construction projects, then stay tuned with Wallinsider

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