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Siding

How Much Does Stone Veneer Siding Cost?

Average cost range:

$8,250 - $16,125

Stone veneer siding costs range from $5.50 to $10.75 per square foot installed. The cost to install stone veneer siding on the average sized 1,500 square foot home would fall between $8,250 and $16,125, or an average of $12,188. Stone veneer is a much cheaper alternative to natural stone siding, which can cost up to $48 per square foot. Home siding costs always vary depending on the size and design of your house, local labor rates, and whether you are doing a full or partial stone veneer siding installation.

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Stone Veneer Siding Installation

If you want the stunning look of natural stone siding without the hefty price tag, stone veneer siding installation is right up your alley. Stone veneer siding provides you with a budget-friendly alternative to create the same beautiful look. Approximately $25 to $30 per square foot cheaper than natural stone, this stone alternative can be cut to size and shaped to meet your distinct design needs. Even better, it comes in lightweight and easy to install panels, making labor and installation costs much cheaper.

According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, installing manufactured stone veneer siding has the potential to earn you a 90% or more return on investment when reselling your home.

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What is Stone Veneer Siding? 

Stone veneer is a type of siding created to imitate natural stones at a lower cost. Part of the reason for the lower cost is that stone veneer is built with affordable and more lightweight materials than real stone.

natural stone siding installation

Stone veneers are placed over materials such as fiber cement or wood timber. Like brick veneer siding, it is more energy efficient than its natural siding counterpart. It can help you keep your home insulated and lower your electricity bills. Bear in mind that stone veneer is not as strong or durable as natural stone, and may need repairs if it becomes damaged over the years.

Stone Veneer Siding vs. Faux Stone

While exploring alternatives to natural stone, you may often hear faux stone and manufactured stone veneers used interchangeably. Although the look created by both can be similar, there is a difference.

Faux stone siding comes in lightweight and durable panels. These have a remarkably realistic stone look that comes from a unique coating, which is chemically bonded to the molded surface of the panel.

Unlike manufactured stone, the molds which make faux stone panels are cast from real stone and rock patterns. If you are interested in a DIY project, faux stone siding panels can be cut using common woodworking tools and are relatively simple to install.

Stone Veneer Siding vs. Manufactured Stone

Another stone siding alternative term you will run across is manufactured stone, which is slightly different than a veneer stone siding.

Manufactured stone siding is simply a concrete mix that imitates siding types like natural stone. Manufactured stone is less able to withstand the extremities of weather overtime compared to natural stone. However, it is significantly cheaper than real stone at $6 to $12 per square foot of installed material.

The best way to decide which type of faux stone is best for your home – stone veneers, faux stone, or manufactured stone – is to have a conversation with contractors. Your local contractor will help you make a decision based on your siding budget, climate and weather conditions, your home’s structure and design, and more.

Benefits of Stone Veneer

In addition to providing you with the stunning color and pattern options of more expensive natural stone, veneer stone siding panels have other great benefits.

1. Lightweight

Natural stone is very heavy. It will require you to hire a professional contractor to manage and perform the complicated installation process. Because stone veneer is much more lightweight compared to real stone, the installation is quicker, easier and much more affordable.

Additionally, the weight that natural stone puts on the foundation of your home can be potentially damaging. You will need to have your home professionally assessed prior to installing natural stone to make sure your home’s structure can withstand the added weight.

On the contrary, veneer stone siding weighs as little as one pound per square foot. This makes it easier on your home, without adding any undue weight to the foundation.

2. Better Insulation

Stone veneer’s polyurethane composition offers superior home insulation when compared to other types of stone siding.

The R-value (used to measure thermal resistance) of stone veneer siding helps prevent your home from losing heat in the winter and keeps the cool air inside during the summer. This level of insulation can help save you money on your monthly energy bills, since heating and cooling your home accounts for the largest portion of your utility bills – approximately 54 percent.

3. Impact resistant

Stone veneer siding panels are constructed of high-density polyurethane. They are not only heat resistant, but they are also impact resistant. If you live in an area that tends to experience inclement weather like hail or high winds, you can rest assured that your home will be protected by your stone veneer siding.

faux stone siding

Downsides of Stone Veneer Siding

Veneer siding is a strong siding choice, similar in many ways to the benefits and drawbacks of a vinyl siding installation. In terms of drawbacks, they are really only “cons” when comparing veneer stone siding directly with natural stone.

For instance, compared to natural stone, synthetic stone veneer has a smaller lifespan – about 20 to 75 years. This is actually superior when it comes to the lifespan of other siding types, like vinyl or wood. But in contrast, an investment in natural stone will last the lifetime of your home – about 100 or more years. Additionally, stone veneer siding will not provide the same level of fire protection as natural stone.

Stone Veneer Siding Maintenance Tips

Stone veneer is easy to clean and maintain. This type of siding is fairly resistant to moisture, mold, mildew, and most environmental conditions. A simple rinse with your garden hose will remove any loose dirt or problem areas that may develop due to proximity to moist vegetation and lack of direct sunlight.

Check your manufacturer’s recommendations as to not void your warranty. You can typically use a power washer at least once a year to get rid of any grime. If you have stubborn dirt, use a mild detergent with a soft bristle brush as to not scratch your synthetic stone siding.

It is recommend that in terms of landscaping that you keep bushes, hedges, and flowers at least 6 inches away from the stone paneling to prevent it from being hit by weed whackers and other landscaping hardware.

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