Natural Stone Siding: Costs, Pros & Cons

How Much Does Natural Stone Siding Cost?

You’ll pay about $95,000 for whole-home natural stone siding installation. Pricing can be shown per square foot of wall area, or as a whole-home total. Below, we’ll walk you through the costs you can expect, what to know about stone siding, and how it compares to other siding types. The prices below reflect exterior wall coverage (not floor area).

Cost Per Square Foot

• Low: $30 to $40 (select limestones or local fieldstone blends, simpler patterns)
• Mid: $45 to $65 (granite, slate, mixed ledgestone, more detailing)
• High: $70 to $110+ (premium marbles, complex patterns, custom cuts)

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Whole-Home Installation Cost

How much you’ll pay for natural stone siding installation depends on the size of your wall space, additional accents, and difficulty of installation. Here’s what to expect:

• Smaller Homes (1,200 to 1,800 square feet of wall area): $40,000 to $90,000
• Average Homes (1,800 to 2,400 square feet of wall area): $65,000 to $140,000
• Large Homes or Extensive Accents (2,500+ square feet of wall area): $120,000 to $200,000+

How Stone Siding Costs are Split

• Materials: $20 to $60 per square foot
• Installation: $15 to $35 per square foot (prep, moisture barrier, lath, mortar, skilled masonry)

Tip: “Thin” natural stone veneer (real stone cut to ~1 inch thick) reduces weight and labor while keeping authentic color and texture.

Types of Exterior House Stone

• Granite: Dense, speckled, highly durable; great natural stone siding option for coastal or harsh weather. $55 to $95 per square foot
• Limestone: Softer tones (cream, beige), smooth or lightly textured. $45 to $80 per square foot
• Slate: Layered, darker grays and charcoals; crisp modern lines in ledgestone formats. $50 to $90 per square foot
• Sandstone: Warm earth tones with visible grain; casual, natural look. $45 to $85 per square foot
• Fieldstone/River Rock: Rounded or irregular shapes, rustic feel. $45 to $85 per square foot
• Basalt/Trap Rock: Deep gray to black, modern vibe, very durable. $55 to $95 per sq. ft. installed
• Marble (select exteriors): Striking veining for accents; premium cost. $70 to $110+ per square foot

Natural Stone vs. Other Stone Siding Types

Stone siding can be broken down into natural stone, natural thin stone veneer, and manufactured stone veneer. See the table below for costs.

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Natural Stone vs. the Most Popular Siding Types

Natural stone siding is a premium option with higher costs than many other siding types. Let’s look at how it compares to other, more affordable siding options.

What Else Should I Know About Stone Siding?

Benefits

• Timeless Curb Appeal: Real stone’s depth and color variation elevate traditional and modern designs.
• Exceptional Durability: Resists fire, pests, rot, hail, and UV fade better than most claddings.
• Low Maintenance: Occasional rinsing and mortar checks go a long way.
• Potential Resale Boost: Buyers associate stone with quality and longevity.

Disadvantages

• Higher Upfront Cost: Materials and skilled masonry raise totals.
• Weight and Structure: Full-bed stone adds significant load — thin veneer reduces it.
• Longer Timelines: Weather windows, scaffolding, and detailing can extend schedules.

Lifespan

Natural stone siding can last for 50+ years, often the lifetime of the home with proper installation. Mortar joints may need touch-ups over time.

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Maintenance

• Simple Cleaning: Rinse with low-pressure water; use mild soap for spots.
• Mortar Care: Inspect joints annually; repair cracks early to prevent water intrusion.
• Sealants (Optional): Some homeowners seal to reduce staining. Follow stone supplier guidance.

Best Stone Siding Brands

For natural thin stone, look for regional suppliers and national producers with consistent sizing and strong support:

• Buechel Stone: Wide palette, architectural cuts, robust technical resources.
• Halquist Stone: Midwest quarries, consistent thin veneer formats.
• MSI (Natural Stone): Broad distribution, varied styles and finishes.
• Champlain Stone: Northeastern blends, premium ledgestone looks.
• NSVI (Natural Stone Veneers International): Large catalog of natural thin stone options.

Conclusion: Is Stone Siding Worth It?

If you plan to stay in your home and want a showpiece exterior that lasts for decades, natural stone siding is a strong investment. Expect to pay about $45 to $110+ per square foot installed, or $65,000 to $140,000 for an average full-home project. You’ll gain timeless curb appeal, excellent durability, and minimal maintenance.

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