Faux Stone Panels vs. Alternative Siding Options

What is it made of Composites of a high-density polymer named polyurethane, which makes the panels highly resistant to impacts, and provides a significant thermal and noise insulation as well (with an R-value of approximately 4.5 per inch of thickness). Portland cement and aggregates (used to achieve a weight that would feel similar to real stone), in addition to oxides (used to achieve an appearance similar to real stone). The material is casted into molds that are designed in the forms of natural stone. Real natural stones (sandstone, travertine, quartzite, slate), quarried and processed into a thin veneer form. Weight Very lightweight: each faux stone panel weighs only a few pounds (which is about one pound per square foot), which highly contributes to the ease of its installation. About 70% the weight of genuine natural stone, and thus feels very authentic. 7-12 lbs per square foot;
Relatively heavy, yet still lighter than a full-bed stone; Processing the stones into thin veneers to make them as lightweight as possible, allows for lower shipping rates and broader options for installations. Methods of Installation Drill down or glued down (with screws or adhesives). Mortar; Several cultured stone products offer a mortarless, drill-down installation. Mortar. Ease of Installation Easy; perfect for a DIY Installation, as opposed to real and cultured stone siding, that require a much higher level of craftsmanship; almost no power tools are required, as the panels can be easily cut and allow for a quick installation (any carpentry saw cutting tool would be enough); no dealing with messy mortar or any masonry skills should be required. Relatively easy, because of lower weight compared to authentic stone, and the advanced panel system (Individual cultured stones are offered as well). Similar to cultured stone, the panel system ease up the installation in the case of thin stone veneer as well (since the panels lock together like pieces of puzzle). Cost (material prices) $6.00 - $9.00 /sq ft;
Relatively very low shipping costs, as faux stones are extremely lightweight. They are also significantly cost effective, in the sense of reduced labor costs thanks to their easy installation. $4.00 - $11.00 /sq ft;
Lower shipping costs than natural stone, as it is a lighter material, though not as low as faux stone panels. $4.50 - $10.00 /sq ft;
Relatively higher shipping costs, due to the heavy weight of real natural stone. Total Cost (with Installaion) Click for Cost Estimate Click for Cost Estimate Click for Cost Estimate Click for Cost Estimate Click for Cost Estimate Click for Cost Estimate Durability Very good durability; while not as tough as natural or cultured stone, Faux stone panels can stand up to a certain extent of abuse; Less resistant to scratches in case of an impact by a sharp object. Obtaining samples is recommended in order to compare and experiment its durability. Very good durability, designed to last for decades. Extreme durability which can be vouched by ancient castles that were built from stone centuries ago, and still standing today. Care and Maintenance Virtually maintenance free; no sealing is required. faux stone panels can be cleaned with either a garden hose or a soft cloth. Very low maintenance, which makes cultured stone a popular choice as well. Can be power washed or hosed down with water periodically (about two times a year). A water based concrete sealer should be applied once, following the installation. All natural stone products would require a periodic sealing, in order to protect them from moisture and certain other elements; Acid-based cleaners should be generally avoided. follow the relevant product instructions. Areas commonly used Both exterior and interior settings (wall covering, window trims, stacked skirts, house siding, commercial applications and more). If the faux panels are installed as a veneer for a fireplace, they should be distanced from the open flame by at least 12″. Exterior and interior siding (including fireplaces, backsplashes, and more). Exterior and Interior siding (including fireplace surrounds, skirting, accent walls and more). Thickness 1 1/4″ - 1 3/4″ 1″ - 2 1/2″ 3/4″ - 1 1/4″ Dimensions According to the specific product chosen:
Stone Panels (Dry stack, Slatestone, Ledgestone): 6″-8″ wide x43″-47″ length;
Rock panels: 13″-15″ wide x46″-48″ length.
(corners available as well). According to the specific product chosen:
5 Sq ft Individual stones;
5″ wide x 20″ length panels;
1″ - 4″ wide x 5″-18″ length panels; (+corners). Panels: 6″ wide x 24″ length (+corners). Appearance Thanks to today's technology advancements, Faux rock and stone siding panels can visually look just like the real thing. It is recommended to get samples and see for yourself how indistinguishable it is. Very similar feel and texture to that of a real stone, which makes it very difficult to tell apart. Each stone is absolutely, with a pattern that only a natural stone can have, that indicates how it was formed on earth. As opposed to faux and cultured stones, When natural stone gets chipped off, it would still retain its unique natural texture. Climatic Suitability Faux stone panels can essentially be used in all types of climates, however in the very long run (period of decades), cultured stone and natural stone would probably be less vulnerable to extreme climate conditions (when used externally). Suits all types of climates. Suits all types of climates.

Stone veneer siding mimics the look of natural stone at a fraction of the cost, giving your home an upscale look at a budget-friendly price. It’s durable, flexible, low-maintenance, and easier to install than a real stone wall.

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Stone veneer siding costs $13–$22 per square foot for professional installation or about $11–$18 per square foot for just the siding if you’re planning to go down the DIY route. Read more about the different types of stone veneer, how it compares to natural stone, and the complexity of installation below.

Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi and HomeAdvisor.

Major Stone Veneer Siding Cost Factors

Installing 1,000 square feet of stone veneer siding costs about $13,000–$22,000, which breaks down to $11–$18 per square foot for materials and $2–$4 per square foot for labor. The following factors can change your project costs.

• Labor: Labor costs vary by region, the complexity of the project, and the expertise of the contractor.
• Total coverage area: The square footage of your home’s exterior, or whatever area you wish to cover, will directly impact material costs.
• Veneer type: Homeowners can choose from several types of stone veneer, and each will carry its own price range.

Total Coverage Area

Coverage area will likely be the most significant factor in your project’s total cost, as larger areas require more material and hours of labor. The angles and architectural features of your home may play a role if they require intricate detailing or pattern variations.

Remember that you don’t have to cover your home’s entire exterior with a single type of siding. Many homeowners install stone veneer along the bottom third of their home or on a single accent wall. Others may choose an elegant stone veneer for the front of the house and a cheaper vinyl siding option for less visible walls.

Labor

Labor costs vary by location, siding type, project size, and contractor experience. Expect to pay between $2–$4 per square foot for professional installation.

The complexity of your project also affects labor costs. Installing stone veneer on a two-story house involves more work and safety considerations than completing a 36-inch strip around the bottom of the home.

Veneer Type

Veneers made from real stone are on the higher end of the cost spectrum because of their durability and the labor involved in extracting them from natural sources. Manmade options, made from a mixture of cement, natural lightweight aggregates, and iron-oxide pigments, are lighter and less expensive. Other faux stone veneers are made from nontraditional materials, such as polymer, vinyl, or foam.

Pros and Cons of Stone Veneer Siding

Stone veneer siding is a budget-friendly and visually appealing choice for exterior walls. Installing a band of stone veneer siding cost an average of $10,925 in and increased home value by $11,177, according to Remodeling JLC. This is more than a 100% return on investment. Like any type of home siding, it comes with its own set of pros and cons to consider.

Pros

• Comes in a variety of styles and colors
• Is durable and low-maintenance
• Provides good return on investment

Cons

• Costs more than vinyl siding
• Is difficult to match and repair if a product is discontinued
• Is difficult to match and repair if a product is discontinued

Stone Veneer Siding Comparisons

If you’re considering stone veneer siding for your home, you have four main options: natural thin stone veneer, full-bed stone veneer, manufactured stone veneer, or faux stone veneer. Each has its own pros and cons.

Stone veneer siding is a thin layer of real stone applied directly to the structure’s exterior, often as panels with fiberglass, polymer, fabric, or metal backing.

Stone Veneer Siding vs. Natural Stone

Installing stone veneers made from full-bed natural stone is like building a stone wall: You stack blocks on top of each other rather than simply sticking them onto an existing structure.

Full-bed natural stone is thicker than stone veneer siding, offering superior durability and insulation. It’s heavier, though, which makes the installation process more challenging.

Stone Veneer Siding vs. Manufactured Stone

Manufactured stone siding is made from cement that has been molded and tinted to mimic natural stone. The cement contains small pieces of lightweight aggregates, such as pumice, instead of the heavier rocks you might find in regular concrete.

Manufactured stone veneers are lighter and typically less expensive than siding that uses real stone. The veneers can be made to resemble nearly any type of stone and affixed to nearly any type of substructure.

Stone Veneer Siding vs. Faux Stone

Manufactured stone is technically a type of faux stone siding, but the term “faux” is typically used to refer to siding made from materials other than cement, such as vinyl, resin, polyurethane, and high-density foam.

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Faux stone siding is one of the cheapest and lightest options if you want a stone look, but it’s also the least realistic. It won’t typically feel like real stone and may only look like stone from a distance.

DIY vs. Professional Stone Veneer Siding

Choosing between a DIY approach and hiring a professional for stone veneer siding installation comes down to your project scope and skill level. Before deciding, carefully weigh the advantages, challenges, and cost implications of each option.

DIY Stone Veneer Siding

Installing stone veneer siding requires time and precision. The task may involve significant prep work, such as removing the old siding, adding a layer of protective sheathing, and installing a moisture barrier. You may also need to do some mortar and grouting work.

If you have experience with this type of project and all of the tools required, DIY installation could save you several hundred dollars. However, if you need to rent a truck or purchase new tools, those expenses could offset most of the savings.

You should also consider the time and risks involved with a stone veneer siding installation project. Covering an entire wall with stone veneer siding will be more difficult than installing a 3-foot-high band, and mistakes could lead to water damage and a shorter lifespan for the siding.

Professional Stone Veneer Siding

If you hire a siding contractor, they will handle everything from assessing and preparing the surface to the final installation and cleanup. Here are a few benefits that could make professional installation worth the cost:

• Efficiency: A team of professionals will be able to finish the project more quickly than a lone DIYer.
• Equipment: Contactors will have the tools and equipment to ensure safe and efficient installation.
• Expertise: A reputable contractor with years of experience can ensure the job is done correctly.
• Permits: A contractor will know if your project requires any permits and how to obtain them.
• Warranties: Most professionals offer a warranty for their work for added peace of mind and protection.

How To Save on Stone Veneer Siding

Homeowners who want to install stone veneer siding on a budget have several opportunities to save money:

• Apply stone veneer siding to a single accent wall.
• Compare quotes from multiple contractors.
• Cover the bottom third rather than the entire wall.
• Focus on the front-facing wall of your home.
• Handle some of the prep yourself.
• Install the siding yourself if you have the skill and tools.
• Opt for cheaper manufactured or faux stone siding.
• Plan your project for the off-season for cheaper rates.
• Shop around for deals, discounts, and promotions.
• Try negotiating with contractors.

Additional Stone Veneer Siding Cost Factors

The cost of stone veneer siding depends largely on the materials, labor, and coverage area, but other factors may come into play.

Underlayment Replacement

The underlayment is a protective layer placed between the siding and the structural wall that provides protection from the elements and extends the lifespan of the siding. If the existing underlayment is damaged, deteriorating, or otherwise unsuitable for stone veneer siding, it will need to be replaced. A full replacement could cost $9,900–$17,900.

Existing Siding Removal

Installing stone veneer siding typically requires the removal of any existing siding. Removing faux stone panels could cost as little as $1,000–$2,000, but you may end up paying an extra $3–$4 per square foot for removal if your current siding includes laths or anchors You may also have to pay a fee to dispose of the old siding, depending on local regulations.

Moisture Barrier

A moisture barrier is a protective layer designed to prevent water from penetrating the walls of your home. If any moisture gets behind the stone veneer siding, this barrier ensures that the water can escape or evaporate without causing water damage or mold growth.

You can expect a moisture barrier to cost about $2–$4 per square foot, though some professional contractors may wrap this cost into their estimate.

Other Projects To Consider

One way to save money on siding installation is to bundle it with other home improvement projects. You might consider tackling one or more of the following projects at the same time:

• Deck or patio renovation
• Exterior painting
• Front door replacement
• Pricing of a gutter guard installation
• Gutter repair or replacement
• Insulation upgrades
• Landscaping improvements
• Outdoor lighting installation
• Budgeting for a new roof
• Window replacement

How To Hire a Pro

If you decide to hire a professional, start by asking friends and family if they have any contractors they’d recommend. Browse online reviews and ratings on sites such as Yelp and Trustpilot. Narrow your choices down to three or four reputable contractors, then request a quote from each.

Once you have a handful of quotes, compare the cost estimates and contract terms. Ask about the estimated timeline, permits, payment options, warranties, and potential additional costs. Verify that each contractor is professional, properly licensed, and insured in your state, and use all the information you have collected to determine which option is the best deal.

Our Conclusion

Stone veneer siding is an elegant way to enhance your home’s curb appeal, and budget-friendly options are available. A professional contractor will be able to walk you through the various options, recommend the best product for your situation, and ensure a high-quality installation that lasts for years to come.

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FAQ About Stone Veneer Siding