Brick and stone are two of the most classic and regularly chosen siding when deciding to have siding applied to your home. Both materials are extremely durable, with a natural beauty and stunning curb appeal, which can significantly enhance the exterior look of a house. The decision between stone and brick siding, however, contains aspects of cost, maintenance, aesthetics, and installation needs. This guide provides a clear comparison of brick and stone siding, highlighting their benefits and the differences in cost.
Brick vs Stone Siding Pros and Cons
Both brick and stone exteriors have traditionally been the favorite siding for homes as they provide protection and beauty. A typical brick house would be the most beautiful, more energy-saving, and easier to clean, all at moderate costs. Stone adds to the house a stunning one-of-a-kind natural beauty that lasts for ages, but is pricier and more complicated to work with.
What is Brick Siding?
Brick siding, also known as a brick veneer, is a house exterior made of fired clay bricks that are attached to the outside of homes. The construction ensures a reliable and durable, beautiful, and energy-efficient solution, which is also fire-resistant. In addition, brick siding can be achieved by way of various paints and textures, providing enough room for the design of buildings.
Pros of Brick Siding
- Durable and weather-resistant
- Fireproof and energy efficient
- Classic, timeless appearance
- Low maintenance required
Cons of Brick Siding
- Higher initial cost
- Heavy, requires strong wall support
- Limited design flexibility after installation
- Needs skilled labor for installation
What is Stone Siding?
Rock siding is a type of exterior wall covering for homes using natural stones such as granite, marble, or slate. It is most distinguished for its texture, color, and extreme solidity. A stone facade is fireproof, resistant to pests, and made of a sustainable material. However, it is usually more luxurious and expensive to install.
Pros of Stone Siding
- Extremely durable and weather resistant
- Unique natural beauty and texture
- Low maintenance and long lasting
- Eco-friendly and fire resistant
Cons of Stone Siding
- More expensive than brick
- Heavy and complex to install
- A less uniform look may not fit all styles
- Potential moisture issues if poorly installed
Brick vs Stone Siding: Detailed Differences
Material Composition
Brick is usually made from clay and shale from the earth, which are burned at high temperatures to produce bricks of the same size and quality. Brick veneer is a lighter brick-like wall made up of one or several bricks placed on the outer side of the existing wall to give the outer wall the look of a brick building but without the heaviness of the solid bricks. Stone siding, however, is composed of natural-quarried rocks like granite, limestone, or slate.
Appearance and Design
Brick siding is characterized by fixed sizes and shapes of bricks that offer a consistent and uniform appearance, which are usually available in natural colors such as red, brown, and tan. On the contrary, stone siding is known for its rough and uneven design with its infinite shapes and colors.
Cost
Usually, brick siding is more affordable and the cost of veneer with installation per square foot may range from $14 to $30, while solid brick walls are more expensive. It is a well-liked option for budget projects. Stone siding is a more costly alternative, and the price can vary between $35 and $50 or more per square foot, depending on the difficulty of the process and the number of steps involved in the extraction of the rock.
Durability and Lifespan
While both are strong and durable, stone siding is the one that stays longer than bricks by several decades because it is very tough against weather, fire, and pests. Brick siding is very durable, fire-resistant, and provides good insulation, but it is usually a bit more demanding in terms of maintenance to keep it in good condition over time.
Maintenance
Brick siding is a low-maintenance type of siding, but it still needs repair work such as mortar joint repointing and cleaning from time to time, to avoid moss or dirt accumulation. Stone siding has very minimal maintenance that includes only periodic cleaning, and when correctly installed, it is also less vulnerable to cracking or decay.
Installation
Because of the consistent size of bricks, brick siding can be installed in less time and with less difficulty. However, it still needs a base for the wall and some professional masonry skills. The installation of the stone siding is more difficult and time-consuming because the stones are of different shapes and are heavier. Usually, skilled workers and a longer labor time are required in such situations.
Environmental Impact
Both materials are usually eco-friendly. Brick is made from earth materials like clay and shale and can include recycled content. The manufacturing processes have become more energy-efficient and sustainable over time. Stone is a natural resource and can be continuously supplied, but the process of quarrying and transportation might have a bigger carbon footprint, depending on the distances and methods used.
| Feature | Brick Siding | Stone Siding |
| Material | Fired clay bricks | Natural quarried stone |
| Appearance | Uniform classic look | Unique, natural texture |
| Cost | $14.65 – $30 per sq. ft. | $35 – $50 per sq. ft. |
| Durability | Durable, fire-resistant | Extremely durable, fireproof |
| Maintenance | Low, needs occasional mortar repair | Very low, mainly cleaning |
| Installation | Easier, uniform size | Heavier, complex shapes |
Is Brick Cheaper Than Stone?
Yes, wall cladding made of bricks is usually less expensive than one made of stone. These are the main differences in price and factors that you should consider:
Usually, the brick siding installation costs between $14.65- $30 per square foot. In the case of brick veneer, i.e., a thinner and lighter version, the price can be less, approximately $4 to $10 per square foot installed.
Stone siding is a more expensive alternative, with its prices ranging from $35 to $50 per square foot for natural stone. The cost of the manufactured or stone veneer is a bit less, usually between $8 and $12.50 per square foot.
Generally speaking, brick siding is more budget-friendly in the beginning, which is why it is loved by the vast majority of homeowners. The price of the stone siding is higher due to its natural beauty and durability.
Which One Should You Choose – Brick or Stone?
The decision to use bricks or stones as your house siding depends on what is most important to you, how much you are willing to spend and the style of your house. Durability and aesthetic appeal are common to both materials; however, each one has advantages that fit different requirements.
• Choose Brick If:
You are aiming at a cheap and timeless design with good isolation and simple upkeep
• Choose Stone If:
Your goal is to have a bare, rugged, and lavish façade with longevity that is limitless.
- Start With Your Budget:
In most cases, bricks are more of a budget-friendly option, while stones would cost you more both in terms of materials and installation.
- Looking at Maintenance:
Both materials are low-maintenance when compared to other types of siding. However, stone seems to be the one that requires the least amount of maintenance. Brick can sometimes require repointing and cleaning.
- Special combinations:
Several people decide to put together these two materials to achieve a personalized look- they use stone in places that they want to highlight and the rest with brick.
Conclusion
The decision to install brick or stone siding must rely on your budget, tastes, and needs. Brick siding is an affordable way that help you to maintain a traditional style with excellent insulation and durability. Installing it is definitely more straightforward and requires little upkeep. Stone siding will provide your home with extraordinary natural charm and, heat-resistant for ages, but you have to pay more for this and deal with the complex installation. In any case, both materials are excellent additions to your home and will keep it safe for a long time.
Moreover, if you want to discuss the best siding option for your home and set up an appointment at no charge, contact Maura Mason. The professionals would be glad to provide you with expert advice and high-quality installation services.
FAQs
Is brick siding less expensive than stone siding?
Generally, brick siding is cheaper to purchase and install in comparison with stone siding.
Which is more long-lasting, brick or stone?
Stone is known as long-lasting due to its severe durability, but brick can also provide a long period of protection.
Does brick siding offer good insulation?
Brick naturally provides a good amount of insulation, thus helping the HVAC system to maintain the desired level indoors.
Is stone siding difficult to maintain?
No, stone siding requires very little maintenance and usually just occasional cleaning.
Can I mix brick and stone siding on my home?
Yes, of course, the combination of both materials can be visually stunning and provide an original exterior design.
