Curb appeal is everything when it comes to making a great first impression of your home. An exterior that intrigues and delights doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the hottest trends in exterior design is pairing natural stone veneer with complementary siding. The combination creates visual interest, adds dimension, and makes a statement. Keep reading to discover the endless possibilities of stone and siding.
Why Combine Stone and Siding?
There are many advantages to pairing stone veneer with siding for your home’s exterior:
- Curb appeal – The contrasting textures of stone and siding capture attention and give your home roadside wow-factor.
- Complementary materials – The rugged feel of stone works beautifully with refined siding. Mixing materials creates depth.
- Traditional meets contemporary – Stone offers a classic, timeless look while siding lends a more modern touch.
- Affordability – Thin stone veneer provides the beauty of stone at a fraction of the cost and weight.
- Durability and low maintenance – Both stone and today’s siding stand up well to weather and require little upkeep.
Stone Veneer Possibilities
One of the most affordable ways to get the natural stone look is with thin veneer panels. Here are some top options:
Natural thin stone veneer – Slim slices of real stone like sandstone, bluestone, and granite. More expensive than manufactured but has an organic look.
Manufactured stone veneer – Engineered stone made with natural aggregates to mimic styles like limestone, fieldstone, and ledger stone. Very lightweight and affordable.
Stacked stone veneer – Panels with an irregular, overlapping stone pattern. The uneven shapes create delightful depth and texture. A fun accent or full facade option.
Siding Styles for Every Home
Stone veneer pairs beautifully with an array of siding styles and materials:
Vinyl siding – A budget-friendly choice that comes in horizontal or vertical panels and unlimited color choices, many with realistic wood grain textures.
Fiber cement siding – Promises the look of wood with added durability. Can mimic painted or natural cedar, shingle, and other wood grain styles while resisting moisture.
Wood siding – Cedar, redwood, pine, and other woods provide a timeless, traditional look. Requires more maintenance than fiber cement or composite wood.
Composite siding – Blends recycled plastic, wood fibers, and other materials. Offers durability, low maintenance, and abundant color and style choices.
Visualize the Possibilities
Visualizer tools like Be.On Stone’s online visualizer make it easy to preview stone and siding combinations. Simply upload a photo of your home and experiment with different styles, textures, and colors of stone veneer and siding.
Seeing stone and siding together on your actual home is invaluable for planning the perfect exterior updates. The virtual experience helps you determine what works before installation.
Choosing Colors That Wow
When it comes to choosing stone and siding colors that work in harmony, some guidelines to follow include:
- Dark or light stone against white siding has an elegant, contemporary vibe.
- Warm, earthy siding colors bring out the rustic charm of stacked stone veneer.
- Go bold with high-contrast shades for maximum drama and curb appeal.
- Avoid matching stone and siding colors too closely. Subtle contrasts look more intentional.
The most cohesive designs use a blend of complementary neutrals. Save the bright, bold hues for accents and don’t let colors clash with the natural stone tones.
Design Considerations
Some key factors to weigh when planning your stone and siding combination:
- Stone placement – Cover the full facade, use stone as an accent, outline the foundation, etc.
- Horizontal vs. vertical siding – Choose the pattern based on home style and visual goals.
- Cohesive style – Keep the stone and siding looking like they belong together through color scheme, textures, etc.
- Climate – Consider moisture levels, sun exposure, and temperature extremes your exterior will endure.
The architecture and overall aesthetic of your home should inform stone and siding placement. Focus on creating a cohesive, purposeful look.
Installation Tips
Achieving a seamless stone and siding exterior requires proper planning and installation. Some best practices include:
- Hire a knowledgeable professional stone veneer installation company.
- Ensure the surface is properly prepared for stone application.
- Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
- Seal and protect natural stone veneer from damage and discoloration.
Adhering stone correctly and integrating it with the siding is key. An experienced installer makes the process smooth and effective.
With limitless combinations of colors, textures, and patterns, stone veneer and siding offer a gorgeous, affordable way to transform your home’s curb appeal. Use visualizer tools to explore your options and create an exterior that expresses your personal style.
Pairing stone with siding makes a bold statement and gives your home an undeniably custom, upscale look without the hassle or price tag of full stone construction. Take your exterior design to the next level with this on-trend combo.
