How Much Does Stone Siding Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $87,500 - $125,000
The average cost to install stone siding ranges from $87,500 to $125,000, with a national average of $106,250. The type of siding and the size of your home impact cost the most.
The average cost to install stone siding ranges from $87,500 to $125,000, with a national average of $106,250. The materials used to create the siding will impact the overall cost, as will any additional features, such as weather-resistant coating and masonry mortar.
Stone siding is a house siding option that can significantly up the value of your home while giving the neighborhood some eye candy. The beauty of stone is undeniable and its durability is unparalleled, but stone siding costs can be steep. Due to high demand, the prices of stone siding jobs have experienced a 5% to 10% increase in recent years. Delivery times for natural stones and similar materials have also gotten longer.
- Average
- $106,250
- Low end
- $65,600
- high end
- $156,300
How Much Does Stone Siding Cost Per Square Foot?
Stone siding costs anywhere between $4.50 and $35 per square foot. The total cost of your new siding per square foot ultimately boils down to which type of stone siding you choose. When it comes to stone siding, you’ve got plenty of options. Pick a material that adds to the natural beauty of your home or the one that makes the most financial sense.
Here are the typical costs of various siding materials.
| Siding Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Natural Stone | $4.50–$35 per square foot |
| Stone Veneer | $11–$13 per square foot |
| Faux Stone | $6–$9 per square foot |
| Cultured / Manufactured Stone | $5–$8 per square foot |
Stone Siding Cost Breakdown
Stone siding costs come down to several components, including the type of stone, masonry materials, and labor. Here’s a breakdown of how you can expect to spend your money when taking on a stone siding project:
Materials
Different stone materials come at very different price points. Though natural stone can add major curb appeal and value to your home, you have some cost-saving options to consider. For instance, going for faux stone, manufactured stone, or a stone facade can all decrease the overall cost, as can opting to cover just the front of your home. Let’s compare each of these materials to help you decide.
Natural Stone
If you want real stone siding to run throughout the exterior of your home, you can expect to pay $87,500 to $125,000 for a 2,500-square-foot house. This is the most expensive and labor-intensive type of stone siding, but it’s also the most durable and will give you the highest ROI.
As a con, natural stone is extremely heavy, and not all homes will be able to handle this excessive weight. There are many kinds of natural stone to choose from, including limestone, granite, basalt, and slate.
Faux Stone
Faux stone costs $6 to $9 per square foot and is typically attached with regular mortar and related materials. This artificial stone can be used as siding, though it is not as environmentally resistant as natural rock. To use faux stone as siding, you will need to have a pre-existing underlayment, drywall, or timber.
Cultured or Manufactured Stone
This manufactured stone is heartier than faux stone, being made primarily from concrete, and will cost $5 to $8 per square foot. It is nearly as durable as real rock, though it is slightly less resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as scorching summers and frigid winters. Cultured stone is also nearly as heavy as natural stone, so make sure the foundation of your home can handle it.
Stone Veneer
Stone veneers cost around $11 per square foot. These veneers give the appearance of actual stone but are just a fabricated layer of substrate attached to timber, fiber cement, and other wall types. Stone veneers are light and will not place strain on the home, but can damage easily and could be susceptible to erosion, moisture, and cold.
Mortar, Moisture Barrier, and Masonry Nails
Masonry materials will also add to the overall cost of the project. A 70- to 80-pound bag of masonry mortar, which is needed to keep your wall together, will cost $10 to $15.
Wall-protective sheathing, typically made from plywood, will cost $2 to $4 per square foot, and an artificially manufactured moisture barrier will also set you back $2 to $4 per square foot. A box of masonry nails will cost about $12; you or your contractor will need to pick up one or two, depending on the size of the wall.
Labor
Labor typically costs around $100 to $150 per hour, with an average price of $3 to $15 per square foot. The cost of hiring a professional siding contractor near you varies depending on the material type, with faux stone panels needing the least amount of labor and solid stone requiring the most. Faux stone panels cost $3 to $5 per square foot in labor, stone cladding costs $5 to $10 per square foot, and natural stone costs around $9 to $15 per square foot.
Stone Siding Cost by Material Type
Real stone costs between $4.50 and $35 per square foot, though this price will fluctuate depending on the kind of rocks you are sourcing. Natural stone tends to be expensive, so take the following price ranges and characteristics into account as you budget for your siding replacement cost.
| Stone Type | Average Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basalt | $7–$11 per sq. ft. | Unique shapes give personality to homes |
| Granite | $15–$35 | Common stone veneer, liked for its durability |
| Limestone | $20–$28 per sq. ft. | High material costs but lower installation costs due to its light weight |
| Sandstone | $15–$30 | Attractive, but not as durable |
| Slate | $4.50–$10 per sq. ft. | Affordable, waterproof, and water resistant |
Basalt
You'll pay between $7 and $11 per square foot for basalt stone. Basalt stone siding is a durable material used both in exterior home settings and interior settings like countertops. Homeowners enjoy the appearance of basalt stone for its mosaic appearance and dark gray and brown tones, which are suitable for many different home styles.
Granite
Granite isn’t just for your granite countertops. This stone is a staple building material for all kinds of home improvement projects and costs between $15 and $35 per square foot. Granite siding is the most costly type of stone siding on the market, but its captivating gray-blue colors can greatly impact the appearance of your home for the better. The best part is this material is incredibly durable and sustainably sourced.
Limestone
Limestone siding is another siding material that comes with a high price tag—ranging between $20 to $28 per square foot on average. However, since limestone is so much lighter than other stone materials like slate and granite, the cost to install limestone can be significantly lower, which in turn saves you money.
Sandstone
The average cost for sandstone is between $15 and $30 per square foot. Though sandstone siding offers a captivating appearance fit for hot, dry climates, the material is less durable and prone to breaking and deteriorating from the elements. This can make sandstone less solid of an investment compared to more durable options—especially considering sandstone already has a high price tag.
Consider your climate when deciding, and avoid using sandstone siding if you live in a moist climate.
Slate
Slate siding costs between $4.50 to $10 per square foot. Slate offers the best of both worlds when it comes to homeowners' budgets and the natural benefits of stone siding. Not only is slate waterproof, but it's also fire-resistant.
You’ll also see this material in wet rooms, kitchens, roofing, and tiling for a reason. Slate siding can promote drainage through its layering and low water absorption index. If you live in a region with heavy rainfall and want an economical stone siding, this may be a good fit for your home.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Stone Siding?
Stone siding cost estimates depend on location, the type of stone, the size of the project, and the various additional materials needed to complete the installation. To get an accurate quote, make sure you give all important info to a local masonry technician.
Size of the Job
The size of the job will impact the overall cost of stone siding installation. Square footage is usually the determining factor in cost estimates for these projects. If you are just doing a partial installation, such as stoning the front of a house, it will cost a lot less than if you are placing stone along the home’s entire exterior. A qualified professional will give you multiple estimates that take a variety of job sizes into account.
Removing Pre-Existing Siding
If you are replacing a pre-existing stone siding structure, you will have to pay for the removal and disposal of these materials. Removing lightweight panels will add $1,000 to $2,000 to your total cost. However, additional labor and disposal will be necessary if your pre-existing siding features lath walls or anchors. Expect to pay between $3 to $4 per square foot for that work. For a 1,500-square-foot home, this means an additional cost of $4,500 to $6,000.
Reinforcing Underlayment
Stone is very heavy and can place a strain on the underlying structure of your home. As part of the siding installation process, professionals may need to put a reinforced underlayment on your walls. If you need to fully install this underlayment and all associated reinforcement materials, it will add $9,900 to $17,900 to your stone exterior cost.
How Much It Costs to Install Stone Siding by Location
Material costs and labor vary by location, so it’s important to speak with a local siding contractor to get an accurate quote. Installing stone siding will cost slightly more in populated urban areas than in suburban or remote locations. Here are some price estimates for several locations throughout the U.S.
| City | Cost Per Square Foot | Cost for 2,000-Square-Foot Home |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $28–$50 | $56,000–$100,000 |
| Seattle | $23–$55 | $46,000–$110,000 |
| Dallas | $23–$50 | $46,000–$100,000 |
| Long Island, NY | $30–$48 | $60,000–$96,000 |
| Chicago | $30–$50 | $60,000–$100,000 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing stone siding yourself will save you around $3 to $15 per square foot in labor costs. For the average 1500-square-foot home, this means you'll save between $4,500 and $22,500 in total. As tempting as it might be to save so much on the cost of your stone siding installation unless you have ample experience with installing stone siding, we don't recommend you try to install it yourself.
Natural stone siding is extremely heavy and requires the skilled hands of trained professionals for a correct installation. Attempting to DIY stone siding can not only compromise the structural integrity during the installation process of your home but also cause leaks, water damage, poor insulation, or even broken materials and injuries during the installation process.
Tips for Hiring a Stone Siding Professional
Stone siding is a significant investment for homeowners, even with the eventual ROI. Protect that investment by choosing a reputable stone veneer contractor near you. Get quotes from multiple contractors and compare pricing and reviews.
When interviewing a few potential contractors, ask them the following questions:
1. Do you have proof of insurance and a professional license?
Your pro should be able to provide you with these documents and answer any questions about the insurance policy.
2. Are there any warranties?
This will help you understand any guarantees that are provided in case of future repairs, refunds, or exchanges.
3. How much have similar jobs similar to this one cost in the past?
This can help you get a feel for the range of your quote, and what your final cost could be.
4. What is your typical turnaround time for this type of project?
Obviously, timelines can change, but this can help you get an idea of how long it will take to source and install the stone or related materials.
5. Can you provide me with references from previous clients?
This way, you can take a look at some examples of completed stone siding jobs and speak with those who have worked with the pro before.
6. Are you a member of any national trade organizations, such as the Masonry Veneer Manufacturers Association (MVMA)?
Membership in trade organizations is not required but can be a plus.
Lawrence Bonk contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
A square of siding refers to 100 square feet of siding materials. Rather than sell by the individual square foot, manufacturers typically sell siding materials by the square. For instance, if you need 105 square feet of siding but the material is sold in squares, you’ll need to purchase two squares (200 square feet).
Natural stone siding should last the lifetime of the home. It is one of the most durable siding materials available (just think of old stone buildings made of materials like slate and limestone from centuries ago!). On the other hand, stone veneer siding usually lasts around 50 years—much longer than other types of siding.
Real stone is exactly what it sounds like: It’s real stone sourced from the earth without additives. It is durable and unique, but it’s difficult to work with because of its weight, challenge in sourcing, and high cost. Stone veneer mimics the look of real stone but is actually engineered with a mixture of Portland cement, natural minerals, and a colorant. While it’s more affordable and easier to work with, it’s less durable and may appear manufactured to the trained eye.
As stunning and natural as stone siding is, it's not for everyone. Some popular siding alternatives to stone siding include:
Brick veneer siding
Engineered wood siding
Fiber cement siding
Wood siding
Vinyl siding
If you want the look of natural stone siding without the high material and installation costs, vinyl siding may be one of the best alternatives. It’s lightweight, low-cost, and low maintenance but does have a lower life span than natural stone.