Stone siding creates a beautiful home aesthetic but comes with a hefty price tag. Depending on the type of stone you choose, expect to spend anywhere from $7.50–$50* per square foot on both materials and labor costs. That’s a wide range, so be sure to explore the types of material you want to use in your stone siding installation project for a more accurate estimate.

*Unless otherwise noted, cost data was sourced from Angi and Fixr.

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Major Stone Siding Cost Factors

On a 2,500-square-foot home, you could spend between $18,750 and $125,000 to install new stone siding. There are two driving factors—the types of stone you use and installation costs. 

• Stone type: From natural stone to synthetic options, material pricing can vary. Consider the look as well as the durability of each choice before you decide what to use for your home’s exterior.
• Labor: Your project’s labor costs depend on a couple of factors, including your location and the type of stone you use. Faux stone siding is cheaper to install, while real stone is more expensive.

Stone Type

The type of stone you choose can impact how much you will pay for siding costs. Explore our breakdown of different siding options below. 

Natural Stone

Natural stone is the most expensive type of stone siding material. Within this category, however, there are several options to choose from, including slate, basalt, limestone, sandstone, and granite. All of these are long-lasting options, but the installation process and the materials themselves are costly.

Stone Veneer

You can find stone veneer siding made from either polyurethane or cement. The quality of the final look and the ease of installation depend on the brand you choose, resulting in a large price range as well.

Faux Stone Panels

Faux stone panels are made of polyurethane. They’re light and inexpensive, making them easy to install, but they may not look as realistic as other options. Material costs range between $3–$5 per square foot.

Cost by Stone Type

Labor

The type of siding homeowners choose will impact labor costs. Anything in a premade panel form, such as veneer or faux stone, is easier to install because the materials are lighter and more uniform. Natural stone, however, requires masonry skills. As a result, it takes longer and a more specialized skill set to install, which adds to the project costs.

Cost by Labor

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Stone Siding

The benefits and drawbacks of natural and faux stone siding depend on the type you choose. 

Natural Stone Siding

While costlier and more difficult to install, there are many advantages to choosing natural stone for your home.

Pros

• Real stone is durable and long-lasting.
• It comes with sustainable sourcing options.
• You can reuse stone in the future.

Cons

• Real stone siding is a high-cost product.
• Labor costs may be higher due to the specialized masonry skills required.
• You need to check weight limits in local building codes; there’s often a maximum of 15 pounds per square foot.
• Repairs can be difficult.

Faux Stone Siding

Faux stone and veneer stone siding are more affordable and easier to install but may not have as much of a high-end look as real stone.

Pros

• It’s less expensive than real stone.
• It’s easier (and consequently, less expensive) to install.
• It could be a DIY project, particularly for small areas.

Cons

• Pieces may be identical.
• It doesn’t come with sustainable sourcing options.

DIY vs. Professional Stone Siding

As with any major home improvement project that involves the structural integrity of the property, choosing whether to DIY it or hire a professional is an important decision. Weigh the pros and cons of each before you choose.

DIY

You can bring down the total cost of your stone siding project by doing it yourself. If you decide to tackle the project on your own, you could save between $3 and $15 per square foot on labor costs. However, siding projects of any kind can be complex, and if you make mistakes, you could end up with hidden moisture issues under the stone or veneer.

There are a few considerations that largely depend on the type of stone siding you choose. Real stone that requires mortar is more complicated to install. Plus, you’ll need to make sure you don’t exceed the maximum weight per square foot, and you’ll need to figure out how to transport such heavy materials or consider the delivery costs from the supplier. 

A more feasible DIY project is to install a small area of manufactured stone veneer or faux stone panels. Both types of materials will ensure an easier installation process. And if you’re just creating an accent wall rather than installing siding around your entire home, the project becomes more manageable and safer. 

Professional

We recommend hiring a siding contractor when installing any stone product. Each step of the project requires experience and precision, including calculating surface coverage and properly mixing the mortar. A professional should have experience with your chosen siding and can ensure a high-quality installation. They should also understand the local permit process and building code guidelines for weight distribution. Finally, they may include a warranty on installation, protecting your investment.

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How To Save on Stone Siding

Here are some ways to save on stone siding while still maximizing your curb appeal:

• Compare siding prices and choose a less expensive material.
• Consider installation times and pick an easier and quicker-to-install material.
• Remove existing siding on your own.

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Additional Cost Factors

The following factors will also affect the final cost of your stone siding project.

Finishes

When choosing your stone material, the finish also impacts the overall look and cost range. Here are a few types of finishes to consider:

• Aged stone
• Bush hammered stone
• Flamed stone
• Honed stone
• Natural cleft stone
• Sandblasted stone

Improvements and Enhancements

Updating your exterior walls with stone may open the door to additional projects, such as the following: 

• Upgrading to a stone chimney: $4,000–$8,000.
• Painting the stone siding: $2.40–$5 per square foot.
• Sealing natural stone to waterproof and maintain color: $1–$4 per square foot.

Preexisting Siding Removal

Disposal fees range from $50–$250. However, professionals usually include this fee in their cost estimate.

Underlayment Reinforcement

The material under your stone siding needs to be strong enough to hold up the materials. You may need to reinforce your underlayment before your contractor can install the stone veneer or natural stone. This step can add anywhere from $9,900–$17,900 to the total project cost.

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How To Hire a Pro

When you’re ready to find a stone siding contractor, follow these tips to choose the right one.

• Ask for recommendations: Look in your neighborhood for homes with new stone siding and ask who did the installation. If you don’t see any, ask local stone suppliers for their referrals. 
• Get quotes: It’s ideal to get more than one bid on your project. Ask for as much detail as possible so you know what’s included in the fee, such as removing old siding and cleaning up the jobsite. 
• Clarify the schedule: Find out how long the project should take, when the contractor will start, and what kind of payment schedule they request.

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Our Conclusion

Stone siding can be an attractive addition to your home’s exterior. Unless you’re installing a small section of stone veneer, we recommend working with a vetted professional for large siding projects. Get multiple quotes to make sure you find the best siding company to complete your project.

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FAQ About Stone Siding

Is stone cheaper than other siding options?

No, stone is not cheaper than most other siding options. Vinyl siding and wood are much less expensive than natural stone. You may find stone veneer that is comparable in cost to these cheaper options. 

What are the disadvantages of stone siding?

One disadvantage of stone siding is that it can be difficult to fix cracks. If you let them go untreated for too long, your home can develop moisture issues under the surface of your stone siding. Another disadvantage is that installation is difficult to undertake as a DIY project.

How do you maintain stone siding?

In order to maintain stone siding, you need to rinse off dirt and debris with a mild soap and water mixture. Avoid using any harsh, acidic cleansers that can damage the stone. You also need to apply a sealant every five years. 

Is stone siding a good investment?

Yes, stone siding is a good investment because both natural and manufactured veneer products tend to add value to homes. Stone veneer, for instance, has a 96% return on investment when it comes to resale value.

How long does stone siding last?

Stone siding can last for at least 100 years or for the life of the home. Stone veneer is also durable, often lasting between 50–75 years.  

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