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.

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.

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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.

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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 2023 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

How long does stone veneer siding last?

Stone veneer siding can last around 50 years, which is less than natural stone siding but more than other types of siding.

What is the difference between stone veneer and vinyl siding?

The difference between stone veneer and vinyl siding comes down to cost, flexibility, and durability. Stone veneer is often less flexible than vinyl but more durable. It costs more, but the price difference may be relatively small, depending on the materials used.

What is stone veneer siding made of?

Stone veneer siding can be made of thinly cut natural stone, a cement mixture in the shape and color of natural stone, or lightweight synthetic materials such as vinyl or polyurethane.

How do you maintain stone veneer siding?

How you maintain stone veneer siding depends on the materials you use. We recommend gentle cleaning with a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure garden hose. Always follow manufacturer recommendations.

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