10 Types of Exterior House Stone & How They’re Used
Natural stone continues to captivate designers and architects with its enduring charm, versatility, and natural beauty. From the warm hues of travertine and limestone to the dramatic impact of grangestone and slate, each type of exterior house stone offers its own unique story.
While we at OUTERclé are partial to cladding our exterior walls with terracotta, brick, cement, and ceramic tiles, we love seeing what designers and architects are doing with natural stone. In this article, we delve into 10 types of exterior house stone and how they’re used, along with a look at manufactured stone options and the key factors to consider when choosing the right material for your project.
Travertine terraces in Pamukkale, Turkey. Photo courtesy of Hamza Şamil Yavuz.
Limestone cliffs in Scala dei Turchi, Agrigento, Italy. Photo courtesy of Flo P.
Navajo sandstone in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon. Photo courtesy of Harry K.
Types of Natural Stone for Home Exteriors
Natural stone has been a favorite building material for centuries, prized not only for its durability but also for its inherent natural beauty. Here are 10 types of natural stones that have graced homes for generations — each with its own coloring, texture, and historical significance.
1. Travertine
Travertine is a form of limestone known for its warm, earthy hues and unique porous texture. This type of stone often displays a natural pitted surface that gives it character and charm, making it an excellent choice for stone cladding and stone siding on a home’s exterior.
Designers appreciate travertine for its ability to complement both modern and traditional architectural styles. Its light, natural colors can create a soft, welcoming look, while its durability ensures that it withstands harsh weather conditions with grace.
2. Limestone
Limestone, another sedimentary rock, offers a timeless appeal with its smooth, matte finish and subtle variations in color. Often available in shades ranging from cream to light gray, limestone adds a refined, understated elegance to exterior house stones.
Its versatility makes it a popular choice for both stone veneer and natural stone cladding. While limestone is admired for its delicate beauty, designers are mindful of its porosity, ensuring proper sealing to protect against moisture and harsh weather conditions.
3. Sandstone
Sandstone is celebrated for its rich, warm tones and naturally textured surface. As a sedimentary rock, it exudes a rustic charm that many associate with heritage and tradition. Its wide range of colors — from golden amber to deep rust — allows for creative freedom in landscape design and stone siding applications.
Sandstone is particularly valued for its ability to add visual interest and a sense of history to a home’s exterior, though it does require mindful maintenance to guard against the effects of weathering and freeze-thaw cycles.
4. Grangestone
Grangestone offers a unique blend of character and durability. Its varied appearance makes it a favorite among architects who seek to integrate natural stone cladding into their designs. Grangestone typically presents a textured surface and muted hues that harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
While not as widely known as some other types, its natural allure and robust performance in exterior applications make it a noteworthy option for those looking to incorporate artisanal building materials into a home’s exterior.
5. Slate
Slate stands out for its sophisticated, layered appearance and exceptional durability. This metamorphic rock is renowned for its fine-grained texture and natural cleft surface, making it an excellent choice for stone veneer applications.
Slate is available in a palette that includes deep blues, greens, and grays, providing a refined and modern twist to traditional exterior stone cladding. Its resistance to harsh weather conditions and minimal maintenance requirements have made it a perennial favorite among design professionals seeking a sleek, modern look.
6. Marble
Marble exudes luxury with its smooth, polished surface and distinctive veining patterns. Although more commonly associated with interior design, marble has found its way into exterior applications as well, particularly as an accent or decorative element. Its luminous appearance and natural elegance create a striking contrast when used alongside other building materials.
Designers should note that marble’s porous nature requires careful selection and maintenance to ensure longevity, especially in environments prone to freeze-thaw cycles and harsh weather conditions.
Marbling tilework at Arlington National Cemetary. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cantu.
7. Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that offers the look of marble with the durability of granite. Its crystalline structure and vibrant colors — often ranging from soft pastels to bold hues — make quartzite an exciting option for natural stone cladding.
Prized for its strength and resistance to wear, this type of stone is particularly suited to areas that experience high traffic and challenging climates. Designers enjoy using quartzite to create dynamic facades that reflect both natural beauty and architectural innovation.
8. Fieldstone
Fieldstone is a rustic, unhewn stone that tells a story of nature’s raw beauty. Its irregular shapes and natural textures lend a handcrafted charm to exterior house stones. Fieldstone is often used in stone siding and stone veneer applications where a natural, organic look is desired.
This stone’s varied colors and weathered appearance provide a sense of authenticity and connection to the landscape, making it a popular choice for projects that aim to evoke a warm countryside feel.
9. Cobblestone
Cobblestone, with its rounded, time-worn appearance, brings a quaint and historic vibe to a home’s exterior. Traditionally used for paving and walkways, cobblestone has evolved as a design element in stone cladding and accent features.
Cobblestone’s unique, tactile surface adds depth and interest to exterior applications, while its inherent durability makes it a practical choice in areas exposed to harsh weather conditions. Its charm lies in its ability to convey both functionality and a story steeped in tradition.
10. Granite
Granite is one of the most celebrated types of stone for exterior use. Known for its exceptional strength and wide range of colors, it offers an unparalleled combination of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Whether used as a solid piece for stone cladding or as an accent in stone veneer installations, granite’s crystalline structure and natural luster provide a sophisticated finish that stands the test of time. Its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and harsh weather conditions makes it a dependable building material, as well.
Quartzite in the Magaliesberg of northern South Africa. Photo courtesy of Melissa Brown.
Types of Manufactured Stone Used for Exterior Walls
We couldn’t imagine parting with the artisanal charm natural stone offers, but some designers do choose to work with manufactured stone. These options mimic the look of stone but are made to meet specific performance and design criteria.
Concrete Stone Veneer
Concrete stone veneer is a lightweight solution that replicates the texture and color of natural stone. Engineered for easy installation and durability, it is often used as a substitute for traditional stone cladding. However, it does not possess the same natural variation found in sedimentary rock.
Cultured Stone
Cultured stone is a blend of cement, aggregates, and pigments designed to imitate the look of natural stone. This type of “stone” has a more consistent appearance and can be tailored to achieve a wide range of colors and textures.
Cast Stone
Cast stone is a highly engineered product that offers versatility in design. Produced by casting a mixture of cement, aggregates, and colorants, it can replicate intricate details of natural stone. Its uniformity makes it a popular option among those who desire a consistent, refined look.
Fieldstone wall in Wriezen-Haselberg, Brandenburg, Germany. Photo courtesy of Doris Antony.
Cobblestone street in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of Etienne Girardet.
Stone Panel Systems and Siding Options
Stone panel systems have changed the way exterior stone is applied to a home’s facade. While not all of these options (read: composite stone panels) have the same charm and heritage that unaltered stone does, they do offer versatility, ease of installation, and a sophisticated finish.
Natural Stone Panels
Natural stone panels consist of slabs of authentic stone that are pre-cut to precise dimensions. These panels allow for rapid installation and provide a seamless, high-end look when used as stone cladding.
Composite Stone Panels
Composite stone panels combine natural stone aggregates with resins or other binding agents. These panels offer improved durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions while maintaining the visual appeal of natural stone cladding.
Full Bed Stone
Full bed stone involves installing complete, unaltered pieces of stone directly onto a wall. This method emphasizes the natural beauty and texture of the stone, creating a striking, three-dimensional effect on the home’s exterior.
Thin Stone Veneer
Thin stone veneer is a lightweight alternative that offers the look of traditional stone siding without the added weight. Typically only a few centimeters thick, this option provides the look of natural stone cladding while being easier to install.
A closeup of granite stone. Photo courtesy of Brian Wangenheim.
What to Consider When Choosing Exterior Stone
Selecting the right type of stone for a home’s exterior involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and practicality.
Aesthetic Preferences
Whether you prefer the refined elegance of limestone or the modern allure of granite, your aesthetic preferences will guide your choice of building materials. Consider how the natural beauty of each type of stone complements your overall design vision and the property’s architectural style.
Climate and Weather Conditions
Composite stone panels combine natural stone aggregates with resins or other binding agents. These panels offer improved durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions while maintaining the visual appeal of natural stone cladding.
Maintenance Requirements
Each type of stone has its own set of maintenance needs. For example, porous stones like limestone and sandstone may require regular sealing to prevent water damage, while harder stones such as granite and slate typically demand less upkeep. Consider the long-term maintenance requirements and ensure that your choice aligns with your aesthetic goals and practical expectations.
Location of Installation
The area where the stone will be installed plays a critical role in your decision-making process. Whether it’s used on the front porch, around the patio, or on the entire home’s exterior, each location has unique demands. Factors such as exposure to sunlight, proximity to water, and the intended visual impact should all influence your choice of stone.
Stone home in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Photo courtesy of Lucija Ros.
Popular Trends in Exterior House Stone Design
As design trends continue to evolve, a few key themes have emerged in the world of exterior house stone. These trends offer fresh perspectives on how to incorporate natural materials into contemporary design.
Rustic & Traditional
Rustic and traditional styles continue to celebrate the organic beauty of natural stone cladding. Designers are increasingly drawn to the time-honored appeal of materials like cobblestone, fieldstone, and travertine, which evoke a sense of history and authenticity.
Modern & Minimalist
In contrast, modern and minimalist designs favor clean lines, uniform textures, and a restrained color palette. Materials such as slate and granite are often used to create a sophisticated, contemporary look.
Blending Stone with Other Materials
A growing trend in exterior design is integrating stone with other complementary materials. By blending natural stone with elements such as wood, metal, or even terracotta tiles, designers create dynamic facades that offer visual contrast and depth.
While OUTERclé remains devoted to the artisanal allure of outdoor brick, terracotta, cement, and ceramic tiles for our own exterior wall cladding, we celebrate the creativity and passion of those who choose to work with natural stone. As you explore your options, consider how your own aesthetic preferences, local climate, and maintenance needs may play together.
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Denali Stone
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Brickworks
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