Stone Siding and wall cladding adds a unique look to properties, not to mention a level of durability that has made them popular choices for centuries. Stone masonry has been one of the best means of making sure that the original look of a building lasts a long time.
With natural stone cladding, all of the benefits of some of the hardest materials in the world lend their strength and look. For a more cost-conscious, and lightweight choice, faux stone (otherwise known as “manufactured” or “architectural” stone) is becoming a worthy rival to the best in siding all over the world.
Natural stone wall cladding
Taken from some of the most durable and attractive materials in the world, stone siding is a building material that has been depended upon to ensure long-lasting strength. Granite stone cladding offers a number of benefits for large construction projects:
- Natural, earthy colors
- Extreme hardness and durability
- A choice in sizing
- Freeze and thaw resistance
- Will not buckle or fade
- Natural acoustical barrier
Natural stone offers a naturally varied range of patterns as well, lending something of a unique visual effect from project to project. And natural stone which is quarried and cut to specification is designed to last.
Faux stone siding
Faux stone or manufactured stone siding is an innovation in building materials which offers the look of stone with a more cost-efficient, easy installation. With faux stone, the looks of various varieties of stone, along with various stacking effects are yours. The color variation of this manufactured product makes it a natural choice when visual conformity is important. Also, faux stone is:
- Less expensive than natural stone
- Lightweight
- Very low maintenance
- Conveniently packaged
- Accompanied by a choice in accessories
- Offered with extensive warranties
Where does stone siding come from?
Stone cladding is quarried, cut from large blocks and further sized in the form of a specified dimension with a water jet and/or diamond saw. From here the stone cladding is separated by color and shipped. The surfaces of the cladding tend to vary in thickness, giving it the rough-hewn look for which is it popularly known. The back of the cladding is flat, to make sure that it is as easy to install as possible.
The natural patterns in each stone reflect how the stone itself was formed in the earth. This natural beauty, along with a natural level of durability which is hard to match in other materials, means an added value to the properties where it is installed.
Origins of faux stone
Faux stone is a great choice for large-scale construction projects, not only because it replicates natural stone for look and durability, but because it is mass-produced. This means that it is a more cost-conscious choice in stone siding, as well as being a more lightweight siding product.
Faux stone siding is made from Portland cement which has been formed in a mold, with colors being added for a more uniform appearance from stone to stone. Some faux stone is made into single stones, while other types are fashioned into stone panels to be attached in a unit.
Two approaches in stone siding
There are two main approaches to consider when ordering stone siding. You may choose to include grout lines – either the standard or “over-grouted” style. On the other hand, you might choose the “dry stacked” procedure which means laying the stones flush against each other with no grout lines at all.
Calculating total square footage
Figure out how much stone siding you’ll need by multiplying all of the dimensions of your exterior which is to be covered – length, width, height. Take away the total amount of empty space across windows, arches, doorframe, other. When you’ve determined how much surface you’ll need to cover, always order 5% more than you’ll need to account for any loss during transit.
Two units of measurement when ordering stone siding
When ordering stone siding, you will need to consider your requirement for flat surfaces, as well as outside corners, windows, and doorframes. When ordering flats, it will be by the square foot. Corners are measured in lineal feet. Contact a friendly rep at BuildDirect if you have any questions about the differences in these units.