The Brick vs Stone Guide: Siding Costs & Maintenance
- srcustommasonry
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Brick and stone are two of the most classic siding options for homes. But when deciding between brick vs stone, which should you pick? Both materials can last for decades with little maintenance, but brick tends to be more affordable, while stone offers unmatched longevity. Ultimately, the choice depends on factors like your aesthetic preferences and budget.
In our guide, we’ll compare brick and stone to help you decide which siding material is right for your home.
Brick vs Stone
Traditional bricks are made from clay or shale, sand, and water. The materials are mixed into a paste and shaped into bricks using molds or extrusion. Once dried, they’re fired in a kiln at high temperatures to harden them. The result is uniform bricks that will last for a long time. Brick is fire-resistant and has decent thermal performance that helps regulate indoor temperatures.
Stone, on the other hand, is quarried from the earth and cut into various shapes and sizes. Popular types of natural stone include granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, and fieldstone. These stones are cut or shaped into thin veneers or full-thickness blocks for siding. Natural stone is even more durable than brick and virtually maintenance-free, but installation tends to cost more.
Brick vs Stone Cost
If you’re deciding between brick vs stone, you know you’re going to be spending more than you would on other siding materials. Both are typically more expensive compared to stucco, vinyl, and other siding options.
Brick typically costs somewhere between $12.50 to $25 per square foot for materials and installation. Stone, on the other hand, usually costs even more, ranging between $25 to $45 per square foot. You can expect to pay between $25,000 to $55,000 for brick siding and $27,000 to $80,000 for stone on a 2,000 square foot home. Factors like the size of your home, your location, and the type of brick or stone you choose will affect the overall price. If your home needs any structural reinforcement to handle the weight of the brick or stone, that will add to the cost.
Brick vs Stone Maintenance
Both brick and stone are considered low-maintenance materials. They can last for decades without much upkeep. Brick siding is resistant to fire, rot, and pests like termites. It doesn’t need to be painted or sealed. However, the mortar joints between bricks can degrade over time. You may need to repoint (replace the deteriorated mortar) every couple of decades, especially if you live somewhere with a significant freeze-thaw cycle.
Natural stone siding usually lasts even longer than brick. Because it’s not held together with as many joints and doesn’t absorb water the way mortar does, natural stone usually doesn't need sealing, painting, or much cleaning. That said, its weight can lead to issues if it’s not properly supported.
Pros and Cons of Brick
Pros of brick siding:
Durability: Brick is very durable and can last for over 100 years without maintenance. It’s resistant to fire, wind, and pests like termites.
Low maintenance: Brick doesn’t require much maintenance. No need to paint or stain. However, you may need to repoint every couple of decades.
Energy efficient: The thermal mass of brick helps to regulate indoor temperatures, which can lower your heating and cooling costs over time.
Classic: Brick is always in style, providing a high-end, timeless aesthetic.
Increased home value: Because brick is seen as a premium material, it often boosts your home’s resale value and curb appeal.
Sound insulation: Brick walls naturally block outside noise better than any other siding materials.
Cons of brick siding:
High upfront cost: Brick is one of the most expensive siding options, both for materials and installation. It’s labor-intensive to install, especially if structural brick is used.
Limited color options: Color choices for brick are more restricted compared to vinyl or fiber cement, and changing the color with painting or staining can be difficult and expensive.
Prone to cracking: Although brick is durable, it can crack if your foundation shifts or there is seismic activity. Cracks require professional repair.
Moisture absorption: Although brick itself is water-resistant, mortar joints can absorb water over time. Brick walls need proper drainage and flashing so that water can escape.
Heavy: Brick is heavy, adding a lot of weight to your home’s structure. You may need structural reinforcement, especially if you’re remodeling your home.
Pros and Cons of Stone
Pros of stone siding:
Durability: Natural stone is one of the most durable materials available. It’s resistant to fire, wind, rot, pests, and extreme weather and can last the lifetime of the structure.
Luxurious: Natural stone offers a high-end appearance that adds significant curb appeal. Because each stone is unique, your home will have a one-of-a-kind look.
Energy efficient: Like brick, stone offers good thermal mass and helps keep indoor temperatures stable.
Increased home value: Stone siding can significantly boost resale value. It’s often seen as a premium upgrade, which means buyers are more likely to put in a higher offer.
Great sound insulation: Stone is a dense material that helps block outside noises.
Cons of stone siding:
High upfront cost: Natural stone is one of the most expensive siding options.
Labor-intensive installation: Installation of natural stone requires skilled labor and longer installation times. Mistakes during installation can lead to moisture problems or structural damage.
Heavy: Like brick, stone is a heavy material. Your home may need structural reinforcement before it can support the weight of the stone.
Cracking: Although stone siding is very durable, it can crack if the foundation settles or there’s an earthquake. Cracks can be difficult and expensive to repair.
Alternatives to Consider
While brick and stone are extremely durable siding materials, they’re also the most expensive. Luckily, there are several other materials to consider.
Stucco: Stucco is a popular style of siding, especially in the West. Made from cement-based plaster, stucco is applied over a wire mesh or foam board. It’s durable and energy-efficient, working well in dry, warm climates. Plus, stucco can be customized to a wide variety of colors and textures and can be used in combination with other siding materials. Expect to pay between $6.50 to $12.50 per square foot.
Metal: Metal siding is another durable siding material to consider. Made from panels of steel or aluminum, metal siding is attached to studs with nails or screws. With its easier installation, metal siding typically costs between $5.50 to $11 per square foot.
Faux Brick/Faux Stone: If you want the look of brick or stone without the cost, faux brick and faux stone are affordable options. These products are often made from a polyurethane foam, PVC, or fiber-reinforced cement, and are molded and colored to look almost exactly like real masonry. They come in lightweight panels that are easy to install, often with simple adhesives or screws. Expect to pay around $12 per square foot for faux brick or stone.
Things to Consider
Before deciding between brick vs stone, it’s important to consider aesthetics, function, and cost. The right siding protects your home from the elements while also enhancing its curb appeal. Here are some things to think about before making the final decision:
Aesthetics: Brick offers a clean, uniform appearance, while stone provides a more rustic, natural look. Which one complements the style of your home and your neighborhood best?
Budget: Can you afford the upfront cost? Brick is usually more affordable than natural stone, but stone will deliver a better return-on-investment in the long run.
Structure: Both brick and stone siding are heavy and need to be properly installed. Does your home need structural reinforcement before installation?
Size of project: Are you looking to add brick or stone siding to your whole house or just an accent wall? The total size will affect the cost.
Brick vs Stone Conclusion
Both brick and stone are timeless options that will boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value, but which one is right for you? When choosing between brick vs stone, you’ll want to consider the size of your project, the overall aesthetic you’re going for, your overall budget, among other factors.
Whether you choose brick or stone, S&R Custom Masonry can handle all your brick, stone, and block needs. We serve customers along the Wasatch Front, taking pride in creating beautiful custom masonry that will last for decades to come. Contact us today for an estimate!
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