Stone siding requires a hefty upfront investment among homeowners, especially if they plan on using a real solid stone, which costs $42 per square foot.
On average, you should expect to spend from $35 and $50 per square foot for installing stone siding on your home’s exterior. While the price of materials mostly determines the actual price, the cost of labor in your area also affects the overall cost.
If you live in Missouri, some masonry contractors in Kansas City could charge around $19 per hour for labor fees. Don’t hire the cheapest contractor since it is likely that they would cut corners on the quality of their work, which could lead to noticeable mistakes and eventually lead you to hire another contractor to redo the project.
Faux vs. Real Stone: Which is Better?
Despite being expensive, natural stone has several variants that are cheaper than the average price. These types include basalt, granite, and limestone. You should pick basalt if you have a limited budget, as it costs from $7 per square foot to $11 per square foot, while granite and limestone are the more expensive ones at $15 per square foot to $30 per square foot.
Unlike stone siding, most suppliers sell faux stone per sheet and the price ranges between $6 and $10. This is obviously the better choice than natural stone because of the lower price, but take note that you need to install a drywall or timber underlayment before applying faux stone. It’s not as durable as real stone siding, aside from having a limited lifespan of up to 25 years.
On the other hand, natural stone also lasts for a lifetime if well-maintained and installed properly. This material won’t be suitable if you live in a place with extreme winter weather, as natural stone can’t retain heat, unlike faux stone.
Partial or Full Installation
Once you decide on the type of stone material, it’s better to install the siding to your home’s façade when planning a renovation. It’s a cost-efficient way to improve your property’s curb appeal, which will be beneficial for those who want to attract buyers. However, you need to reinforce the foundation on the front side of your house before placing the siding.
The extra weight of stone sidings may cause your home’s foundation to sink without the added support. You should underpin at least the part where you plan to install the sidings, but it may be better to do a complete underpinning for safety reasons. If you decide to install the sidings on the entire exterior, it may cost $24,000 for a 1,000-square-foot house inclusive of labor fees.
Natural stone may last for a lifetime, but it doesn’t mean that it’s resistant to wear and tear. It can be difficult and expensive to repair or replace damaged sidings. You would need to hire a mason for maintenance work, or when you need to remove a certain section. Choose an insured and licensed professional to guarantee the quality of workmanship.
