Selecting the right exterior stone to enhance the outlook of your house can take it from being just ordinary to stunning. Apart from improving the look of your home, stone gives your home a very strong and natural look that cannot be compared to any other material. Although numerous options are available in the market for selecting a stone for exterior of house, making the decision could be daunting. Worry not; this guide will provide you with all the important information you need to consider to make a competitive decision.
Understanding Your Options: Stone for Exterior of House Types
Before diving into specifics, let's explore the five main categories of stone for the exterior of a house:
- Limestone: This is one of the most preferred options; it has a traditional and minimalistic appearance and is available in various shades, from pale beige to creamy to even dark grey-like colour. Limestone is a very strong material known to withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Granite: In the truest sense of the word, Granite is the strength and capability of the enduring force. It is available in various colours, including greyish, brown, and shades of red. This stone for the house's exterior also has the best scratch resistance, which means this kind of stone can best suit the most frequently used home areas.
- Sandstone: In terms of the look and feel of a home, sandstone is more coarse and may be suitable for those who like that kind of finish. Due to its irregular colour pattern and the coarse, grainy surface, it gives a comfortable, warmer feeling. However, sandstone can be stained easily and needs to be maintained more than the other types of stones.
- Slate: Slate gives a modern and classy feel. This outside stone for houses encompasses many greys, blacks, and greens. Slate performs very well in regions with high moisture mainly because of its water absorption rate.
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Manufactured Stone: In the case of exploring an affordable solution? Manufactured stone gives the natural appearance of natural stone with a difference in cost that is relatively less than that of natural stone. This house stone exterior option is also light in weight, rather easy to fit and can come in probably the most extensive range of colours and surface finishes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Stone for the Exterior of House
Now that you're familiar with the main types let's delve into the crucial aspects to consider when selecting stone for your project:
- Style of Your House: The stone to be used should reflect the house's architectural structure. For instance, limestone will give a distinguished colonial house an appealing traditional look, while slate will give a modern house sleek lines.
- Climate: The stone used on the house's exterior should be chosen based on the local climate. Limestone and granite are two of the best stones for most climate areas because they are hard-wearing. Sandstone could be slightly less suitable for regions with high humidity or extremely cold climates.
- Maintenance: Further, sandstone, being a natural stone, has higher maintenance than granite or manufactured stones. For those of you who have no time for maintenance or cleaning, there are better types of stone or manufactured stone.
- Colour: The colour used when selecting the stone will highly influence the general outlook of a house exterior. When choosing a stone colour, it’s wise to consider a colour that blends with the current roof, siding, and trim. When painting the trim, use colours that harmonize or contrast the walls without causing a clash.
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Budget: Manufactured stones cost less than natural stones because they are not as authentic as they are. Nevertheless, cutting through natural stone may provide you with a timeless and increased resale value of your house.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Stone Color
Selecting a colour stone may be a rather challenging decision. Here are some expert tips to guide you:
- Consider the Color of Your House: If your house is painted neutral, like white or beige, you have more freedom in selecting stone. It can be pretty daring to go for a dark charcoal or provide a warm accent with a golden brown.
- Look at Inspiration Photos: Search through images on the internet and magazines that depict the external appearance of houses with stones. Focus on the colours you want to comprise in your room and those that harmonize with your home.
- Get Samples and See Them "In Situ": Avoid using small swatches exclusively. Buy big pieces of stone colour on consideration and then compare them with the exterior of your house during the morning, afternoon, and evening to appreciate the variance in colour.
- Think Long-Term: Whereas it might sometimes be fashionable to select certain colours, this is a good place to choose a stone colour that is more enduring and timeless. A neutral colour palette will help keep your house looking visually appealing regardless of the seasons.
- Consult a Professional: It is always advisable to consult an experienced designer or contractor who will advise on the ideal stone colour for the project.
Painting Stone for Exterior of House
As much as we can appreciate the elegance that comes with natural stones, they might not always be pocket-friendly or of the right colours. That is where paint stone can play its part. Painting stone for the house's exterior enables you to change the existing stonework's appearance or even make a surface look like stone, even if made of a different material.
Things to Consider Before Painting Stone for Exterior of House
- Suitability of the Stone: There are various types of stone but not all can be painted. Porous stones, such as limestone, can absorb the paint because of their open pores. Some non-porous surfaces, like granite stone, might need a special priming layer to allow the paint to stick easily.
- Surface Preparation: To get the best results, the stone's surface must be properly washed to remove dry dirt, grease, and mildew. It is advisable to power wash exterior stone since it is on the outside and exposed to dust and other particles.
- Choosing the Right Paint: Most importantly, it is recommended that you use high-quality exterior paint for masonry walls and surfaces. These paints are designed to endure adverse weather conditions and do not fade, crack or peel.
- Multiple Coats: Paint is so important you should not compromise on that. It is recommended that several thin coats be applied to achieve an even finish distribution and a longer application duration.
The Benefits of Painting Stone for the Exterior of a House
- Cost-Effective: Painting stone for the house's exterior is a far cheaper prospect than having to replace some of the stones on your building or putting up new stones in the first place.
- Colour Versatility: Paint, in a way, provides an extensive field of specialization in terms of colour variations. You can opt for a neutral colour for a traditional appearance of your home or paint it in a colour that would improve its visual appeal.
- Updates Your Exterior: Painting the house's exteriors can make a significant difference as it improves its appearance. It is one of the best ways to revamp an old-looking exterior or just give the general appearance a new look.
Conclusion
Once you've chosen your perfect stone for the exterior of the house, consider these finishing touches:
- Lighting: Outside lighting can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your stonework during the night and highlight natural features.
- Landscaping: Other hardscapes, such as plants, flowers, and pathways, should also complete the exterior plan to create a visually appealing appearance of the stone exterior.
- Door and Hardware: There are plenty of options for door styles and hardware and choosing the right one will enhance your stonework and put a small and personal touch on your door.
Following these expert tips, you can choose the type of stone for the external house's appearance. Stone is not just an acquisition; it is one of the greatest additions that will enhance your home's beauty, value and aesthetic nature in the coming years. So consider your time and options, and design a beautiful external façade that fits your personality.
