A question as old as time, what masonry cladding should I use, brick or stone? The answer is always a tough one and dependent on the project and the budget.
The Project
Brick
Aesthetics-brick can create beautiful looks and have various ways to show true artistry during the install with different methods such as herringbone, stack bond, and running bond.
There are also many different colours and finishes of brick that can be utilized on both modern and traditional exteriors. That being said, there are certain limitations to utilizing brick in compared to stone where stone offers more variety of shapes, textures, and colour patterns. Durability-Brick is extremely durable and can withstand any climate. It is a great product to use for longevity as there is also no maintenance required with it.
Stone
Aesthetics-Stone provides a natural timeless beauty and is always a highly sought after cladding material. It's known for it's luxurious feel and unique profiles and colours.
There are different application methods that can be used to get a different look such as running bond or a dry stacked feel but that can only be done with certain stones and certain installs.
Stone profiles can be tailored to more linear running modern feels or irregular highly profiled looks. The versatility with stone does give more options than brick but both will always be in style. Durability- Stone is very durable and, like brick, is probably the most durable exterior cladding option in the market.
The Budget
Brick
Product-Typically brick is a more cost-effective option but there are definitely higher priced, more specialty brick products that can rival the pricing of stone. There are also many types of brick that can be higher or lower priced depending on the finish.
There are clay bricks, concrete bricks, wire cut bricks, handmolded bricks that all serve into different price points but the overall sentiment is that a brick is a cost-effective option in the masonry world.
Install Brick is also a more cost-effective option on the install side as well because unless they are doing a custom install method as mentioned above, it's just placing the bricks without the thought of a pattern like stone would have.
Stone
Product-Stone can be at a variety of price points but it's generally known to be more costly than brick. Although, many different manufacturing methods can reduce the pricing of stone, such as being a manufactured product vs a natural stone. Manufactured stones will be more cost-effective while natural stone will all be a premium, luxurious choice. I will always say though, you get what you pay for.
Install-Stone will always be a more costly install because of the patterns and thought process that has to go into each install. Stones are also heavier and more laborious so the install will be pricier.
All in all, both products serve as great options for any exterior due to the durability and low maintenance for either product. With multiple claddings being used on most houses nowadays, choosing a mixture of both is always my favourite. It really breaks up the houses exterior, as too much of any cladding can sometimes be overwhelming. Check out the rest of StoneRox.com as we have plenty of options and are always happy to help with any questions or concerns.
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