What changes an ordinary house into a head-turning home?

The answer often lies in the exterior stone you choose. Stone facades boost curb appeal, increase property value, and last for decades.

But with so many types of exterior house stone available, how do you pick the right one?

From classic limestone to modern basalt, each stone offers unique benefits. This guide covers popular types of exterior house stone options.

You’ll learn about durability, maintenance, costs, and design tips. We’ll help you match stone types to your architectural style, climate, and budget.

Let’s see how the right stone for the exterior of the house can uplift your property.

Why Use Stone for Exterior Walls?

Stone has been a building material for centuries. It offers benefits that few other materials can match.

Durability stands out as the top advantage. It resists rot, pests, and fire. The visual impact matters too. Stone adds character and depth to any home.

Property value increases with stone exteriors. Homes with stone facades sell faster and at higher prices. You have two main options: natural stone and manufactured stone.

Natural stone comes directly from quarries. It includes granite, limestone, and slate. Manufactured stone is made from cement and aggregates. It mimics natural stone at a lower cost.

Both types work well for home exteriors. Natural stone offers authenticity and long-term value. Manufactured stone provides flexibility and easier installation.

15 Types of Exterior House Stone

Choosing the right stone affects both the look and durability of a home’s exterior. Each type offers unique textures, colors, and performance suited to different styles and climates.

Here are various exterior stone options to make your house look beautiful and classy.

1. Granite

Granite ranks among the hardest natural stones. It comes in grey, black, pink, and brown tones.

• Appearance: Speckled pattern with visible mineral crystals. Surface can be smooth or left rough.
• Durability: Extremely strong. Resists scratches and weather damage. Lasts 100+ years with minimal wear.
• Best Uses: Full facades, entrance pillars, accent walls, and foundation cladding.

2. Limestone

Limestone offers soft, earthy colors. It’s a sedimentary rock that forms from ancient marine life.

• Appearance: Cream, beige, or light grey. Smooth to slightly textured surface. May contain small fossils.
• Durability: Medium strength. Can weather over time in harsh climates. Not ideal for areas with acid rain.
• Best Uses: Traditional homes, garden walls, window surrounds, entryways.

3. Sandstone

Sandstone brings warmth and texture. It forms from compressed sand grains over millions of years.

• Appearance: Red, yellow, brown, or grey. Grainy texture visible up close. Natural layering patterns.
• Durability: Medium to low in freeze-thaw areas. Holds up well in dry, warm climates. It may erode gradually.
• Best Uses: Accent walls, chimney surrounds, rustic facades, southwestern homes.

4. Slate

Slate splits into thin, flat layers. It’s formed from compressed clay and volcanic ash.

• Appearance: Dark grey, black, or purple-grey. Smooth surface with natural cleft texture. Thin, stacked appearance.
• Durability: Very strong. Resists water, fire, and temperature changes. It can last over 75 years.
• Best Uses: Base walls, roof accents, vertical siding, modern facades.

5. Marble

Marble adds instant luxury. This metamorphic rock features distinctive veining patterns

• Appearance: White, black, green, or pink with colored veins. High gloss when polished. Beautiful look.
• Durability: Medium strength. Can stain and etch from acids. Not suitable for all climates.
• Best Uses: Small accent walls, entrance features, decorative panels. Avoid large exterior applications.

6. Quartzite

Quartzite is harder than granite. It forms when sandstone is heated and compressed.

• Appearance: White, grey, or pink with sparkle from quartz crystals. Clean, bright look.
• Durability: Extremely hard. Resists scratches and weather. Minimal maintenance needed.
• Best Uses: Feature walls, modern facades, high-traffic areas, and outdoor fireplaces.

7. Travertine

Travertine forms near hot springs. It has natural holes and cavities.

• Appearance: Cream, tan, or light brown. Pitted surface with organic holes. Warm, inviting look.
• Durability: Medium strength. Porous nature makes it prone to staining. Needs protection in wet areas.
• Best Uses: Patios, accent walls, Mediterranean homes, column bases.

8. Manufactured Stone / Stone Veneer

Manufactured stone mimics natural stone. It’s made from Portland cement, aggregates, and iron oxide pigments.

• Appearance: Replicates limestone, fieldstone, or river rock. Available in many colors and textures.
• Durability: Medium to good. Quality varies by manufacturer. It can last 30-50 years.
• Best Uses: Accent walls, full facades, fireplace surrounds, garden walls.

9. Fieldstone

Fieldstone is gathered from fields and riverbeds. Each piece has a unique shape.

• Appearance: Brown, grey, tan in irregular sizes. Rough, natural texture. No two stones match.
• Durability: Very strong. Weathered naturally over centuries. Resists most climate conditions.
• Best Uses: Rustic homes, cottage facades, garden walls, chimneys.

10. Basalt

Basalt is a volcanic rock. It’s dense, dark, and extremely hard.

• Appearance: Black, dark grey, or charcoal. Fine-grained, smooth surface. Modern, sleek look.
• Durability: Very high. Resists weathering, fire, and impact. One of the strongest stones.
• Best Uses: Modern homes, feature walls, outdoor kitchens, water features.

11. Bluestone

Bluestone is a type of sandstone. It gets its name from its blue-grey color.

• Appearance: Blue-grey, grey-green, or brown-grey. Smooth or textured finish available.
• Durability: High strength. Resists cracking and fading. Works in most climates.
• Best Uses: Patios, walkways, wall caps, and contemporary facades.

12. River Rock / Cobblestone

River rocks are naturally rounded by water. Cobblestones are similar but more uniform.

• Appearance: Grey, brown, black in smooth, rounded shapes. Varied sizes create organic patterns.
• Durability: High. Pre-weathered by nature. Handles moisture and temperature changes well.
• Best Uses: Cottage homes, garden walls, chimney bases, rustic facades.

13. Gneiss

Gneiss is a high-grade metamorphic rock with naturally banded layers formed under heat and pressure.

• Appearance: Gray, white, pink, or black with distinctive striped or layered textures.
• Durability: Very high. Resistant to weathering, erosion, and temperature fluctuations.
• Best Uses: Exterior walls, building facades, flooring, landscaping, decorative stone features.

14. Ledge Stone

Ledge stone is naturally layered or split, giving a rough, rustic appearance.

• Appearance: Gray, brown, tan, or rust in thin, flat slabs with textured surfaces.
• Durability: High. Flat edges make it stable for stacking; it withstands outdoor conditions well.
• Best Uses: Wall cladding, fireplace facings, retaining walls, garden landscaping, and accent walls.

15. StackStones

Stack stones are thin, flat stones arranged in stacked patterns, often without visible mortar.

• Appearance: Gray, beige, or earthy tones in long, narrow rectangular pieces.
• Durability: High. Weather-resistant and stable when dry-stacked or mortared.
• Best Uses: Decorative walls, fences, outdoor fireplaces, feature walls, and garden borders.

Each stone type brings its own blend of beauty, texture, and performance; so choose the one that reflects your style and stands the test of time.

Conclusion

Selecting the right types of exterior house stone improves both beauty and durability. You prefer natural granite or budget-friendly manufactured stone veneer; each option serves different needs.

Consider your home’s architectural style, local climate, and maintenance preferences before making a decision.

Remember that stone placement matters as much as stone type; strategic accent walls often create more impact than full facades.

Match your exterior stone facade to roofing, trim, and landscaping for a clean look. Start by requesting samples from local suppliers. Test them against your home’s existing colors.

Ready to add lasting value to your property? Choose your perfect natural stone for home exteriors and watch your curb appeal soar.