How Much Does Stone Veneer Installation Cost in 2024?

Average Stone Veneer Siding Installation Cost

Stone Veneer Installation Cost Factors

The type of material you choose can far outweigh the labor cost to install stone veneer. Other cost factors include how much area you wish to cover, the quality of the product, and labor costs for more complex applications. 

House Size

The cost to reside a house depends on its size and if you want to add a stone veneer to the entire outside of your home, just the front, or only on accents like around bay windows. Material and labor costs both increase with more square footage. Partial installations are increasingly popular as more affordable options for homeowners. At the same time, larger projects may benefit from bulk discounts.

Materials

Real solid stone is the most expensive option at up to $30 per square foot. By comparison, faux stone panels and concrete-based cultured stone are considerably more affordable at around $5 per square foot. These prices are for materials alone and don’t include the labor cost to install stone veneer walls. Factor in 10% to 15% more for extra material as waste.

When calculating how much stone veneer siding costs, you must also include other materials. Traditional stone veneers usually require mortar, water-resistant barriers, rainscreens, wire laths, and scratch coats. Along with flashing, other miscellaneous supplies may include screws and nails. 

Quality 

High-quality stone costs more than low-quality stone veneer. The quality of the stone veneer is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for its longevity. Improper installation can be a safety hazard, so always hire a licensed professional.

Permits

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) offers governance on installing stone veneer on residential properties. Local and state regulatory bodies may also have specific building codes and other requirements. In some cases, you may need to budget for a permit before you can start working. Building permits cost $100 to $250, on average. Your contractor can typically apply for required permits on your behalf. 

Labor

Hauling stones and layering them into a pattern is time-consuming work. Siding installers in your area may charge $6 to $24 per square foot for stone veneer installation, depending on the material and the installation method. The labor cost to install stone veneer can increase by 25% to 35% for complex and multi-level layouts. Choosing lighter materials may reduce labor costs. 

Along with installation, you may also need to consider resurfacing or removing existing substrates, repair costs to address structural concerns, and the costs to add moisture barriers and waterproofing. Structural engineers cost an average of $550 to hire. Exterior sealant costs $2 to $10 per square foot. 

Stone Veneer Siding Cost by Stone Type

Along with the size of the project, the stone type has the greatest impact on the cost of installing stone veneer. Local stone masons can help with any questions you may have. Generally, natural stone is more expensive than artificial stone.

Granite

Granite costs $15 to $30 per square foot. The durable natural stone looks the most natural and is highly sustainable. It naturally resists stains and scratches. Granite prices vary depending on the quality, color, and surface type. 

Basalt 

Basalt stone veneer siding costs $7 to $11 per square foot. Each piece is uniquely shaped, which is a plus for some homeowners who want a one-of-a-kind siding on their home.

Limestone 

Limestone costs $20 to $28 per square foot. It's much lighter than granite and slate, which can drive installation and labor costs down significantly. Although limestone is more prone to stains and scratches, it comes in a greater variety of color options.

Slate 

Slate siding costs $4.50 to $10 per square foot, making it one of the most affordable options for natural stone veneers. Since it is waterproof and fire-resistant, slate is an excellent choice for homes in areas with high humidity or heavy rain. 

Sandstone

Sandstone siding costs $15 to $30 per square foot. Although attractive, it’s less durable than other rocks and more likely to chip, break, and deteriorate. Sandstone works best in hot, dry environments and should not be exposed to excessive moisture.

Faux Stone 

Faux stone veneer siding costs $6 to $19 per square foot. The extremely light alternative material option can be attached to an underlayment of drywall or timber. Most faux stone is molded from dense, mold-proof polyurethane. Installation is fast, and faux stone can insulate more effectively than natural stone but can crack in cold climates. 

Cultured Stone 

Cultured stone—also called manufactured stone—is a manmade variation of traditional materials. It’s less expensive, at an average of $5 to $8 per square foot. Cultured stone is made by pouring concrete into a mold, resulting in durable siding with easy maintenance requirements. It can be sold in flats or panels and lasts up to 75 years. 

Stone Veneer Installation Cost by Project Type

Your project may involve refacing, replacing, and removing old stone siding. When estimating the cost of stone veneer installation, remember to include the cost of these additional tasks. 

Cost to Reface Stone Siding 

Refacing your home with stone can give it a new look and raise its property value. Expect to spend between $9,800 and $18,000 to reface the front of a 250-square-foot home. If the front of the home is 500 square feet, double those costs to $19,600 to $36,000. Repairing damaged siding materials can cost $2 to $14 per square foot. 

Cost to Replace Stone Siding 

Stone siding can break down, chip, and crack from exposure to the elements, especially moisture and snow. Expect to pay an average of $42 per square foot to replace stone siding, or more if your home is in a remote area. Small patches in high-up or hard-to-reach places of your home might cost closer to $50 per square foot.

Cost to Remove Stone Siding 

Removing stone siding involves demolishing materials used to build the wall while leaving the underlayment and foundation intact. This time-consuming process costs $1 to $6 per square foot, depending on the material. Asbestos siding removal costs $7 to $10 per square foot. 

Stone Veneer Siding Replacement vs. Repair

Stone veneer typically lasts for decades. In general, siding repair costs less than replacement. If the damage is relatively minor and localized, professional contractors may be able to fix it for a fraction of the price of replacing it. If the stone veneer is over 50 years old or the damage is widespread and significant, it may be time to replace your home’s exterior. 

Does Installing Stone Veneer Siding Increase Home Value?

Installing stone veneer siding can provide one of the highest rates of return on home improvement projects. Some estimates place the ROI as high as 80%, which can be very attractive for homeowners who plan to sell their house in the next few years. Covering accent areas with a stone veneer can also greatly increase your home’s curb appeal to prospective buyers.

Budgeting for Stone Veneer Siding Installation

Stone veneer installation is costly, but you can keep your budget in check by following some of these money-saving tips:

• Use stone veneer siding to accent certain areas of your home rather than covering the entire facade of your house. A stone veneer foundation or stone accents around windows can be equally stunning.

• Consider using different materials like manufactured stone to achieve a similar look.

• Compare estimates from at least two or three contractors. Be wary of the cheapest bids, which may indicate low-quality work.

• Ask about a payment plan to spread your stone veneer installation cost over a period of time rather than paying the full amount upfront.

• Clean and maintain your stone veneer regularly to avoid costly repairs or replacement later on.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.