Stone cladding: pros and cons, types, costs and more

Natural stones have been used as a cladding material for literally thousands of years, revered for their extreme durability, long lifespan, unique colour tones and more. However, there are many excellent types of cladding on the market in New Zealand so you want to be sure it's the best choice for you before making that final decision.

There are many benefits to choosing natural stone cladding for your home that range from functional and practical to aesthetic and stylistic.

1. Natural appearance

Nothing quite comes close to the look and appearance of natural stone cladding. Its raw texture, dense weight and timelessness instantly enhance a home's kerb appeal.

2. Durability and strength

Stone is a strong, robust and durable material — qualities that make it ideal as cladding, a structural substrate, a feature wall or otherwise. It'll have no problems withstanding New Zealand's weather conditions including harsh rain, wind and UV exposure.

3. Low maintenance and upkeep

For those after a low-maintenance choice, stone cladding makes an ideal solution. Properly installed by experienced stonemasons or builders, it will require minimal maintenance saving you time, money and effort.

4. Insulation

Stone provides thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day which will slowly be released in cooler periods during the evenings. This can help regulate indoor temperatures leading to better energy efficiency in buildings.

5. Increase in property value

Natural stone cladding, while increasing in popularity, is still a fairly rare find in New Zealand which means its presence adds a unique point of difference for a home. This can increase the resale value of a property, leading to a potentially strong return on investment.