The average cost to install stone veneer siding is $16,000
Stone veneer installation costs between $13,000 and $22,000 overall, or $13 to $22 per square foot.
Major cost factors include the size of your home, the type of stone used, and labor costs. You may also need to obtain permits and remove existing siding.
Prices range from $11 to $18 per square foot for materials, with an additional $2 to $4 per square foot for labor.
Installing stone veneer can boost your home's value and enhance its curb appeal.
Hiring a professional siding contractor is best to handle the labor-intensive installation safely and efficiently.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Expect to pay $13 to $22 per square foot to install stone veneer. The average cost to cover an entire exterior ranges from $13,000 to $22,000, with many homeowners landing at $16,000.
Stone veneer installation costs vary widely depending on the type of stone used, such as natural stone like granite and manufactured stone. Real solid stone is the most expensive and the heaviest, so you may need to raise your home’s foundation to support it. Hiring a professional siding contractor ensures proper installation, prevents moisture issues, and delivers a polished look that enhances curb appeal.
The type of material you choose can significantly outweigh the labor cost of installing 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.
Your total cost to install stone veneer rises as the square footage climbs. Whether you wrap the whole exterior, highlight only the front, or add accents around windows, every extra foot raises both material and labor costs. Many homeowners save by choosing accent areas, while large, full-house projects can sometimes secure bulk-pricing breaks.
Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
1,000 | $13,000–$22,000 |
2,000 | $26,000–$44,000 |
3,000 | $39,000–$66,000 |
Solid natural stone can cost as much as $50 per square foot, while faux stone panels and concrete-based cultured stone start at $6 per square foot. Those numbers cover materials only—you’ll still add labor. Order approximately 10% to 15% extra to account for cuts and waste.
When calculating the cost of stone veneer siding, it’s also necessary to factor in 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.
Higher-grade veneer costs more upfront but pays off in durability and curb appeal. Skip bargain pieces that chip or fade early, and hire a licensed siding pro—poor installation can lead to water leaks and safety issues.
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 $1,650, on average. Your siding contractor can often apply for required permits on your behalf.
Local stone veneer installation professionals charge approximately $2 to $4 per square foot to haul the stone, set the pattern, and secure each piece in place. 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 associated with adding moisture barriers and waterproofing.
Removing existing stone involves demolishing the veneer while protecting the underlying materials, including the underlayment and foundation. Since this is a slow and careful process, expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,500.
Stone veneer can last for decades, so fixing minor, localized problems costs far less than a complete replacement. When cracks or loose stones are confined to one area, a professional can often repair them for a fraction of the total redo cost. However, if the damage is extensive or caused by underlying structural issues, a complete replacement may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Stone veneer provides a polished finish to your home, helping to attract potential buyers and increase property value. Stone veneer delivers an impressive return on investment (ROI), often exceeding 80%. If you plan to sell in the next few years, the payoff and curb-appeal boost can make the upgrade worth every dollar, even when you use veneer only on key accent areas.
Stone veneer isn’t the most affordable siding option, but these strategies can help you keep costs down:
Use stone veneer siding to accentuate specific areas of your home, rather than covering the entire facade of your house.
Consider using different materials, such as manufactured stone, to achieve a similar appearance.
Compare estimates from at least two or three siding contractors. Be cautious of the lowest bids, as they may indicate subpar work.
Consider a payment plan to spread the cost of your stone veneer installation over a specified period, rather than paying the full amount upfront.
Clean and maintain your stone veneer regularly to avoid costly repairs or replacement later on.
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.
Installing stone veneer is not easy. Even faux or cultured veneer is heavy, and you’ll need extra hands—and the right tools—to set each piece safely. A misstep can crack the veneer, lead to water issues, or cause injury. For most homeowners, hiring an experienced professional is the quickest and safest way to achieve a polished result.
When installed correctly, cleaned, and sealed as needed, stone veneer can last 25 to 75 years. Precision matters, as sloppy installation allows water to work behind the panels and shortens their lifespan. Keep joints sealed and rinse off dirt a few times a year, and you should see decades of trouble‑free performance.
You can wrap the entire house in veneer, but keep in mind that every added square foot increases the total price by raising both material and labor costs. Many homeowners keep their costs down by using veneer as an accent around entries, foundations, or bump‑outs, which still provides the same upscale look.
Stone veneer can be applied over brick, stucco, or other stable surfaces, as long as the base is clean, dry, and free of loose material. To ensure a secure installation, you’ll need to patch flaking stucco, remove crumbling mortar, and let everything dry before the siding pro attaches the new panels.
Stone veneer costs run about one‑quarter the price of full‑thickness natural stone because it’s made from concrete and lightweight aggregates. With stone veneer, you still get the look of real stone, but with a thinner profile that is easier to ship, installs faster, and saves you money on material costs.