Seattle Stone Siding: Leaving no Stone Unturned

Exterior cladding comes in a bunch of forms: vinyl, metal, fiber-cement, and cedar. Some materials are described as more high-end than others, but in terms of performance, looks, and costs, no siding material is as luxurious as stone. It doesn't matter where in the greater Seattle area you live, stone siding will handle anything Mother Nature has to offer, and look great doing it. If you're ready to make a financial investment in your home, this is the last siding you should ever need to buy, and will make a difference when it comes time to sell your home.

Stone and Simulated Stone Siding in Seattle, WA
It's not uncommon for a homeowner to be attracted to the idea of stone siding only to realize the project is cost prohibitive. As recent history has shown, manufacturers tend to rush to fill the void with a less expensive alternative. So it is with stone siding. Simulated stone siding, also known as stucco stone, manufactured stone, and faux stone, uses cement, natural aggregates, and mineral oxides to create a nearly seamless imitation of the real thing. While the expertise of true stone siding lies primarily in the installation, the biggest factor for simulated stone is getting the mixture just right. Poor mixing can result in soft, easily crumpled simulated stone or poor cement adhesion. Don't get the wrong idea, though, as a proper mixture should yield a siding installation that, like true stone siding, will last for the duration of your home.

Seattle Stone Siding Installation and Maintenance
Another advantage of simulated stone is that its light weight makes it considerably easier to work with, resulting in reduced labor costs and quicker installation times. While simulated stone siding isn't quite as strong as true stone siding, and thus more susceptible to structural impact, stone siding will probably need, after many, many years, mortar maintenance or repair, known as tuck-pointing. On the positive side, worrying about pests, rain, sun, and wind will be completely eliminated.

Cost of Seattle Stone Siding
So, exactly how much more expensive is stone siding? Try twice as expensive. The average stone siding installation in Seattle runs about $12,000, compared to $6,000 for most other siding materials. A smaller home may be able to get away with less than $10,000, but your project can also go the other way and approach the $20,000 mark. Another factor to consider is that, unlike other siding materials, corners create extra complications that can increase the cost and installation time. Be sure that your Seattle contractor has taken note of this fact before trusting any estimates.

Simulated stone siding tends to be significantly cheaper than stone siding, but still more expensive than other siding materials. If you've already received an estimate for a true stone siding installation, conventional wisdom suggests that simulated stone will run about 25 to 35 percent less.

Seattle Masonry Contractors
Not only is stone siding not a DIY project, but true stone siding must be installed by a highly skilled masonry contractor. Simulated stone siding can probably be installed by a general contractor, although you'll still want to look for someone who has specific experience working with this material. Though stone siding is not the most popular form of siding in Seattle, you should have little trouble finding a Seattle masonry contractor. The large numbers of stone retaining walls make Seattle an attractive area for masons.

Regardless of whether you choose true stone siding or simulated stone, ServiceMagic can help you find multiple, reliable contractors based in the Emerald City. Each and every contractor in our database is put through a rigorous 10-step screening process. Our online customer ratings and reviews section will allow you to conveniently access recent feedback from other Seattle homeowners. Plus, you'll begin hearing from contractors as soon as you submit your request.

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