How Much Does It Cost to Install Stone Veneer Siding? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $13,000 - $22,000

Stone veneer installation costs from $13,000 to $22,000, with the average homeowner spending $16,000 for labor and materials. DIYing this work is tough but can significantly lower costs.

How we get this data
Family home with stone veneer
Photo: Javani LLC / Adobe Stock
Justine Harrington
Contributing Writer
Updated December 18, 2023
Family home with stone veneer
Photo: Javani LLC / Adobe Stock

Stone veneer siding can add character, charm, and beauty to your home's exterior—and costs less than stone siding. This material offers incredible durability and is heavier than other sidings but doesn’t put as much strain on your home’s foundation as natural stone siding.

See the price range for stone veneer installation:
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$13,000 - $22,000
  • Average
  • $16,000
  • Low end
  • $2,500
  • high end
  • $90,000
LOWHIGH

How Much Does Stone Veneer Installation Cost per Square Foot?

Stone veneer siding costs $11 to $18 per square foot on average and usually comes in sheets. Mortarless stone veneer, which is easier to install, is typically less expensive—around $6 to $10 per square foot. Installation labor costs around $2 to $4 per square foot on top of materials, for a total cost of around $13 to $22 per square foot.

Size Per Square FootAverage Cost
1,000$13,000–$22,000
2,000$26,000–$44,000
3,000$39,000–$66,000

Cost Factors When Installing Stone Veneer Siding

Close up of mosaic stone veneer on a home
Photo: Tamas / Adobe Stock

The main factors that impact stone veneer siding prices are the square footage and labor costs, but the style of siding you choose can also play a factor.

Stone Veneer Style

Some stone veneer siding has a more luxurious appearance and is more expensive, while other styles are most affordable. Bulk pallets are less expensive than smaller panels, and the more natural or unique the stone looks, the more expensive the veneer tends to be. 

For comparison, stone siding costs $42 per square foot on average for materials alone. Stone siding comes in many forms, including basalt, granite, slate, and limestone. Solid materials like these are expensive because they’re more durable and resilient than others. 

On the other end of the spectrum, faux stone is relatively inexpensive at $6 to $9 per square foot. It’s extremely light (and artificial-looking), and can be attached with regular mortar and materials. Another option is manufactured stone, which is a human-made variation of traditional materials. It’s also inexpensive, at $5 to $8 per square foot.

MaterialAverage Cost Per Square Foot
Stone veneer$11–$18
Mortarless stone veneer$6–$10
Stone siding$35–$50
Faux stone$6–$9
Manufactured stone$5–$8

Labor

The cost of a contractor averages $2 to $4 per square foot but depends on the size and complexity of your home and the cost of labor in your region. Get quotes from a few different siding installers before deciding which contractor is best for your project.

Square Footage of Exterior

The more square feet you have on the exterior of your home, the more expensive it will be due to more materials and more labor costs. You may also opt to only partially cover your house, such as only the front-facing exterior. 

Underlayment

You may be able to replace your existing siding (like brick or vinyl) with stone, but you’ll need to first consider whether the existing underlayment and drywall can support the weight of the stone. Also, if your home has many peaks or tricky areas to place siding, you’ll need to budget in some extra time and labor to install it.

You may need new underlayment to support the stone veneer siding before installation. For 1,000 square feet, the cost will be around $440 to $520.

Removal and Disposal

If you need to remove siding from your home, such as vinyl or wood siding, you’ll need to budget $1,000 to $2,500 for deconstruction, depending on the size of your home.

Moisture Barrier

To prevent water vapor from seeping under your wall and damaging the foundation, you’ll need a moisture barrier. It usually costs $2 to $4 per square foot. Some siding contractors may include this in the total cost for your project, but it’s worth asking if you’re unsure.

Installing Stone Veneer Siding Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

While you can install stone veneer siding yourself, the project is very challenging and carries large risks, making hiring a local siding contractor better. If your home is more than one story, you’ll have to be comfortable using scaffolding and using proper safety measures. Improper siding installation can lead to cracking, resulting in water vapor seeping into your walls and foundation.

The cost to install stone veneer siding yourself ranges from $11 to $18 per square foot, plus tools and supplies like underlayment and mortar. The tools you’ll need include a mason hammer, nail gun, grout bag, and joint tool. 

How to Save Money on Stone Veneer Siding Installation

Replacing your home’s siding is a high cost project, so it’s understandable if you need to find ways to shave off a few dollars. While square footage is a major cost factor, you can change the size and shape of your home. Below are some other areas in your control:

Material Quality

Naturally, the lower the material quality the more money you save in the short term. Keep in mind if you go with the least expensive option, you may be making trade offs on longevity. Not all materials last the same amount of time and picking a more affordable option may lead to needing to replace it sooner.

Remove Old Siding Yourself

If you’re comfortable with doing your on jobsite demolition, you can rent a dumpster and remove the old siding yourself. Be sure to practice ladder safety and invest in the right safety gear (gloves and eye protection), otherwise this is best left to the pros. 

Jobsite Prep

Help your siding contractor get started on their project sooner (and save money on hourly labor costs) by clearing the area as much as possible. This includes trimming trees and shrubs, moving cars away, and store outdoor furniture. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you like the look of stone and its durability, but don’t want to pay the price of natural stone, stone veneer siding might be the best choice for you. Stone veneer siding lasts 20 to 75 years and increases the value of your home. 

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Learn more about our contributor
Justine Harrington
Contributing Writer
Justine Harrington is an Austin-based writer with bylines in dozens of publications, including Forbes, Marriott Traveler, Real Simple Magazine, American Way, Travel + Leisure, Allrecipes, and many others.
Justine Harrington is an Austin-based writer with bylines in dozens of publications, including Forbes, Marriott Traveler, Real Simple Magazine, American Way, Travel + Leisure, Allrecipes, and many others.
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