Stone siding lends your home an air of permanence. However, the fine craftsmanship it takes to properly install stone is hard to come by. The costs are usually very high in comparison to other types of siding. Limestone also presents occasional problems with staining. Because of these issues, a number of manufacturers have developed faux stone options for homeowners who want the look of rock without the hefty price tag.

Concrete Stone

Portland concrete is sometimes used as a stone substitute. The concrete is blended in different natural colors and poured into molds that imitate the shape of real stones. Unlike a stone wall that is built solid, these faux rocks are glued to a substrate to form the façade. If the concrete blocks aren’t attached correctly, this type of siding may come off over time. Otherwise, it is very durable and long lasting.

Plastic Faux Stone

High quality plastics such as polyurethane are molded in sheets for easy installation. These come in a variety of patterns to mimic various stacking methods for real stone. There are plenty of fade resistant color choices as well. Some products offer an insulating value of up to R6 making this siding a potential energy saver.

The material is light enough that no special expertise is needed to affix the “stone” sheets to the exterior of your home. Just be careful to select a product that offers nicely finished edges – otherwise your faux stone siding won’t fool anyone. This type of material can be sprayed down with a hose every 6 months or so to remove dirt. No other maintenance is required.