Stone cladding can be made of natural stone or a stone veneer. Both impart a long-lasting, natural look to a range of projects. ArchiPro's stone cladding range includes limestone, quartz, granite, porcelain and much more.

Stone cladding

Stone cladding is one of the most long-lasting and durable cladding materials available today. It is a classic material, often used in rural settings to create a strong tie to the natural surrounds. In many cases, the use of local stone is preferred as a way to ensure the house or building reflects the geographic location in which it is located.

Stone cladding can be broken down into two main categories: natural stone and stone veneer. Natural stone is simply stone that has been quarried from the earth, had nothing added to it, and is broken down into slabs or pieces and used as a cladding material.

Stone veneer, in contrast, is a manufactured material designed to mimic the appearance of natural stone. In many cases, stone veneer is more cost effective than its natural counterpart but is virtually indistinguishable from it in terms of look and feel.

Stone veneer is a mix of various materials including cement, aggregates and iron oxides which are set into moulds to look like stone. Stone veneer is a much lighter product that natural stone so it is easier to handle and install, and generally cannot be used structurally in the way stone can.

While popular as cladding, stone veneer is often used in contemporary builds as both an external cladding material and for internal feature walls and fireplace surrounds. In many cases, stone veneer is specified for boundary walls and incorporated into the wider landscaping. When used externally, most stone veneer products require a waterproofing seal to be applied and reapplied over the course of the product’s lifetime to ensure it retains its integrity.

Stone veneer products are also used widely in commercial projects, and frequently for internal walls in larger buildings.

Whether it is natural stone or stone veneer, using a stone product in the home can create a timeless appeal and a classic connection to the natural environs, especially when the local stone is chosen. In New Zealand, schist is a popular stone in the South Island, commonly used in both residential and commercial projects, while other local stones are frequently utilised in different regions.