Real Brick Vs. Stone Siding

Properties

• Bricks are made from a variety of clay types and fired in a kiln at extremely high temperatures until they're hard. Natural stone siding is typically made from quarry stones, while manufactured stone siding -- a more flexible option -- is usually made from aggregates and colored pigments. Both types of material usually range from about 1 to 4 inches thick. Thin stone or siding comes in panels, while thicker siding and real brick often consist of individual stones. Some manufacturers offer paneled siding made from real brick.

Brick Benefits

• Real brick serves as a hardier insulator than stone siding. It also outclasses stone siding in longevity. Though many stone veneers expertly replicate the look of real stone, it's difficult to beat the real thing in terms of appearance. Brick enhances the home's structural integrity and resists moisture better than stone siding, which is susceptible to mold and structural damage as water enters its more vulnerable mortar joints. Broken bricks can be replaced fairly seamlessly, while missing chunks of stone siding require a detailed matching and cutting process to replace. Finally, brick creates financial returns. According to the National Association of Home Builders, 60 percent of homebuyers prefer brick to siding, leading to higher resale values for homeowners.

Stone Siding Benefits

• While brick is limited in color and appearance, stone siding comes in a wide range of colors, textures and shapes. Likewise, this type of siding lends itself to an almost unlimited number of patterns, while simple horizontal and vertical brick patterns remain fairly consistent across houses. Stone siding, especially panels and manufactured siding, are typically easier to install than real brick, making them a more friendly option for do-it-yourselfers. Thin stone veneers need no preinstalled support system or shelves, making them perhaps the most versatile choice of the bunch.

Prices

• According to 2011 estimates from CalFinder, an online networking source for homeowners and contractors, real brick costs about $6 to $12 per square foot. In comparison, natural stone siding costs between $15 and $30 per square foot, or $11 to $15 per square foot for thin veneers. Homebuyers who use stone siding often save on installation costs, however, as brick generally requires a more complex installation process.