Stone Exteriors Create Timeless Look

In the past, stone has been the material of choice when it comes to building large, luxurious buildings, such as castles and cathedrals. Why should current luxury homes be any different? Stone exteriors add elegance and beauty to any house.

"People want a timeless, nostalgic look," says Dominick Tringali, of Dominick Tringali Architects in Michigan. Tringali uses stone on many of his houses to create a variety of looks. The type of stone selected and how it is used is determined by the style of the house.

Different stone finishes give exteriors different looks. Polished stone creates a house with a contemporary look. Using a polished finish will draw attention to that area, though it will show marks, such as fingerprints, because the stone is so shiny. Honed stone, on the other hand, has no reflection and will not show marks. It has a muted and more natural look. Tumbled stone is used to create a traditional look. It appears worn and aged.

Mixing stone with other materials, such as stucco, brick or siding, creates a unique look. Other options include adding stone columns, chimneys, gables or entryways. These small areas accent the rest of the house and add a hint of style.

"This gives a strong look and gives people what they are looking for, without going overboard with stone," says Tringali.

When building with stone, make sure the colors in the stone match the colors in the rest of the home's exterior. The color, texture and finish of that stone becomes the driving force behind every other exterior piece of the house, says Stephen Lindes, project manager/ estimator for Pohlig Builders in Malvern, Pa. The stone influences the color of the shutters, trim, roof or any siding. Tringali recommends hiring an exterior designer because it is so critical for everything to match.

"The houses we do that for are our strongest houses," he says.

Exterior design is now turning into a profession, says Bob Heath, vice president of marketing for Cultured Stone, a division of Owens Corning. Hire someone who specializes in picking colors and textures that go together to help create a cohesive look.

Stone also can be used in areas around the exterior of the house, in the landscaping, boundary walls, retaining walls, pillars, trellises or walkways. They, too, must match. When carefully planned, stone accents in the yard and landscaping tie the entire property together.

"Our customers prefer stone over stucco or wood siding 75 to 80 percent of the time," says Lindes. "It adds a rich, natural look to the house, and I think it adds value to the home as well."