Stone Cladding: 5 Best Stone Wall Cladding Options

Juliet Taylor

Though it almost always looks exactly like solid stone, stone cladding is usually just a refined layer of natural or artificial stone. This layer is applied to a non-load bearing wall and will give the impression that the wall is made from solid stone.

Cladding in general is the simple practice of layering materials for better thermal insulation, weather protection, or aesthetic appeal – as is often the case for stone cladding. The most common type of cladding is probably weatherboard cladding, of which there are multiple types such as fiber cement, aluminum, vinyl and timber to name a few. Read more about the common types of weatherboard cladding and what it can do for you here.

Stone cladding in particular is a beautiful option to transform either interior or exterior walls. It is equally well suited to a new building or a renovation as it simply covers the existing walls. The category encompasses many different types of stone including granite, sandstone, limestone, marble, quartz and slate.

There are two main styles of stone cladding: cladding panels (easy installation – best suited for machine-split textured designs) or individual slip veneer (can be customized to the dims of the wall, appears more authentic, harder to install and more expensive).

Stone cladding is one of the most expensive cladding materials, so it may not be the right choice for those on an extremely strict budget. Including installation prices, stone veneer will cost somewhere between $230-310 per square meter depending on the type of stone you purchase.

For those who love the stone look but cannot afford the authenticity of natural stone materials, perhaps you could consider stone tiles instead. The main thing to consider when thinking about installing stone cladding is your budget; it will determine the type, volume and quality of the stone material you can purchase.

Stone cladding is a complicated process with several steps best carried out by professionals. You may be able to DIY if you have previous experience with stone cladding installation, but for the amateurs it is definitely a process to leave to the appropriate contractors. Incorrectly installed stone cladding systems will deteriorate much more quickly, can be dangerous for the building’s inhabitants, and could even compromise the structural integrity of the building.

5. Outdoor Stone Cladding - Facade

Stone cladding has a number of practical benefits outdoors as well as its supreme aesthetic appeal. Particular benefits of exterior stone cladding include; it’s durable, versatile, low maintenance and sure to increase the value of your home.

Eco Outdoor has an extensive range of natural stone walling material with easy application to all suitable surfaces. Their dry stone walling, pictured above, is particularly beautiful as it has a natural and rugged elegance reminiscent of authentic Italian farmhouses. You can browse their extensive range here, from Alpine to Baw Baw to Jindera stone options. Request a quote for a price estimation.

4. Indoor Stone Cladding - Feature Wall

A feature wall is the perfect way to reap the benefits of a natural stone aesthetic without having to commit to the expensive process of renovating your entire home.

Stone feature walls bring the rustic and simplicity of natural life into your home while still allowing for the luxuries of modern life.

They can be accented with shelves displaying photos or plants, or if you really want to emphasize the blend of nature and modernity, you may even choose to mount your TV on the feature wall.

There are many different styles, colours and textures available. The image above is a collage of some of the cladding samples available from Stone and Rock. Browse their extensive range here or you can visit their showrooms in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, East Queensland and Northern NSW.

3. Fireplace

Leaning into the rustic, mountain cabin feel of a stone-cladded wall will create a gorgeous natural experience sure to remind you of simpler times. A fireplace feature wall is the perfect way to do this, and it can be installed in or outdoors.

Veneer Stone is a popular choice for fireplace stone wall cladding and their designs are all inspired by native Australian stone. Veneer Stone is an Australian company with cladding on display in Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin and Perth.

You can browse their beautiful image gallery of feature walls for inspiration here or contact for a quote.

2. Bathroom

The bathroom is an excellent opportunity to bring in some raw materials as a contrast to the pristine tiles and smooth surfaces of typical contemporary bathrooms.

Because bathrooms are often fairly small relative to the rest of the house, this is also an opportunity for those on a tight budget to add a twist of elegance to their home without breaking the bank, as stone tiles are perfect for bathroom use becasue they can easily be sealed and waterproofed.

It is also available in abundance. You can purchase the Gioi Greige Stack Matt Porcelain Tile featured above here for just $55 per square meter. Installation of stone-look tile is much easier than veneer or authentic stone and you will probably be able to save money on a contractor as they can be a DIY project.

1. Living room

The living room is one of the most important rooms in the house, and the room that your guests will most likely see the most of. A stone feature wall is a breathtaking addition to any living room and will help facilitate connection with your guests as it represents a desire to return to simpler, lower-tech times.

Luxe Interiors are particularly known for their skill in styling stone wall cladding with elegant rustic colours and furniture. Browse their galleries here.

Aussietecture are also high quality providers of both indoor and outdoor stone. You can purchase the natural Sandstone cladding pictured above here for $105 per square meter (currently on sale) or browse their gallery of natural stone walls for some more options.