Why Combine Brick and Stone?

Brick and stone (or stone veneer) are both strong, durable materials that naturally elevate your home’s curb appeal. By blending the rich hues of brick—like classic reds or earthy browns—with the textures of stone, you can:

• Add Visual Interest: Contrasting surfaces and tones draw the eye, highlighting key architectural features like gables, chimneys, or columns.
• Enhance Longevity: Both brick and stone (especially veneer) stand up well to weather and time when properly installed.
• Boost Value: A tasteful brick-and-stone combination can improve your home’s aesthetic appeal, potentially increasing resale value down the road.

Whether you want a traditional, rustic, or modern feel, brick and stone offer endless possibilities when paired thoughtfully.

Understanding Your Materials: Brick vs. Stone

To choose the right combination for your home, it helps to understand how brick differs from stone—and how stone veneer factors in.

Brick

• Composition: Typically made of clay, sand, and water, then fired for hardness.
• Colors & Textures: Ranges from traditional red brick to warm brown brick and even sleek gray tones. You can also find different finishes like smooth-faced or wire-cut.
• Pros: Durable, low-maintenance, excellent insulation properties.
• Cons: Pricier than some siding options, heavier than materials like vinyl.

Natural Stone

• Composition: Quarried directly from nature—granite, limestone, slate, etc.
• Look & Feel: Each piece is unique, offering a gorgeous range of colors and textures (brown stone, gray stone, etc.).
• Pros: Unparalleled durability, timeless aesthetic.
• Cons: High cost, labor-intensive installation.

Stone Veneer

• Composition: A manufactured product designed to look like real stone but at a fraction of the weight.
• Advantages: Easier to install than full-thickness natural stone, generally more budget-friendly.
• Drawbacks: Depending on the brand and quality, it may not mimic natural stone perfectly. However, premium stone veneers can be very convincing and just as durable with proper care.

Architectural Styles That Shine with Brick and Stone

Not every style home will suit a brick-and-stone exterior, but many do—especially if you choose the right palette and proportions.

1. Colonial-Style Homes

   • Typically symmetrical with a central door and evenly spaced windows.
   • Red brick is classic here; consider using stone accents around columns or the lower façade for added character.

2. Modern or Contemporary Homes

   • Clean lines, large windows, minimal ornamentation.
   • Contrasting colors (like gray stone with darker or black-toned brick) can create dramatic curb appeal.

3. Farmhouse or Ranch-Style

   • Simple, rectangular layouts; often feature board and batten siding.
   • Pair warm brown brick with natural or neutral stone for a rustic, welcoming vibe.

4. Traditional Suburban Homes

   • Gabled roofs, possibly multiple dormers.
   • A mixed palette using stone veneer for columns or entryways can keep things visually balanced.

Pro Tip: Always consider your local climate. If your region experiences harsh winters, be sure to choose freeze-resistant stone veneer or higher-grade mortar that can handle repeated freezing and thawing.

Crafting a Winning Color Palette

Your color palette ties everything together—brick, stone, siding, and trim. Here’s how to get it right:

Start With Your Main Material

Decide which material (brick or stone) will cover the majority of your exterior. If you have a brick home already, is it a traditional red brick or more of a brown brick? That sets your base tone.

Coordinate Complementary Shades

• Contrast: A warm red brick and cool gray stone can look striking if balanced with matching trim.
• Harmony: Brown brick and brown stone in slightly different shades can create a subtle, sophisticated look.
• Accent Colors: Use accent siding or paint for features like shutters, front door, and fascia. This can be where you introduce a pop of color—maybe a soft sage green or a vibrant navy blue.

Mind the Mortar

Mortar color might not be the first thing you think of, but it can drastically change the appearance of brick and stone. A lighter mortar can brighten up darker stone and highlight the shape of each brick, while a darker mortar can help the materials blend more seamlessly.

Placement and Proportions: Where to Put Brick vs. Stone

Even the most stunning materials can clash if you don’t distribute them thoughtfully.

• Lower-Façade or Foundation: Stone or stone veneer placed around the base of your home can give it a sturdy, anchored look.
• Chimney: Often a great place to feature stone or brick, especially on the portion of the chimney that rises above the roof.
• Entryway or Columns: Wrapping porch columns in stone veneer adds instant focal points without overwhelming the design.
• Accents Around Windows or Doors: Brick detailing around window trim or stone borders around your entry can be both decorative and functional.

A good rule of thumb: If you’re going for a bold stone, keep it to about one-third of the overall exterior. You can then let brick take up the rest. Or flip that ratio if you want the stone to be the showstopper.

Texture, Tone, and Finish

Brick and stone come in various textures—from smooth or tumbled bricks to rough, rugged stones. Mixing textures can add interest, but try to keep a cohesive theme:

• Smooth Brick + Textured Stone: Creates a nice contrast if you’re aiming for a modern or contemporary vibe.
• Rough Brick + Rustic Stone: Perfect for a farmhouse or rustic appearance.
• Board and Batten or Vertical Siding: Consider adding a third texture as an accent if you’d like more variety—just don’t overdo it. You want your home to look cohesive, not patchworked.