Adding stone accents enables you to create elegant & sophisticated points of interest. Whether you are building a new home or simply updating existing features, stone is an excellent companion to brick. Given the varieties of color, texture, shape & size of both brick and stone, the combinations & looks you can achieve are endless. Would you prefer the stone blend in with the brick or be totally opposite of the brick? Would you prefer the stone be focal point of your front elevation or the brick?
Here are a few tips to consider when combining brick and stone…
Don’t look for an exact match
Have you ever driven by a house and asked yourself “Is there brick AND stone on that house?” If the two match closely, making it difficult to tell the difference, why bother using both? A “close match” could easily result in “not close enough” and actually end up creating a design conflict.
Create a contrast
Is your brick monochromatic, with a more solid, uniform appearance? Look for stone with a variety of color & texture. For brick that has several colors and/or a heavy texture, look for a stone more solid in color.
Consider color combinations
Look for colors within the brick to pull & find a stone that pairs well. For example, if a brown brick has shades of gray, consider a gray stone. If using a solid brown brick & mortar, look for stone with a variation of colors that includes the brick shade of brown.
Feature a focal point
Gables, columns, & entry ways are just a few examples of perfect opportunities to add stone to your project. Most of these features create natural stopping points that allow the brick and stone to seamlessly flow together.
Select a stone style that compliments your home
For a traditional look, consider a larger stone style – chopped, mosaic or field stone. These styles provide a natural, rustic look. For a more modern, contemporary or even architectural design, consider a ledgestone or cut stone. The sharper angles & edges present a more finished or polished look.
One of the toughest decisions during the building process is the brick and stone selection. It’s permanent – not something you are likely to change in a few years. Take your time, look at existing homes & choose what you like. We are here to help you!