Popular Natural Stones for Exterior Wall Cladding

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River Basalt

The dark, blue-grey volcanic stone of river basalt comes under the category of igneous natural rocks. The brilliant stone is suitable for both interior and exterior wall cladding needs, thanks to an array of important characteristics that make it durable, resilient and long-lasting.

Gneiss

One of the most common commercial varieties of natural stones used in buildings, gneiss is often misconstrued for granite. Though the two stones are quite similar in their make and characteristics, there are quite a few characteristics that render them apart.

Gneiss is actually a metamorphic version of granite, which means that it forms when granite is subjected to extreme heat and pressure. The components of the two stones are quite similar, and both boast of interlocking minerals that lend them their characteristic non-porosity.

Granite

One of the toughest and most gorgeous natural stones on this list, Granite is easily one of the most preferred choices when it comes to exterior wall cladding. The natural stone adds value to your home not just in terms of appearance and class, but also real estate dealings.

Natural Quartzite Stone

Relatively lesser known and experimented with, natural quartzite stone is a fantastic option to try out for exterior wall cladding needs. A combination of limestone and dolomite, natural quartzite stone boasts of a natural beauty and enticing character that is tough to spot elsewhere, and is largely embraced in kitchens for their unique look and feel.

Butched Stone

Traditionally avoided in masonry constructions due to its relative weakness, Butched Stone can well be used as an attractive exterior wall cladding solution, where it does not have to support the structure in any way. The unique look and organic rustic appeal of Butched Stone is what draws several architects and designers towards using this material as an exterior wall cladding option.

Limestone

Whether it is the affordability of natural limestone, or its characteristic rustic appearance, limestone continues to be a favourite among architects, designers and owners when it comes to exterior wall cladding. The natural stone is the predecessor of marble as far as its natural formation process is concerned, and has seen wide adoption down the years for different building needs.

Marble

One of the most popular natural stones used widely across the world for a number of elegant solutions, marble continues to signify elegance and grandeur since time immemorial. The stone has already proved its durability against the tests of time through solid examples in the form of the Taj Mahal and the Humayun's tomb, to name a few.

Quartzite

Very close in look to marble, quartzite is one such natural stone that is incredibly easy to maintain and strikingly durable. In fact, it makes up for most of the shortcomings of marble with its characteristic strength and low-maintenance properties.

Sandstone

The first merit of sandstone that immediately catches the eye is its striking beauty. The appealing natural look in warm shades is marked by unique tiles, each different from the other. Sandstone is also extremely durable, and can last for decades if taken care of with adequate concern. Though it is not as hard as other natural materials such as granite or slate, it is ideal for use as a resilient exterior wall cladding solution.

Slate

A less popularly used natural stone when it comes to exterior cladding, slate not only offers an impressive gorgeous look, but also comes with an entire list of advantages to explore and exploit.

Travertine

One of the most commonly used natural stones for exterior wall cladding, travertine forms a perfect solution for any kind of building. The material comes with a characteristic appearance that is difficult to ignore, and lends a soft edge to any building.

Keywords: Wall Stones, Cladding Stones