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Real stone is exactly what it sounds like: It’s real stone sourced from the earth without additives. It is durable and unique, but it’s difficult to work with because of its weight, challenge in sourcing, and high cost. Stone veneer mimics the look of real stone but is actually engineered with a mixture of Portland cement, natural minerals, and a colorant. While it’s more affordable and easier to work with, it’s less durable and may appear manufactured to the trained eye.

If you want to avoid damaging your home's brick, you should always use a stain specifically formulated for masonry projects. These stains are designed to penetrate the porous surface of the brick and bond with it, unlike paints, which sit on the surface and are prone to peeling and flaking. Look for stains labeled for use on brick or other masonry surfaces. Avoid using regular paint on brick, as it will not adhere well and will likely lead to future maintenance issues. 

Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages to stone houses. They are slow to build and the materials are pricey, both of which balloon the total cost. Stone walls require a more robust foundation, which costs more to install. Running plumbing, electrical, and HVAC through a stone house is much more difficult too, so homeowners need to seriously consider if the aesthetic benefit is worth the cost of building with stone. One of the questions to ask a masonry contractor is if a similar aesthetic can be achieved with another material.

Stone veneer siding is approximately four times less expensive than stone because it's made of concrete and aggregates instead of natural stone. But veneer looks like real stone, is easier to install, and acts as a great, durable siding option.