Stone cladding is a beautiful and durable way to add interest and character to your home. It can be used to clad both interior and exterior walls, and comes in a wide variety of colours and styles to choose from.

If you’d like to add a touch of luxury to your home, keep reading to learn more, including:

• What stone cladding installers do
• The most common issues for stone cladding
• How much it costs to hire a stone cladding installer
• How to hire a reputable stone cladding installer
• The benefits of stone cladding
• How to get quotes for stone cladding installers.

What does a stone cladding installer do?

Stone cladding installers are responsible for the installation of stone cladding on both interior and exterior walls. They work with a variety of types of stone, including natural stone, manufactured stone, and brick veneer.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engineering and installing stone cladding system, including the anchors and connections to the building
• Ensuring the surface the stone is being applied to is compliant with building codes and has no structural weaknesses
• Preventing possible cracking of stone by putting in place a water management system

• Sourcing of the stone, depending on the project.

Stone cladding installers typically work on residential and commercial projects.

Read more: Types of cladding

Most common issues for stone cladding

Some of the most common issues that need to be fixed include:

• Cracked or damaged stone caused by general wear and tear, or as a result of an impact, such as a storm or a hailstone
• Loose or missing stone, possibly as a result of poor installation or movement in the foundation of the building.
• Water leaks
• Poorly installed flashing, which can contribute to water leaks
• Inadequate water management, usually as a result of a lack of weep lines in the original installation
• Improperly sealed joints causing water damage.

How much it costs to hire a stone cladding installer

The cost of hiring a stone cladding installer will vary depending on the size and complexity of the job, the type of stone used, and the installer's experience and qualifications.

Stone cladding is a relatively expensive cladding material. The total cost of stone veneer, including hiring an installer, ranges from $230 to $310 per square metre, depending on the type of stone you choose.

Read more: How much does cladding cost?

How to hire a reputable stone cladding installer

When hiring a stone cladding installer in Australia, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced professional. Before you begin your search, check with your local building authority to determine the licensing requirements in your state. These standards set out minimum performance requirements for stone cladding, including requirements for design, installation, and maintenance.

Here are some important things to ask:

• How many years have you been in the business?
• How many stone cladding projects have you completed?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Are you familiar with the Australian Standard for Stone Cladding and Facades? 
• What types of stone cladding do you install?
• Do you have experience with the type of stone cladding I am interested in?
• What is your warranty on your work?
• Can I see examples of your previous work?

Benefits of stone cladding

Beyond the aesthetic appeal of the stone cladding, it’s also:

• Durable and can withstand the elements, including rain, snow, wind and fire
• A great insulator, which will keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter
• A low maintenance option that is easy to clean
• Lighter than traditional stone, and can be used on a wider range of structures
• Cheaper to install when compared to traditional stone, but offers the same effect.

 

Read more: Add a touch of style with stone veneer cladding

Getting quotes from stone cladding installers

The best way to get quotes for stone cladding is to contact multiple installers. You can get quotes online, over the phone, or in person.

When getting quotes, be sure to provide the installer with as much information as possible about your needs, including the size and location of the area to be cladded, the type of stone you prefer, and any special requirements.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.