Siding + Stone + Brick: How To Combine Materials

Mixing siding, stone, and brick on your home’s exterior can create a stunning look that boosts curb appeal, or it can turn into a chaotic mess!

I’ve spent countless hours staring at my own house (pre-renovation) wondering how to combine these materials without creating what my neighbor kindly called “an architectural identity crisis.”

Combining different exterior materials adds depth, dimension, and visual interest to your home while creating a distinctive first impression that reflects your personal style.

The secret to successful material mixing lies in finding balance.

When I tried pairing my red brick with random stone accents, it looked jumbled until I switched to a solid-colored stone (James Hardie makes some great options). The contrast was smoother, and suddenly everything clicked!

You don’t need to overthink this; sometimes simple pairings work best. Remember that your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice.

Last spring, I completely transformed my curb appeal by adding stone accents around the entryway while keeping brick on the lower half and siding above. The neighbors actually stopped to compliment it!

The key was limiting myself to three materials max and making sure the colors complemented each other rather than competed.

Understanding the Basics of Siding, Stone, and Brick

Mixing exterior materials creates dynamic, interesting homes that stand out in the neighborhood. The key is finding the right balance between contrast and harmony.

The Significance of Texture in Material Combination

Texture is everything when combining materials!

I learned this the hard way when I renovated my first fixer-upper. The smooth HardiePlank siding I chose initially looked too flat against my rustic stone foundation.

Texture creates visual interest and depth. When pairing materials, think about how they feel. Rough stone against smooth siding creates pleasant contrast.

I’ve found that using about 60% of one material (usually siding) and 40% accent materials (like 30% stone and 10% brick) creates the most balanced look.

Try this simple test: Gather small samples of your materials and place them side by side. Do they complement each other? Does one texture overwhelm the others?

Brick has a uniform, organized texture while natural stone feels more organic. Both can work beautifully with siding if you respect their unique characteristics!

Maintaining a Cohesive Architectural Style

Your home’s architectural style should guide your material choices.

I once made the mistake of adding ultra-modern cement panels to my colonial-style home. Yikes! It looked like two different houses smashed together.

For traditional homes (colonial, Craftsman, Tudor), brick and natural stone work beautifully with wood or fiber cement siding. My neighbor used Glen-Gery brick on her Craftsman porch with James Hardie siding above — stunning!

For modern homes, consider these ideas:

• Sleek manufactured stone veneers
• Clean-lined brick in unexpected colors
• Metal panel accents with siding

The color palette matters tremendously. Choose materials in complementary tones. I love warm-toned Ply Gem stone paired with cool gray siding for a subtle contrast.

Remember that materials should enhance your home’s architectural features, not fight against them. Highlight entryways with stone for a grand impression while using siding elsewhere.

Planning Your Design for Maximum Curb Appeal

Creating a plan before combining exterior materials is essential for a home that stands out for the right reasons. A thoughtful approach prevents that “too much going on” look that can hurt your property value.

Evaluating Your Home’s Current Exterior

Start by taking a good look at what you already have. I walk my clients around their property with a camera, snapping photos from different angles (this trick gives you a more objective view than just looking).

Note the existing materials, architectural style, and structural features that can’t be easily changed. Your home might have good bones hiding under dated materials! One of my neighbors discovered beautiful brick beneath ugly 1970s aluminum siding last summer.

Consider these elements:

• Natural light exposure (north-facing homes look different than south-facing)
• Permanent features (foundation, roof, windows)
• Current problem areas that need attention

Choosing the Right Mix of Materials

I’ve found that the rule of three works perfectly here. Choose which among siding, stone, and brick fit each slice of the pie:

• 60% primary material
• 30% secondary material
• 10% accent material

James Hardie siding (60%) + natural stone accents (30%) + a brick foundation (10%) creates visual interest without chaos.

Think about contrast and complementary colors. Dark brick pairs beautifully with lighter stone, while similar tones create a more subtle look.

I made the mistake of matching everything too closely once, and the house looked flat and boring!

Balance is key. If you use rough-textured stone, consider smoother brick or siding to offset it.

Considerations for Your Neighborhood Aesthetic

Your home doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s part of a community. I always drive around my clients’ neighborhoods before suggesting materials. You want to stand out in a good way, not clash!

Some neighborhoods have HOA restrictions on exterior materials (check those first!). Even without formal rules, there’s usually a prevailing style.

In my New England neighborhood, we favor traditional materials like cedar shingles and brick, while my sister in Arizona uses stucco and stone that withstand desert heat.

When planning your exterior, remember that first impressions matter. Choose materials that will weather well in your climate — that gorgeous cedar siding might not be ideal if you live in a rainy area like I do!

Achieving Balance and Harmony

When combining different exterior materials, balance is everything. The secret to a beautiful mixed-material exterior lies in how you arrange these elements and how they work together visually.

Avoiding Chaotic Mixes Through Proper Proportion

I’ve learned (the hard way!) that the Rule of Three is your best friend when mixing materials. My first renovation was a disaster: I tried using five different textures and it looked like a patchwork quilt gone wrong.

Stick with just three materials maximum for your exterior!

The 60-30-10 rule works wonders. Use your primary material (often siding) for about 60% of the exterior, a secondary material (like stone) for 30%, and an accent material for the remaining 10%. This creates visual balance without overwhelming the eye.

Think about breaking up large sections. When I redid my Colonial last summer, I used brick for the bottom third of the house, lap siding for the middle, and board-and-batten for select gables. The proportions felt right — not too busy!

Color Coordination for a Unified Look

Color is where many mixed-material projects go terribly wrong (trust me on this one). Even great materials can look chaotic if their colors clash.

Try selecting materials within the same color family. When I paired my Boral stone veneer with James Hardie siding, I chose a warm beige stone that complemented the taupe siding. The slight variation added interest without fighting for attention.

Contrast can work beautifully too, but be intentional. Dark brick with light stone creates striking definition. I’ve seen gorgeous homes with Acme Brick’s Charcoal paired with Indiana Limestone.

The 60-30-10 rule still applies here! Use 60% of a dominant color (often siding or stucco), 30% of a secondary color (like stone or brick), and 10% as an accent (think trim, shutters, or doors).

This ratio helps create visual balance and keeps the palette feeling cohesive, not cluttered.

Consider your permanent elements first (stone, brick) and then choose complementary colors for elements you can change later (siding, trim).

Don’t forget that lighting affects how colors appear! My north-facing wall looks completely different from my south side. Test materials together in your actual location before committing.

Maintenance Considerations

When combining materials like siding, stone, and brick, proper maintenance becomes crucial. Each material has its own care requirements, but with some planning, you can keep your mixed-material exterior looking great for years.

Long-Term Care for Siding, Stone, and Brick

Different materials age at different rates, which is something to keep in mind. Vinyl siding might fade over time, while brick can develop efflorescence (that white powdery stuff).

I learned this the hard way when my own mixed-material home started looking uneven after about five years!

For siding, check for warping or cracks annually.

• Wood siding needs repainting every three to seven years.
• Vinyl might need replacement after 20 to 30 years.
• Fiber cement (I’m partial to James Hardie products) lasts longer but still needs occasional repainting.

Stone and brick are incredibly durable but not maintenance-free. Check for any of these every year or two:

• Crumbling mortar (needs repointing)
• Staining or discoloration
• Cracks or chips

Easy Maintenance Tips

I’ve found that regular cleaning makes a huge difference! During spring cleaning last year, I noticed how much brighter my stone accents looked after a simple wash.

For siding, do these:

• Gentle wash with soap and water annually.
• Avoid power washing vinyl (learned that mistake when I blasted water behind my panels!).
• Touch up paint on wood or fiber cement as needed.

For stone and brick, do these:

• Use a soft brush and water for dust removal.
• Try mild detergent for stubborn dirt.
• Seal natural stone every two to three years (Stone-Tech makes a good sealer).

Winter in the Northeast can be tough on exteriors, so I always do a fall inspection before the snow flies.

Look for water damage and address it immediately — that’s honestly the number 1 tip for any exterior maintenance.