Stone styles for modern homes

By Roselind Hejl; reposted with permission of We Love Austin

Limestone is what we are made of here in Austin. It is indigenous to our area and plentiful. Limestone has been used for decades on all types of houses. Today, we see traditional limestone updated to compliment the simple lines of contemporary homes.

Here’s a look at new stone styles on modern homes in Austin today. The more precise layouts with very tight grout joints in the photo above is an example of the new look.

The photo above shows Austin’s traditional split face stone. The stones are made by splitting large blocks along natural natural cleavage lines. The slabs are then chopped into pieces. “Split face” or “chopped” are common names for this building stone. Masons arrange the stones in a random or coursed pattern. Grout joints fill in the spaces.

The trend today is away from visible grout joints and irregular spacing. Below are examples of stone styles on modern homes that we often see today:

This is our familiar rustic chopped limestone. However, it is set in a row pattern with tight joints, giving a rustic flavor to this modern style home.

The alternating wide and narrow rows of stone is a perfect fit for the modern style of this home. The top and bottom of each stone has been sawed, rather than chopped, which results in very straight lines and tight joints.

This pattern of narrow horizontal rows creates a uniform wall. Yet, it is textured and earthy.

This is sandstone in a row pattern, with a combination of stone sizes and tight mortar joints.

This wall uses narrow rows of cream limestone with tightly fitted joints. It is put together in a precise way, creating  a modern, yet organic look.

Saw Cut Stone

Better sawing technology today allows more precise cutting of stone. Saw cut limestone is an available choice, and thinner stone veneers (1.5″ thick, instead of 4″) are also now an option. The thinner veneer reduces the cost and weight of the stone.

Saw cut stone with a smooth face works well with the clean look of contemporary homes.