Stone cladding for interior and exterior walls: is there a difference?

For years now, natural stone has been commonly used by homeowners across the world to clad their walls, both inside and outside the house. But is there a distinction between interior and exterior stone cladding? Or maybe it’s just the exact same product but used in two different places? Let’s find out!

Let’s start from the outside and focus on the stone cladding for the exterior walls of the building. What should we look for? Any material used outdoors will have to be resistant enough to deal with extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, hail and UV rays. It should also be immune to intense temperature changes and the presence of humidity. That is why it’s best to choose the types of stone which are known for their durability and longevity. Among the most popular ones, we will find sandstone, limestone, granite, quartz, marble and slate. On the other hand, some varieties of this material can be somewhat vulnerable to weathering and won’t stand the test of time. The use of stone cladding for exterior walls will have additional benefits, such as an extra layer of insulation and minimizing the noise from the outside. In order to maintain its top shape, you should remember to regularly apply the sealant that will protect the surface and extend the life of the natural stone. 

What about interior stone wall cladding? Does it need to have any unique qualities? Not really, no. Inside the building, the cladding material won’t be exposed to as many diverse damaging factors as outside. The ones you need to worry about the most are moisture and heat, which usually are met in the kitchen, bathroom or around the fireplace. That’s why it’s essential to remember to seal the interior stone cladding as well. It will help protect the material from those elements and keep it looking clean and fresh for decades. The natural stone is quite porous and can absorb liquids, salts and stains over time, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, so take your time to care for it. In the interiors, you can install the same types of stone as outside and even reach for the ones that couldn't be used for the external cladding. 

No matter if you opt for exterior or interior stone cladding, or both, you have plenty of fantastic choices that will transform your home and add plenty of style and value to it. The multitude of types of stone, its colours, textures and sizes mean you will definitely find something that catches your eye. While picking the suitable type of stone, remember to pay attention to its cost as well - for example, installing marble on the kitchen backsplash will be much more affordable than opting for an extensive natural stone exterior wall cladding made entirely from this material.

Check also: Natural stone vs veneer stone: which to choose?