Brick veneer vs stone veneer is one of the most common questions homeowners ask before a facade upgrade, a new fireplace surround, or a full exterior remodel. Both hold up well in Central Florida’s climate, but they differ in texture, style, maintenance, and installation complexity. Here’s how to decide which one fits your home.
Brick Veneer: Pros and Cons
Brick veneer uses thin brick or full-size brick laid over a structural wall rather than as a load-bearing material.
- Pros: classic, timeless look; very durable; consistent, uniform appearance; wide range of colors and patterns
- Cons: less texture variation than natural stone; can look institutional if not paired with the right trim and landscaping; mortar joints still need maintenance over time
Stone Veneer: Pros and Cons
Stone veneer can be natural (thin-cut real stone) or manufactured (cast concrete formed and colored to look like stone).
- Pros: natural texture and color variation that’s hard to replicate; each installation looks unique; pairs well with rustic, farmhouse, or Mediterranean-style homes; ages gracefully
- Cons: heavier and more labor-intensive to install than brick; irregular shapes mean more cutting and fitting; natural stone availability can vary by supplier
Which Holds Up Better in Central Florida’s Climate?
Both materials perform well in Florida’s heat and humidity when installed correctly, with proper flashing, drainage, and weep holes behind the veneer. Manufactured stone veneer is lighter and often easier to install around curves and architectural details, which matters for accent walls, columns, and fireplace surrounds. Brick veneer has a long track record in Florida specifically, it’s been used on homes here for generations, and its uniform shape makes it more forgiving to install correctly the first time, which reduces the risk of water intrusion down the road. The biggest factor isn’t the material itself, it’s proper installation: correct flashing and an air gap behind either material matter more for long-term performance than which one you choose.
Which Should You Choose?
There’s no universal right answer, it comes down to the look you want and how the material fits the rest of your home’s architecture.
- Choose brick veneer if you want a classic, traditional look with a uniform, tailored appearance
- Choose stone veneer if you want a natural, textured, one-of-a-kind look, especially for accent walls or fireplace surrounds
- Combine both if you want brick as the primary facade with stone accents around the entry, columns, or fireplace, a popular approach in many Central Florida neighborhoods
Get Expert Advice for Your Project
The best way to decide is to see samples of both against your home’s existing trim, roofline, and landscaping. EBN Masonry installs both brick veneer and stone veneer across Orlando, Winter Park, and Central Florida, and can walk you through samples on-site so you can see exactly how each one will look on your home. Check out our stone veneer installation and brick veneer and thin brick services, or contact us to set up a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can brick veneer and stone veneer be installed on the same wall?
Yes, mixing materials on the same elevation is common, most often brick on the main facade with stone accents around the entry, a bay window, or the base of the home. The key is planning the transition point so it looks intentional rather than patched together.
Does veneer need to match the rest of my home’s exterior?
Not necessarily, but it should complement it. Roof color, trim color, and window style all influence which veneer tone reads best. A good contractor will bring physical samples to your home so you can see them in your actual lighting before committing, rather than judging color from a small chip in a showroom.
How long does veneer installation take?
Timelines vary with square footage and wall complexity, but most single-elevation veneer projects take one to two weeks, including surface prep, installation, and mortar curing time. Projects that combine both materials, or that involve significant trim and detail work, take longer. Proper curing time is one of the most important factors in long-term veneer performance, rushing this step is one of the most common causes of early failure.