Stone cladding is one of the most versatile and timeless materials you can use to enhance your home. Whether you’re upgrading an exterior wall or adding texture to your interiors, it adds character, durability and a premium finish. Below, we’ve compiled 10 real-world examples of how stone cladding can be used in Irish homes, complete with imagery and inspiration for your next project.
External walls are the most common and effective place to apply stone cladding, and for good reason. Cladding your home’s exterior instantly elevates curb appeal, adds insulation value, and brings a traditional or contemporary feel depending on your stone choice. In this example, dark Kilkenny Limestone Cladding with a wet joint finish is used on a modern new-build, showcasing the crisp, clean lines that work beautifully on larger walls. At just 30mm thick, this cladding offers the charm of full building stone without the bulk.
Low boundary walls are an ideal spot for cladding, where a small amount of product can go a long way and dramatically enhance the style of your patio or garden space. In this example, Donegal Sandstone Cladding ties in beautifully with golden porcelain tiles and outdoor lighting. These walls not only frame the space neatly but also offer practical seating, and the warm tones of the stone bring a cohesive feel to the overall patio design.
Bathroom walls are not exactly the traditional way to use stone cladding, but as this project shows, thinking creatively can lead to stunning results. In this case, Cream Sandstone Cladding has been used to transform an interior bathroom wall into a statement feature. Installed behind a luxurious bath, the stone adds warmth, texture, and a spa-like quality. It’s a perfect way to bring nature indoors while maintaining a contemporary design.
Kitchen chimney breasts are the perfect canvas for introducing character and contrast through cladding. This homeowner used Blue Diamond Z Stone Cladding to frame the area above their cooker and extractor fan. The natural stone creates a bold texture, breaks up the standard mix of tiles and paint, and draws the eye to the heart of the kitchen. It’s a subtle yet effective way to bring individuality into a space that often follows predictable design formulas.
Internal feature walls are a brilliant way to showcase cladding in a clean, modern format. In this hallway example, dry-jointed Kilkenny Limestone Cladding has been used to create a sleek and sophisticated entrance. The straight lines and square edges of this stone make it particularly suitable for dry joint installations, offering a grout-free, seamless finish that works perfectly in contemporary homes.
Fireplace chimney breasts are a classic location for stone cladding, but caution must be taken depending on the type of stove you plan to install. This project features Cream Sandstone Cladding around an electric stove, adding a rustic and inviting look to the room. While this design works beautifully with electric appliances, it’s essential to consult a professional before using stone around wood-burning stoves due to higher heat output. We recommend this as inspiration only for electric fireplace surrounds.
Planter walls are an often-overlooked but incredibly impactful area for cladding. These raised beds provide structure to your outdoor space, and with the right finish, they can become key design features. Here, Blue Diamond Z Stone Cladding has been applied to capped planter walls, tying in perfectly with the patio and even offering informal seating for guests. The rugged stone texture contrasts beautifully with the greenery, giving the space depth and dimension
Cladding a shed or garage is a great way to tie your whole project together, especially if you’ve already used stone on the house. In this example, Kilkenny Limestone Cladding gives the shed a clean, finished look that matches the main building. It’s also a smart way to use up leftover stone or cover smaller walls without needing too much extra material. When it comes to building or renovating, it’s the extra touches like this that turn a nice home into a standout one.
Why choose Stone Cladding
- Adds texture, depth and natural beauty to any wall
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications
- Available in a variety of colours and finishes
- More lightweight than traditional building stone
- Can increase property value and visual appeal
Visit Our Display Area for Inspiration
At Harding Stoneyard, we supply a wide variety of natural stone cladding in various styles, colours, and finishes. Our expert team is here to help you choose the best cladding for your home or garden project.
👉 Visit our display yard to see the full range in person
👉 Chat with our team for advice on installation and maintenance
👉 Get a free quote and nationwide delivery
FAQs
We recommend using a specialised product like StoneTec All-In-One Stone Cleaner, available for nationwide delivery from Harding Stoneyard. Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners.
With proper installation and maintenance, natural stone cladding can last several decades. It is highly resistant to weather, wear, and fading.
It is recommended that stone cladding is installed professionally for health & safety reasons. From an installer’s perspective, use a diamond blade angle grinder or wet saw. Always wear protective gear and ensure straight cuts for clean joints.
Costs depend on what product you choose, how much area you’re covering and whether you’re using dry joint (adhesive only) or a full wet joint system with mortar. We recommend talking to ur team to get a full quote including all products needed.
In general, stone cladding is bonded directly onto a block or concrete wall using adhesive like Ardex or mortar. For interiors, dry joint cladding can be glued in place with minimal mess.
