3 Sophisticated Exterior Wall Finishes to Consider When Designing a Home

Determining the exterior wall finish you want when you are designing a home is an important aspect to think carefully about. Choosing the right material is essential because its main function is to protect the rest of the house from external forces that could potentially damage the interior of your home. Here are some common exterior wall finishes to consider.

Wood and Stucco

The use of wood for the exterior wall has several advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of a wood finish is that it is easy to work with. The wood is easy to cut, shape and install. One disadvantage of using wood is it is prone to attracting termites, woodpeckers and rot. Stucco is another popular exterior wall finish. One benefit of using stucco is that it’s durable and long-lasting. The disadvantage of a stucco finish is that it can be pricey and not an ideal option for homes in wetter locations.

Stone

A natural stone exterior wall finish is another popular option to consider. Some advantages of a natural stone finish are that it is weather- and fire-resistant. Normal wear and tear that occurs over time do not affect homes with stone exterior walls. A natural stone finish is very stylish and elegant as well. Several drawbacks of a stone exterior are the installation time is longer, and costs for materials and labor are higher. As Stonegate Custom Homes points out, stone finishes stand up well to fading and weathering, providing a solid, even appearance to the exterior of a home for years to come.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement is yet another material used for the exterior of a building or house. It is typically made of clay, cement, pulp and sand. There are many pros and cons of fiber cement. The advantage of fiber cement is that it is low maintenance and very sturdy. It protects the home against rot, termites and vermin. The disadvantage of using this material that it is very heavy, and as a result, it will take more manpower to construct. This increase in labor and the use of special installation tools and hardware could cause the project to become costly. Homes that use fiber cement will also need some maintenance, like repainting, in the future.

Picking the right exterior finish is critical not only for decorative reasons, but also to ensure optimal longevity of your humble abode.