Brick masonry uses manufactured clay or concrete bricks joined with mortar. Stone masonry uses natural or manufactured stone. Brick is usually more affordable and uniform in appearance. Stone offers a natural look and can last even longer. The right choice depends on your budget, your home’s style, and the type of project you are planning.

When planning a home improvement project, one of the first questions you will face is whether to use brick masonry or stone masonry. Both are strong, good-looking, and built to last. But they are different in several important ways. Understanding those differences will help you choose the right material for your home and your budget.

What Is Brick Masonry?

Brick masonry is a building method that uses manufactured clay or concrete bricks joined together with mortar. Bricks come in uniform sizes, which makes them easy to install and widely available. It is one of the most common building materials used in homes across the country.

Bricks are made by shaping and baking clay or a mix of concrete and other materials. Because they are manufactured, every brick is nearly the same size and shape. This makes them faster to lay and easier to source locally. Brick comes in many colors, from deep red to tan and brown, giving homeowners several options to match the look of their home.

Brick masonry is commonly used for:

• Home exteriors and facades
• Fireplaces and chimneys
• Patios and walkways
• Retaining walls
• Mailboxes and decorative columns

What Is Stone Masonry?

Stone masonry is a building method that uses natural rock or manufactured stone, joined with mortar or stacked without it. Stone comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. It has a natural, organic look that is difficult to replicate with other materials.

There are two main types of stone used in masonry:

• Natural stone – Real rock cut or shaped from quarries. Common types include granite, limestone, sandstone, and fieldstone.
• Manufactured stone – Concrete pieces shaped to look like natural stone. It is lighter in weight and usually costs less than real stone.

Stone masonry is commonly used for:

• Home exteriors and accent walls
• Fireplaces and hearths
• Outdoor patios and steps
• Garden walls and retaining walls
• Landscape features and water features

Brick Masonry vs. Stone Masonry: Key Differences

Appearance

Brick has a clean, structured look. Its uniform shape gives walls a neat, consistent appearance that works well with both traditional and modern home styles.

Stone has a more natural, textured look. No two pieces are exactly alike, which gives stone structures a unique, handcrafted feel. Stone suits rustic, cottage, and craftsman home styles particularly well.

Cost

Brick is generally the more affordable option. Because bricks are made in large quantities, they are easy to find and consistent in price.

• Brick materials: $6 to $10 per square foot
• Brick installation: $10 to $20 per square foot

Natural stone costs more because it must be quarried, cut, and transported. Manufactured stone falls in the middle, costing less than real stone but slightly more than brick.

• Natural stone materials: $15 to $30 per square foot
• Manufactured stone materials: $8 to $15 per square foot

Durability

Both materials are extremely durable. Brick can last 100 years or more with proper care. Natural stone can last even longer. Some stone structures built hundreds of years ago are still standing today.

The main difference is how each material handles moisture and temperature changes. Brick is porous, meaning it absorbs water. In climates with freezing winters, that absorbed water can expand inside the brick and cause cracking over time. Stone is generally denser and handles moisture better, though this depends on the type of stone.

Maintenance

Brick needs regular mortar attention. Joints typically need repointing every 25 to 30 years. Brick surfaces can also develop white staining over time, which requires periodic cleaning.

Stone generally needs less maintenance. Natural stone is dense and slow to wear down. However, the mortar joints in stone walls still need attention over the years, and some stone types may need sealing to protect against staining and weather damage.

Best Uses by Project Type

ProjectBetter ChoiceReasonHome exteriorEitherDepends on style and budgetFireplaceEitherBoth perform well with heatPatioBrickUniform shape makes flat surfaces easierRetaining wallStoneHeavier weight improves stabilityMailbox or columnBrickEasier to build in precise shapesGarden or landscape wallStoneNatural look suits outdoor settingsOutdoor kitchenEitherComes down to personal preference

Which One Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing between brick and stone comes down to three things: your budget, your home’s style, and the specific project you have in mind.

Choose brick masonry if you:

• Want a lower upfront cost
• Prefer a clean, consistent look
• Are working on a project that needs precise sizing
• Live in an area where brick contractors are easy to find

Choose stone masonry if you:

• Want a natural, one-of-a-kind appearance
• Are willing to spend more for a premium finish
• Are building something that blends into a garden or landscape
• Want material that needs very little long-term care

If you are still unsure, a qualified masonry contractor can review your home and give a recommendation based on your style, local climate, and budget. Many projects also look great with a combination of both materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brick or stone stronger? 

Both are very strong. Natural stone is denser and handles heavier loads well. Brick is strong enough for almost all standard home projects when properly installed.

Can I use both brick and stone in the same project? 

Yes. Many homeowners combine brick and stone for a custom, layered look. A skilled mason can blend both materials in a single design without any problem.

Which material adds more value to a home? 

Both add real value. Natural stone tends to have a higher perceived premium because of its unique look. Brick adds strong curb appeal and is well regarded for its durability and low maintenance over time.

Which material is easier to repair? 

Brick is generally easier to repair. Replacement bricks are uniform in size and easy to source. Matching natural stone for repairs can be harder, especially for older or less common stone types.

Does climate affect which material I should choose? 

Yes. In areas with very cold winters, denser stone types often handle freeze and thaw cycles better than brick. Ask a local mason which material performs best in your specific climate before making a decision.