You have probably seen ancient stone structures like the Great Wall of China or maybe the beautiful stone terraces in Machu Picchu. Even though these monuments are centuries old, they are still standing strong. What is common in these structures? It’s the dry stone walling. No mortar, no cement—just the intact natural stones holding everything together.

 

In modern times, dry stone walling is as relevant as ever. The only change is that now the stones are bonded with the help of mortar to make them stronger. In this blog, we will provide all the important details about this amazing walling technique that can protect and beautify your home with its unique design.

 

What Is Dry Stone Wall Cladding?

 

First, let’s understand what exactly stone cladding is.

 

The home you built with so much love, effort, time and money must be protected, but without compromising its beauty. Thus, home design experts and architects suggest adding a layer of any strong yet beautiful natural stone to the surface of a building or wall. This process, where natural stone is applied to the surface of walls, is called stone wall cladding. It is done to protect a home’s exterior and interior from external calamities. Not only does it act as a protective layer, but it is also decorative. Made of natural stone, it looks extremely elegant.

 

Specifically, talking about dry stone cladding, it is a type of walling technique where each stone is placed in such a way that it fits securely with other stones. It creates a natural interlock. This design gives a stunning look by adding a layer of natural stone to an existing wall or surface with the help of mortar.

 

Why You Should Have Dry Stone Cladding

 

So, why choose this cladding style for your home? Here are some major reasons.

 

1. Adds Aesthetics

 

One of the major reasons homeowners choose this walling style is because of how it looks. This walling design has an old-age vibe that can make your space feel very natural and authentic. This walling works well with all kinds of home designs. You can add pleasing aesthetics to any traditional or modern home. Plus, it also gives a unique feel, as no two stones look similar.

 

2. Durability

 

There is a reason why we can still see old walls made with dry stone centuries ago. This walling style is highly durable and can endure harsh weather conditions like heavy rain and extreme heat. These walls can last beautifully for ages without any wear and tear.

 

3. Great Insulation

 

Natural stones have the ability to remain unaffected by heat. They absorb less heat. This makes dry stone walling a great choice for outdoor spaces. It also provides an additional layer that can help with thermal and sound insulation.

 

4. Easy Maintenance

 

Another perk of dry stone walling is that it requires very little maintenance. You only need to occasionally mop the wall with a pH-neutral cleaner.

 

5. Improved Resale Value

 

As this walling style adds elegance and protects your home for the long term, it increases the resale value of your home.

 

The Best Use Cases

 

Internally, wall cladding is ideal for a living room, fireplace or bathroom accent wall.

 

Externally, stone wall coverings are used to safeguard and add beauty to a building’s facade. You can also install them in retaining walls, garden edges and water features.

 

1. Exterior House Walls

 

Dry stone cladding on the exterior walls of your house can give it an evergreen look. It gives your home a sophisticated modern appearance. It provides strong protection against external calamities. The intrinsic properties of natural stones make this cladding the strongest among other options.

 

2. Garden Walls

 

Dry stone retaining walls and garden boundaries are very popular among garden owners. They are sturdy enough to last for years with minimal maintenance. These walls protect your garden and add an organic touch to it. Also, they blend soothingly with the plants and greenery of the garden.

 

3. Fireplaces

 

If you love the look of natural stone, try using this cladding style around an indoor or outdoor fireplace. It adds a cosy, earthy feel to the space, making your fireplace a real centrepiece. Plus, natural stones are heat-resistant, which makes this cladding a practical and pleasing choice.

 

4. Accent Walls

 

Inside your home, this cladding style can be used to create alluring feature walls. You can keep the remaining walls in neutral shades to highlight the beauty of this lovely cladding style.

 

5. Water Features

 

This cladding style works wonderfully around water features like human-engineered ponds or fountains in outdoor spaces. The natural look of the stones complements the water, giving your outdoor space a serene feel.

Also Read: Build Dry Stone Walling: Step-By-Step Guide

 

Conclusion

 

Dry stone walls in Australia are in high demand due to their charm and practicality. Though being a natural stone, dry stone walling cost can be high; however, the cost of this cladding style is worth the qualities it provides. So, if you are looking for something natural, distinct, strong and low maintenance, this cladding option is definitely worth considering. It offers an extremely sophisticated and connected-to-nature feel.