Mixing Stone and Brick: 11 Inspiring Ideas for Elevated Exteriors

When it comes to elevating a home exterior, mixing stone and brick offers unparalleled versatility and timeless appeal. Whether you’re specifying materials for a high-end residential project or planning a sophisticated landscape, these combinations provide rich texture and depth. From classic red brick complemented by warm sandstone to sleek charcoal brick paired with cool slate stone, each pairing is an excellent choice for creating enduring elegance and cohesion.

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11 Stone and Brick Exterior Combinations for Elevated Designs

Below, we’ve thoughtfully curated 11 stone and brick pairings that demonstrate how texture, color, and form can work together to elevate any exterior project. Whether it’s earthy brown brick with river rock accents or warm terracotta brick with natural travertine, each combination offers a unique aesthetic and performance benefit, inspiring your next high‑end design.

1. Classic Red Brick with Warm Sandstone

Pairing classic red brick with warm sandstone creates a harmonious contrast that suits both traditional and transitional styles. The deep, earthy tones of outdoor brick blend seamlessly with the golden hues of sandstone, elevating the façade without overwhelming the palette. This combination is a solid choice for exterior walls and pathways, offering a slip-resistant surface that works beautifully as a patio floor or driveway in any climate.

2. Rustic Reclaimed Brick with Weathered Fieldstone

Embrace the charm of reclaimed brick (or reclaimed-look brick) and weathered fieldstone for a result that feels both historic and curated. The varied textures of outdoor brick and natural stone play off each other, resulting in a tactile façade that’s ideal for a country estate or rustic retreat. This hardscaping idea is the best option for projects that aim to evoke authenticity, as it will acquire a patina that evolves gracefully over time.

3. Sleek Charcoal Brick with Cool Slate Stone

For a more contemporary exterior project, sleek charcoal colored brick paired with cool slate stone offers a crisp and minimalist aesthetic. The uniform lines of modern brick walls provide the perfect backdrop for the smooth, fine-grained texture of slate. This combination enhances the home exterior with a monochromatic palette that highlights form and shadow, making it an excellent choice for designers seeking a refined and urban-inspired finish.

Mixing Brick and Stone in Exterior Design

Below, we explore just where you can use brick and stone to achieve a cohesive, high‑end exterior, from facades and entryways to water features and garden walls.

Facades and Entryways

When specifying materials for facades and entryways, consider scale and proportion. Use stone and brick in complementary color combinations to frame doors and windows, guiding the eye and enhancing curb appeal. For a cohesive look, match mortar color to the brick hue, and employ natural stone accents around window sills or lintels for a subtle yet impactful design detail.

Steps and Walkways

Steps and walkways demand both aesthetics and functionality. Opt for slip-resistant stone tiles and brick pavers to ensure safety underfoot. Mixing stone and brick here provides visual rhythm and delineation, guiding visitors through the landscape. Select outdoor tile or natural stone varieties that withstand heavy foot traffic and climatic changes, as well, ensuring longevity for the pathway design.

Driveways and Courtyards

Driveways and courtyards benefit from a durable combination of brick pavers and stone tiles. Use brick herringbone patterns for added visual interest, then introduce stone edging or borders for contrast. This approach turns a simple driveway into a hardscape that highlights personal style while remaining practical. It’s the best option for balancing traction, drainage, and visual interest.

Water Features and Garden Walls

Integrating stone and brick into water features and garden walls adds texture and drama. Brick lends structure to retaining walls, while stone accents or capstones create focal points at water edges. Ensure the stone and brick are suitable for wet conditions and are slip-resistant where needed. (Some types of outdoor tile need regular resealing to protect them from excess moisture.) This mix supports both form and function, making it an excellent choice for living areas where hardscape meets landscape.

Tips for a Lasting, Cohesive Look

Finally, as you embark on your next project, be sure to keep these best practices in mind.

Choose Complementary Finishes

Select materials with compatible textures and color undertones. Whether choosing types of stone like granite or limestone, or picking brick with a particular paint color in mind, ensure each element reinforces the overall palette. Swatches and mockups can help verify that the brick wall and stone surface form a harmonious partnership before installation.

Plan for Climate and Maintenance

Different stones and bricks react uniquely to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and sun exposure. Research each material’s durability and maintenance requirements. Natural stone like travertine may need sealing, for example, while some brick types are inherently more moisture resistant. Planning for the climate ensures your project will remain pristine for years to come.

Professional Installation Matters

Investing in skilled masonry expertise guarantees precision in laying patterns, joint consistency, and alignment. Professional installers — especially those who have experience working with artisanal materials — understand how to create bonded transitions between stone and brick, all while maintaining uniform grout lines and preventing differential settling. For a truly elevated exterior, expert installation is non-negotiable.

Mixing stone and brick elevates any outdoor project by combining the durability of natural stone with the timeless appeal of brick. From classic red brick with warm sandstone to edgy gray brick with split-face stone, these pairings deliver texture, contrast, and cohesion all at once. By carefully selecting complementary materials, planning for local climate, and engaging professional installers, you can create a long-lasting and high-end home exterior that meets both design and performance expectations.

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