Did you know that 75% of homeowners say a home’s exterior, aka curb appeal, is the biggest deciding factor when making a purchase? Few materials match Indiana Limestone’s timeless elegance and versatility, meaning it might be the perfect solution if you’re looking to boost your property’s exterior aesthetics and value. 

Limestone House Exterior: Creating a Lasting Impression

For nearly 200 years, Indiana limestone has been chosen for iconic structures like the Biltmore Estate, the National Cathedral, and Rockefeller Center. It resists fading, is impervious to freeze-thaw cycles, and requires minimal maintenance.

Limestone for house exteriors has been a hallmark of luxury residences for centuries. Its natural beauty, durability, and weather resistance make it ideal for homeowners looking to make a statement.

Natural stone is a timeless choice for many home-building projects, from fireplaces to kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. Limestone from Polycor’s North American quarries is locally produced, sustainable, and has a proven track record, having been worked in the Bloomington and Bedford areas of Indiana since the late 1800’s.

Indiana limestone’s neutral and warm tone makes it ideal for any aesthetic: modern, rustic, farmhouse, or minimalist. Plus, thin stone veneer options mean you can incorporate that impactful look in more ways than ever, both inside and outside.

5 Reasons to Choose Limestone for Your Home Exterior

1. Durability: Withstands various weather conditions
2. Low Maintenance: Retains appearance with minimal upkeep
3. Versatility: Can be used in numerous ways to enhance exteriors
4. Thermal Properties: Doesn’t absorb heat, comfortable for outdoor spaces
5. Timeless Appeal: Natural beauty never goes out of style

Project Spotlight: Coastal Elegance by Padula Builders

Nestled along the picturesque Shrewsbury River in Oceanport, NJ, sits a stunning coastal home that is a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise of Lou Padula and his team at Padula Builders. Padula Builders has crafted a residence that seamlessly blends beauty and functionality, exemplifying the high-end craftsmanship for which they are known. It’s also a residence with major curb appeal, built on Indiana Limestone. 

“I like limestone for a couple of reasons,” said Padula. “One is the heat — when it gets hot outside, limestone doesn’t absorb the heat. It’s lighter in color and more walkable. Other stones heat up quite a bit; unless you hose them down often, they can be very hot.”

The heat-resistant properties of limestone were particularly crucial for this project due to the house’s orientation. Padula notes, “The property receives sun all day — morning, afternoon, and evening. You need something that doesn’t absorb as much heat because that would be blistering. The solar reflectance is just better with limestone.”

This project demonstrates how Indiana Limestone can be successfully utilized in a coastal home, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. The use of limestone in various elements — from foundation walls to pavers, pool coping, steps, and treads — creates a cohesive and elegant exterior that withstands the coastal climate while offering comfort and beauty to the homeowners.

Project Details:

• Location: Shrewsbury River, Oceanport, NJ – a coastal region near the ocean
• Key Features:
  • Elevated patio and multi-level pool area
  • Rockford Thin Veneer foundation walls cut in Indiana Limestone around the house
  • Pattern pavers and pool coping throughout the backyard patio and pool
  • Limestone steps and treads at the front entry and around the pool area, stepping down levels and leading to the grass

Limestone Cladding: Blending Form and Function

Limestone cladding, or veneer, offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for exterior walls. These thin slices of quarried stone provide natural beauty with easier installation.

Polycor’s Estate Veneer Series slabs can inspire modern, rustic, or historic designs. They offer the durability, versatility, and pedigree of INDIANA LIMESTONE ‐ FULL COLOR BLEND™, an American classic.

Limestone Patio: The Heart of Outdoor Living

A limestone patio can be the centerpiece of your outdoor space. Large limestone pavers offer a sophisticated, low-maintenance look. Unlike cast concrete, limestone retains its appearance over time.

Limestone pavers come in various sizes, including large stone pavers for visual impact. Polycor offers XL pavers in two sizes and three stone styles: limestone, granite, and marble.

Large outdoor pavers mean fewer joints, sleeker spaces, and quicker installation. Compared to small interlocking concrete pavers, you can lay eight or nine square feet of large paving stones in no time flat.

Enhancing Water Features with Limestone

Incorporating limestone into your pool area can elevate its look and feel, from the deck to the coping. Limestone pool coping offers both aesthetics and functionality. Polycor’s pool coping stays cool to the touch, even in direct sunlight, making it ideal for families.

Natural stone pool coping complements the landscape and is practical and attractive.

Functional Elements: Steps, Treads, and Wall Caps

Limestone steps and treads can create grand entrances or seamless transitions in outdoor spaces. They add functionality and charm to front entries or pool areas.

Solid stone steps and treads outperform alternatives with natural beauty. They’re easy to install and low-maintenance. Polycor offers landscape steps made from solid Indiana Limestone blocks.

Natural stone wall caps protect retaining walls from water damage while providing decoration. Polycor Wall Caps add sophistication to any landscape design.

Available in limestone, granite, and marble, Polycor wall caps complement various materials. Split-face wall caps offer a strong finishing touch to stone wall designs.

Elevate Your Home with Limestone

Incorporating limestone slabs into your home’s exterior is an investment in aesthetic appeal and long-term value. Whether you’re considering a complete renovation or enhancing specific areas, limestone offers versatility and durability to bring your vision to life.

Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Explore Polycor’s wide range of limestone products for your next project. From large patio pavers to intricate cladding, limestone can help create an exterior that stands the test of time and makes a lasting impression in any neighborhood.