Explore the Key Differences Between Stone Cladding and Brick Slips for Your Home or Garden Project
Whether you’re restoring a period home, designing an extension, or adding a feature wall, two materials stand out: stone cladding and brick slips.
Both deliver the character of traditional masonry while being lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for renovations or modern builds.
At Reclaimed Brick Company, we supply both reclaimed brick slips and natural or reclaimed stone cladding. Here’s how they compare — and how you can combine them to create distinctive, lasting designs.
What They Are Stone Cladding & Brick Slips
Brick Slips
Brick slips are thin slices of genuine brick, typically 20–25 mm thick, cut from either reclaimed or new handmade stock. Once fitted, they replicate the look of solid brickwork with a fraction of the weight.
- Authentic reclaimed or handmade material
- Lightweight & versatile
- Perfect for interior and exterior walls
- Available in a wide range of tones and textures
Explore our Reclaimed Brick Slips Collection and New Brick Slips.
Stone Cladding
Stone cladding is made from thin layers (15–30 mm) of natural or reclaimed stone – limestone, Yorkstone, slate or quartzite – mounted to an existing surface to create the look of full-depth masonry.
- Available as Z Panels, coursed strips or rubble styles
- Equally suited to interior and exterior use
- Durable, weather-resistant and non-combustible
- Available in reclaimed options for heritage projects
View our Stone Cladding Collection
Aesthetic & Design Character
| Brick Slips | Stone Cladding | |
|---|---|---|
| Look & Texture | Warm & consistent | Natural & varied |
| Colour Range | Buffs, reds, charcoals | Creams, greys, silvers & browns |
| Lighting Effect | Subtle shadows and rhythm | Strong depth and contrast |
| Best For | Heritage homes, industrial interiors |
Brick slips suit spaces needing order and uniformity — kitchens, hallways, or commercial interiors.
Stone cladding brings natural irregularity and shadow, ideal for exteriors or statement walls.
The two materials can also complement each other beautifully in the same property.
Installation & Performance
Brick Slips
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Fixed with tile adhesive to brick, block or cement board.
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Joints finished with lime or sand-cement mortar.
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Lightweight enough for interior use without structural work.
Stone Cladding
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Z Panels interlock for quick coverage.
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Rubble cladding fitted by hand for bespoke results.
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Exterior installations may need mechanical support on taller walls.
Z-Panels install almost as quickly as brick slips; rubble styles require more time but add authentic depth and texture.
Durability & Maintenance
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Brick slips: Resist frost and UV damage; require minimal upkeep.
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Stone cladding: Highly durable and fire-safe; optional breathable sealant for porous stones outdoors.
Both are long-lasting, low-maintenance surfaces that age gracefully over decades.
Sustainability and Heritage Value
Reclaimed materials help preserve Britain’s architectural fabric and significantly cut carbon emissions.
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Reclaimed Brick Slips: Cut from historic buildings and re-used.
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Reclaimed Stone Cladding: Repurposed from Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cotswold structures.
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Reduced waste & transport impact: Lightweight formats mean fewer pallets per project.
Both materials can support BREEAM and ESG targets when sourced through RBC.
Learn more in our Sustainability Hub.
When to Choose Each Material
| Project Type | Best Choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen feature wall | Brick Slips | Clean lines and light weight |
| Fireplace or chimney breast | Stone Cladding | Heat resistance & depth |
| Exterior extension / façade | Stone Cladding | Weatherproof & natural variation |
| Garden feature or outdoor kitchen | Stone Cladding | Durable & frost-proof |
| Loft or restaurant interior | Brick Slips | Industrial heritage style |
| Heritage conversion / new build | Combination | Balanced contrast of textures |
The Hybrid Approach – Brick and Stone in Harmony
Using both materials together — not mixed course-by-course, but across different parts of a build — creates natural balance and visual interest. Below are concepts and image placeholders ready for integration.
nspiration & Real-World Applications
Across the UK, architects and homeowners are rediscovering the charm of combining brick and stone in thoughtful, balanced ways.
Rather than mixing them within a single wall, the two materials are often used in complementary zones to highlight contrast, character, and craftsmanship.
Classic British Extensions
Keep the original reclaimed brick façade of a period home intact while finishing a new rear or side extension in stone cladding.
This approach preserves heritage from the street while introducing a light, contemporary look at the back — a design move seen in many Georgian and Victorian homes.
Heritage Conversions
Old barns and farmhouses often feature stone walls with brick detailing around openings and chimneys.
When these buildings are converted, using reclaimed brick slips to echo the original detailing alongside reclaimed stone cladding restores the character without heavy rebuilds.
Interior Texture Pairings
Inside the home, pairing brick slips with stone cladding adds depth and definition.
Try reclaimed brick for a kitchen feature wall or hallway, and use softer stone tones for fireplaces or media walls to introduce contrast and warmth.
Outdoor Spaces
In gardens and courtyards, the combination feels instantly natural.
Use brickwork for planters, seating or outdoor kitchen structures, and stone cladding on boundary walls or water features for texture and durability.
Contemporary Contrast
For new builds, many architects use brick for the main structure and stone for key architectural highlights — such as entrance piers, lower plinths, or landscaping walls.
This subtle pairing grounds modern design in familiar, regional materials.
Ordering Samples
You can order a sample directly from any product page by clicking “Order a Sample.”
Each pack includes three units of that product, sent via premium courier for just £12 (inc VAT).
Comparing brick and stone samples side-by-side is the best way to finalise your choice.
Final Thoughts
Brick slips offer warmth and rhythmic detail; stone cladding delivers depth and natural presence.
When used together in a considered design, they create a material palette that feels authentically British — heritage inspired yet modern in execution.
At Reclaimed Brick Company, you can explore both collections, order samples and speak with our team for expert advice on how to blend brick and stone in your next project.
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