Adding stone to the exterior of your home can punch up the wow factor, for less than you might think

By Laura Briedis

“If you can envision it, we can create it,” says Ronnie Stout, owner of Custom Stone House. With a design center, its own manufacturing plant and expert installers, this locally owned company is sprucing up homes with new stone facades, foundation wraps and backyard hardscapes. By doing it all—design, manufacture, and install—the company gives homeowners endless possibilities when it comes to home remodeling or new construction.

And with 1,500 color possibilities, you never have to worry about having the same stone your neighbors have.

“We offer thousands of custom style and color options—from Roman quarry to stacked stone to limestone,” says Ronnie. “By manufacturing our own stone, customers can customize their stonework instead of picking from stock colors. You can get a lot more creative when custom designing your own stone.”

In its Medina showroom, there are sample boards that offer a starting point, along with a palette of 40 different colors, to help you hone in on your color preferences. After you select your color and style, your stone is manufactured at the company’s plant in Lodi.

When Ronnie started the company in 2015, he wanted to offer an affordable option for homeowners by cutting out the middleman. “We have wholesale prices, so rather than going through a supply store you get a better price directly from us,” says Ronnie. “Plus, we offer everything in-house, from helping you design the stonework, manufacturing the stone and installing it.”

Custom Stone House works directly with homeowners who want to remodel their homes, as well as partners with Drees Homes, K. Hovnanian Homes and 19 other Northeast Ohio custom home builders to supply stone for new construction.

You don’t have to cover your entire home in stone, as it makes a stunning accent piece for any home interior or exterior.

“One way to dress up your home is installing a foundation wrap,” says Ronnie. “This is an inexpensive way to improve curb appeal, as the stone is applied over the exposed foundation cinder blocks to spruce up your home and increase its value.”

The company specializes in removing old siding and refacing your house with stone, mixing different styles and colors for one-of-a-kind home exteriors.

And over the past couple of years, the company also has been installing more backyard hardscapes.

“With everyone staying home more, we have been turning backyards into fun hangout areas,” says Ronnie, who was a standout baseball pitcher at Medina High School and played professionally in the San Francisco Giants organization before starting his own business. “We can design and build any hardscapes, including outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, fireplaces, stone mailboxes and retaining walls.”

Stone is also a popular option for your home’s interior. Whether a fireplace, bar counter facade or accent wall in the basement, stone adds an architectural design element anywhere.

Custom Stone House is located at 107 N. Court Street in Medina. Hours are by appointment, Monday-Saturday. For a free in-home estimate, call 330-635-2319 or visit CustomStoneHouse.com.