Post a picture of your house - is the roof on? I'd like to see that too.

These are both beautiful stones. I don't think you would go wrong with either one of them. The first one has beautiful texture. But because I tend to like earthy reddish/bronze tones, I would choose the second one. But that is just me.

allison, no roof yet, but it is a metal roof--slate gray in color--which is sometimes brown, sometimes gray, depending on the time of day and the angle.

Thanks!

Thanks. Both are great -but I'm partial to #2 since it has warmer tones. I think you need to use more of the gray stones in the mix since you have the slate gray roof. That said, without seeing its color, I'm not sure I wouldn't stick with #1 instead. It leans more towards "slate gray" to me than #2.

How's that for decisive. :D

It's difficult to say because the lighting isn't the same in both of them, but the second one looks slightly more "varied" in color, which I would prefer.

I think I'd go with whichever picks up the most gray to coordinate with your roof.

They're both beautiful!

I prefer #2. It is warmer and more interesting.

I also like #2 because of the many shades. I also think it has more character. When I first saw them, I couldn't pick but when I read that your roof was slate, I immediately chose #2. The one thing I did like about #1 was the varied textures. Hmm! Can they custom a stone just for you?

The color definitely depends on what other colors you have going, but the choice also depends on whether your house 'needs' the texture the first one adds. The 2nd one is more all-over flat, while the 1st offers the pillow-shaped stones as well as flat.

All that said, the 2nd one seems to have more color variation, which I like. Some of the shaping on the 1st one also looks more like cultured stone (more contrived) to me.

I like them both and agree with Allison's statement about the roof color.

However, I think the elevation and style of the house would affect the decision, as well.

demifloyd, the style of the house is a one story Texas hill country.

Thanks!

I vote for #2. It looks more like you would see in Austin or towards Fredericksburg.

Is the mortar in #1 wet? That could affect the look and I think it would work with the roof as well. Very decisive, right? :)

#1 is extremely textured with deep grouting, really grabs the eyes. #2 has a smoother finish. I actually prefer #1's colors to accompany a slate gray roof, but I really think that it is going to be both bulky in appearance and attention-grabbing, possibly to the point of overwhelming the overall exterior. --Wow, isn't that an unsupported opinion, lol! I suppose what I'd like is #1's color in #2's smoother finish, with grouting that is not as deep as #1 nor as flush as #2.

What is the stone going to be used for? Big difference in final effect if it's for an interior fireplace or a short exterior wall skirt or as a tower or as facing for a solid wall. IMO, #1 is going to stand out and try to take over the whole view because the deep grouting and rough texture makes it both massive and get-in-your-face textural; #2 is going to look smoother and more unified because of the opposite. The more square feet in the massed area, the more likely you'll be comfortable with flush grout and smooth faces.

meldy nva, The stone will be used for the entire exterior of the house--one story Texas house (2,800 square feet) and also the interior fireplace.

Thank you all!!

Thanks, trudymom. I miss the hill country--it's time for another trip to Brenham!

Actually, I'm one of those that has to see the lot, etc. before making a decision. They are both beautiful and are perfect for the Texas style and should both work with the gray roof, so I think it's one of those decisions where you can't go wrong once you have it down to these two. One is obviously warmer than the other--the lighter (#1) is to me more intriguing, only because I've seen more of the warmer stone.

It wasn't until we completed our home that I realized there wasn't necessarily a better or perfect choice!

I hope to see photos of your completed home, and good luck.

Both stones are very pretty and classic for your style of house. I vote for #2 because the color seems warmer and more interesting. Although, it could be the lighting that the pictures were taken in. Go with your gut feeling and it will be beautiful!

Okay, I'm going to add to the very decided "undecisiveness" shown on this thread thus far. LOL! I like the variation of colors in number 2 better especially since I've seen how that stone tends to "glow" in a Texas sunset, However, I much prefer the cut of the stones in number 1. The pillow-like cut allows the stone to stick out from the grout rather than being buried in it. Can you get the number 2 stone cut and set like the number 1 stone? To me, that would be the perfect compromise. How's that for a very decided opinion?

I like #2.

I love #2 with the warmth and variation in colors. It looks so inviting...of course, the chair helps!

I like #2 but I would because it looks like my stone! LOL! I am the Texas Hill Country and the stone work is what we get the most compliments on.

So similar, its not worth stressing over.

But I agree that the second is both warmer toned and has a bit wider range of shades, so it would be my choice, too.

I like #1 better because it has much more texture and seems more substantial. It would help to see the whole house. A 2800 sq ft one story house must be HUGE. Can't wait to see it!

I like 2