Humans have used natural stones in their homes for centuries. With the advent of alternative materials, the use of natural stone has dropped. It is still considered a premium building material in many areas. However, improvements in quarrying and cutting technologies are bringing the prices down.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that natural stone tiles in homes are very popular right now. There are a bewildering number of options when it comes to natural stone – marble, granite, soapstone, quartz, etc. So how do you choose which stone will best serve your needs?
Pros and Cons of Using Natural Stone
There are many advantages to using natural stone as a construction material. For one thing, it is very durable. It will last for ages with no sign of cracks, chips, or other marks. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and even patterns. Stone tiles look visually pleasing and require very little maintenance. You can also find everything from budget to very luxurious options in natural stone tiles.
But that doesn’t mean using natural stone is without disadvantages. Natural stone floors are hard. It means children or elderly people are more likely to hurt themselves from a fall. Depending on the material, stone can be expensive to install and transport. Some natural stone will also develop a patina over the years. Not all homeowners will like this. Stone floors can also be cold and slippery, which can make it unsuitable for colder weather.
Fortunately, selecting the right material can alleviate many of these drawbacks. You should also consider where you want to use the natural stone tiles. Some materials are suitable for work surfaces such as kitchen countertops. Others are better for decorative purposes like pool decks or patio paving.
The costs of different types of stone can also fluctuate. Be sure that the material you select fits within your budget. See if you can use less of the material in smaller areas if budget is an issue. For instance, use more expensive material for the backsplash or create patterns with it. For bigger areas like countertops, go with a more economical option.
Popular Types of Natural Stone
As with any other design element, there are definite trends to the type of natural stone that is popular at present. Granite, marble, and quartz are some of the most trendy options in the market today.
Marble
Marble is extremely versatile when it comes to colors and patterns. White marble is the most common and is what people think of when you say marble. But it can come in various shades of colors as well. Whatever be your decor theme, you will be able to find a marble that suits it. It also imparts a sense of luxury to any home.
Unfortunately, it is a soft stone and more porous than others. So even though it is very popular for kitchen countertops, you may want to reconsider your decision to use it there. If you cook a lot or have young children, it may not be the best idea to use marble in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
However, with a little bit of maintenance, marble can be a good choice. Be quick to mop up spills especially acidic ones like lime juice. With regular sealing, your marble surfaces will last you a long time. Read this post for a more in-depth look at marble.
Granite
Granite is currently the most popular choice for kitchen countertops. It is much harder than marble, meaning it won’t scratch or chip easily. That makes it good for hard-working surfaces like kitchen counters. It’s also easy to clean and will last a lifetime. Just like marble, granite also comes in a wide variety of colors.
But granite is very heavy which makes installation slightly problematic. If you or the contractor doesn’t have much experience with it, the process can go wrong quickly. Since it’s a hard wearing material, you can also use it in other areas such as bathroom floors.
Quartz
Quartz is the third option available to you. It is often more affordable than granite or marble. It is also durable, just like granite. But it needs proper sealing to make it spill resistant. Quartz tiles tend to be shiny and give an air of opulence to any room. However, it can dull over time. You should also be careful while cleaning it so you don’t lose the shiny finish.
As you can see, each type of stone has its benefits and disadvantages. Choosing the right stone for your project and space can be daunting. Important to remember your requirements and match find a stone that fits those needs. So head on over to your local showroom and shop with confidence!
