A lot of decisions need to be made quickly when renovating a house. Natural stone for flooring and other fixtures is never the wrong decision though. The trick is on choosing the right stone for your home because it can be a challenge and should enhance the aesthetic of your space. Below are a few ideas for how to use natural stone as a material in any home.
Upgrade Your Place
Stone can be used in any room of the home. The trick is figuring out how it is most effectively used:
- Kitchen: The kitchen needs to be able to withstand a lot of action. It is constantly full of acidic substances, cooking food, chopping with sharp knives, and undergoes spills from a variety of substances. Due to this every kitchen needs to be built to last. Materials used should be resilient and stain resistant. Any homeowner looking to upgrade their kitchen should do research to find the best option for their home and will often find that stone is the best option for their countertops and tables because of the durability. Granite is ideal for kitchens because it is scratch and heat resistant.
- Outdoors: When planning an outdoor patio or terrace, stone tiles and fixture should be the first thing that comes to mind. As we already mentioned, stone is strong, durable and can withstand the elements well, but on an aesthetic level it also suits the natural environment of the outdoors. It fits seamlessly in with backyards while ensuring that is comfortable for everyone. Stone is best utilized as flooring or a platform and a trail. A stone table and chairs could also serve as a statement piece though.
- Fireplace: Brick fireplaces are a classic combination. They are cozy and warm, but another option is to use a stone fireplace mantle. They add a touch of elegance to the space while the stone itself creates luminous depth.
- Bathroom:The bathroom is another room piled full of corrosive chemicals and also experiences build up of scum easily due to soar, water and oil. Spaces between the tiles and cracks in the stone are especially prone to build up, so reducing these spots is crucial for a clean environment. Strong stone material is a great way to reduce the risk of difficult-to-clean cracks and fractures in the tile. Smooth surfaces and stones that are non-porous are also best for washrooms because they won’t absorb unwanted elements.
Natural Stone Options
There are a number of stone options available to choose from. Below are just a few of the most popular:
- Marble: Marble is one of the most popular stone options because of its unique beauty. The veining which occurs in the stone naturally makes it a statement piece for formal and official environments. There is a downside to marble though; its soft and requires more care. It is susceptible to acidic liquids, stains, cracks, chips, and scratches. Due to this it shouldn’t be incorporated into heavily-used areas. It is best for backsplashes, vanities, and mantelpieces.
- Granite: Granite is known for being a incredibly durable and beautiful natural stone. It’s resistance to scratches and chips makes it ideal for kitchens and other high-traffic areas of the house. Homeowners with granite just need to be careful about their cleaning process. They shouldn’t use harsh chemicals because these have the potential to damage the stone.
- Travertine: This stone is distinct for it’s warm and soft tones. It is effective in creating a relaxing, natural environment and is used most often in washrooms and around pools as a result. The issue homeowners face with travertine is that it is a very porous stone. This means that it is prone to cracks and stains. This is combated with regular sealings.
- Limestone: Many homeowners are initially attracted to limestone because of the wide range of natural colours that it comes in. It is a strong stone but is still porous enough that it requires sealing on a regular basis. Limestone is well suited as flooring, in the outdoors, and wall cladding.
- Slate: Slate is always a smart choice to make for almost any part of the home. It is a strong and resistant material which does not stain easily. It comes in a variety of colours and the textured nature of it also means that it is slip resistant.
Aesthetics
- Colours: Stone naturally comes in a range of colours and tones. Nearly any colour you can imagine can be found in stone. This includes everything from pink and yellows, to blues and greens, to gray and black. Not all stones come in every colour so be sure that you’re still getting what you need in terms of durability, but still take it into account. After all the same colour rules still apply to stones. For instance, lighter stone tones will make the space seem bigger while black stone will create a dramatic appearance.
- Patterns: Some kinds of stone have unique appearances. Marble is known for its swirling veins while granite has a colourful pebble appearance. These patterns have distinct effects on the overall look of the room while also adding depth of colour. Be sure you try to visualize the stone in the space to find which one works best for the home.
Conclusion
Anyone considering stone for their home should visit a tile supplier or a few tile stores for more information. Choosing the right stone can be tricky, but it will be worth it in the end because it’ll last for years and years. Don’t hesitate, and start looking today!