Natural stone is a refined and durable material that can add elegance and luxury
to any interior or exterior. The variety of colors, textures and shapes makes it a universal solution for facing walls, floors, facades, fireplaces and other elements.
However, with such a variety of types and characteristics of natural stone, making the right choice can be difficult. In this article, we will share useful tips to help you choose the perfect stone for your project.
1. Decide on the type of stone
The most common types of natural stone for facing:
* Granite: strong, wear-resistant, resistant to temperature changes and chemicals. Ideal for facing facades, plinths, stairs.
* Marble: elegant, with elegant patterns. It is used for facing walls, floors, fireplaces.
* Limestone: soft, pliable to finish. It is well suited for interior cladding.
* Onyx: a translucent stone with expressive veins. It is used for creating panels and lighting.
* Slate: has a structure that gives an interesting visual effect. It is used for facing walls, fireplaces, fences.
2. take into account the specifics of operation
* Location: for outdoor work, it is recommended to use strong and weather-resistant stones, such as granite, slate. Softer and more decorative stones, such as marble and onyx, are suitable for interiors.
* Intensity of loads: for floors and stairs, it is better to use wear-resistant stones with high density, such as granite.
* Exposure to moisture: in areas with high humidity (bathroom, kitchen), it is recommended to use water-resistant stones, such as granite, marble with hydrophobic impregnation.
3. pay attention to aesthetics
* Color: choose the color of the stone that will be in harmony with the overall interior or exterior design.
* Texture: smooth, rough, polished, butchered - the texture of a stone can dramatically change its visual and tactile characteristics.
* Size: large slabs visually expand the space, and a mosaic of small elements can create interesting patterns.
4. Follow the installation rules
Facing with natural stone is a complex process that requires special knowledge and skills. Entrust your work to qualified specialists to get high-quality and long-lasting results.
5. lining care
To preserve the beauty and durability of natural stone, it needs proper care. Regularly clean the stone from dirt, using special tools. To protect against damage, it is recommended to use impregnation.
6. Budget
The cost of natural stone can vary significantly depending on its type, characteristics, place of extraction and processing. When choosing a stone, consider your budget so that you don't exceed your planned expenses.
7. samples and visualization
Before buying a stone, it is recommended to look at the samples in the store or in the supplier's warehouse. This will help you better imagine how the stone will look in a real interior or exterior.
You can also use online visualization services to see how the stone will look on your wall, floor, or facade.
8. environmental friendliness
Natural stone is an environmentally friendly material. However, some types of stone may contain impurities of radioactive substances.
Before buying a stone, it is recommended to check its radioactivity certificate to make sure that it is safe to use.
9. delivery and storage
Natural stone is a heavy material, so it is important to properly organize its delivery and storage.
Contact your stone supplier to take care of transporting and unloading the stone. Store the stone on a flat, dry surface to avoid damaging it.
10. Trust trusted suppliers
Buy natural stone from trusted suppliers who have a good reputation and can provide you with quality certificates for their products.
By following our advice, you will be able to make the right choice of natural stone for facing, which will delight you with its impeccable appearance for many years to come.
