How to choose natural stone for finishing
Natural stone is one of the most popular and beautiful materials for interior and exterior decoration. It adds an atmosphere of comfort, style and luxury to the House. But how to choose a natural stone that will be in harmony with your design, budget and needs? In this article, we will tell you about the main types of natural stone, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as give tips on how to choose and care for it correctly.
Main types of natural stone
Natural stone can be divided into two large groups: igneous and sedimentary. Igneous rock is formed as a result of the solidification of molten magma that comes to the surface of the Earth or is located under it. Sedimentary rock is formed as a result of the deposition of minerals, organic substances or skeletons of marine animals at the bottom of water bodies or on land.
Igneous stones include:
Granite is the most durable and wear-resistant stone, which has a variety of colors and textures. Granite is ideal for finishing floors, walls, countertops, stairs, facades and landscape design. Granite has a high cost, but it justifies its price with its durability and beauty.
Marble is the most refined and luxurious stone, which has a smooth surface and veins of different colors. Marble is used for finishing walls, ceilings, fireplaces, sculptures and furniture. Marble is very vulnerable to acid, scratches and stains, so it requires special care and protection.
Quartzite is a stone that has a high hardness and resistance to temperature changes. Quartzite has a rich selection of colors and shades, from white to black. Quartzite is suitable for finishing floors, walls, facades and garden paths. Quartzite has an average cost and does not require complex maintenance.
Sedimentary rocks include:
Travertine is a stone that has a porous structure and warm shades, from beige to Brown. Travertine is used for finishing walls, floors, fireplaces and columns. Travertine has a low hardness and resistance to moisture, so it requires impregnation and regular cleaning.
Sandstone is a stone that has a grainy structure and light colors, from yellow to pink. Sandstone is used for finishing facades, stairs, balconies and fences. Sandstone has an average hardness and resistance to moisture, but can lose color when exposed to sunlight.
Slate is a stone that has a layered structure and dark colors, from Gray to black. Slate is used for finishing floors, walls, roofs and landscape design. Slate has a high hardness and resistance to moisture, but can peel and crack.
Advantages and disadvantages of natural stone
Natural stone has many advantages that make it an attractive finishing material:
Aesthetics-natural stone has a unique beauty and Variety that cannot be repeated with artificial materials. It creates an atmosphere of naturalness, comfort and luxury.
Durability-natural stone has high strength and wear resistance, which allow it to serve for tens and hundreds of years. It is not subject to deformation, burnout, rotting and corrosion.
Environmental friendliness-natural stone is an absolutely safe and neutral material that does not emit harmful substances and does not affect the microclimate of the room. It also has thermal insulation and sound insulation properties that help maintain comfort and economy.
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However, natural stone also has some disadvantages that should be considered when choosing it:
Weight-natural stone is a very heavy material that requires a strong base and special equipment for transportation and installation. It can also create an additional load on walls and floors, which requires preliminary calculation and reinforcement.
Price-natural stone is a rather expensive material, which depends on its type, quality, size, color and origin. It also requires additional shipping, handling, and stacking costs.
Care-natural stone requires regular cleaning and protection from stains, scratches, cracks and moisture. To do this, you need to use special tools and methods that are suitable for a particular type of stone. It is not recommended to use abrasive, acidic or alkaline substances that can damage the stone surface.
How to choose the right natural stone
To choose a natural stone that will meet your needs and desires, you should consider the following factors::
Purpose-the choice of stone depends on where you plan to use it: inside or outside, on the floor or on the wall, in the bathroom or in the kitchen, in the living room or in the bedroom. For different rooms and zones, different types of Stone are required, which have the appropriate hardness, stability, hygroscopicity and thermal conductivity.
Design-the choice of stone depends on what style and color you want to create in your interior or exterior. You can choose a stone that will contrast or harmonize with other materials, furniture and decor. You can also choose a stone that will have a different shape, size, texture, and texture to create a more interesting and dynamic effect.
Budget - the choice of stone depends on how much you are willing to spend on its purchase and installation. You can choose a stone that will have a more affordable price but lower quality, or a stone that will have a higher price but higher quality. You can also choose a stone that will have a simpler or more complex laying, which will affect the complexity and time of work.
Conclusion
Natural stone is an excellent finishing material that has many advantages, but also some disadvantages. To choose a natural stone that will meet your needs and desires, you should take into account its type, purpose, design and budget. We hope that our article helped you make the right choice and enjoy the beauty and functionality of natural stone.
