Natural stone is one of the most durable, durable, eco-friendly and aesthetic materials for indoor decoration. Stone can create a variety of styles and moods, from classic to modern, from rustic to glamorous. Stone can be harmoniously combined with other materials, such as wood, metal, glass, ceramics, fabric and others.
But what types of natural stone exist, what are their features, advantages and disadvantages, and where can they be applied? In this article, we will try to answer these and other questions, as well as give you tips on how to choose and apply natural stone for your project.
Types of natural stone
Natural stone can be divided into two main groups: igneous and sedimentary.
Igneous rock is formed as a result of cooling and crystallization of molten magma or lava. Igneous stones include granite, basalt, diorite, gabbro, pegmatite, Syenite, and others. Igneous Stone has high strength, stability, hardness, fire resistance and durability. Igneous Stone comes in a variety of colors, textures, patterns, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Igneous stone can be used for exterior and interior decoration, creating a unique and cozy interior.
Sedimentary rock is formed as a result of sedimentation and bonding of various particles, such as sand, clay, shells, animal skeletons, plant remains, and others. Sedimentary stones include limestone, sandstone, shale, quartzite, travertine, Marl, dolomite, and others. Sedimentary Stone has low hardness, porosity, moisture absorption, frost resistance and durability. Sedimentary Stone comes in a variety of colors, textures, patterns, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Sedimentary stone can be used for exterior and interior decoration, creating a variety of styles and moods.
How to choose a natural stone
When choosing natural stone for indoor decoration, many factors must be taken into account, such as:
Place of application. Depending on where you want to use the stone, you can choose different types that have different properties. For exterior decoration, you need to choose a stone that is resistant to weather conditions, such as sun, rain, snow, frost, hail, thunder and others. For interior decoration, you can choose a stone that has a more aesthetic appearance, but is not as strong and stable. For the bathroom, kitchen, pool or sauna, you need to choose a stone that is resistant to moisture, temperature, chemicals and biological contamination. For a fireplace, stove, or barbecue, you should choose a stone that is resistant to fire, heat, and smoke.
Interior style. Depending on what style of interior you want to create, you can choose different types, colors, textures, shapes and sizes of stone that will be harmoniously combined with other decorative elements. For a classic style, you can choose a stone that has light, delicate, pastel colors, smooth, even, polished texture, rectangular, square, oval or round shape, small or medium size. For a modern style, you can choose a stone that has dark, rich, contrasting colors, rough, uneven, matte texture, irregular, geometric, abstract or organic shape, large or small size.
For a rustic style, you can choose a stone that has natural, warm, earthy colors, uneven, rough, unpolished texture, irregular, non-rough, natural shape, medium or large size. For a glamorous style, you can choose a stone that has bright, shiny, contrasting colors, smooth, even, polished texture, rectangular, square, rhombic or hexagonal shape, small or small size.
How to apply natural stone
When using natural stone for indoor decoration, you need to follow some rules, such as:
Surface preparation. Before laying the stone, you need to prepare the surface on which it will be attached. The surface must be smooth, clean, dry, solid and free of grease, dust, mildew, mold and other contaminants. If the surface has bumps, cracks, holes or other defects, they must be repaired with putty, priming, waterproofing or other materials.
Glue selection. For laying stone, you need to choose a special glue that is suitable for this type of stone, surface and climatic conditions. The adhesive must have high adhesion, ductility, water resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance and environmental friendliness. The adhesive can be cement, polymer, epoxy, acrylic, silicone or other. The glue can be white, gray, black or colored, depending on the color of the stone and the desired effect.
Laying stone. For laying stone, you need to follow the technology, which depends on the type, shape, size and texture of the stone, as well as on the design that you want to get. The stone can be placed in a row, in a staggered order, diagonally, in a spiral, in a chaotic order, or according to another scheme. The stone can be laid with or without seams, depending on aesthetic and practical requirements. The stone can be laid on the entire surface or only on a part, creating an accent or contrast.
Filling of seams. To fill the joints between stones, you need to choose a special grout that is suitable for this type of stone, surface and climatic conditions. The grout must have high adhesion, ductility, water resistance, frost resistance, fire resistance and environmental friendliness. Grout can be cement, polymer, epoxy, acrylic, silicone or other. The grout can be white, gray, black, or colored, depending on the color of the stone and the desired effect.Stone care. To care for the stone, you need to use special products that are suitable for this type of stone, surface and climatic conditions. The products must be highly efficient, safe, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The products can be detergents, cleaning agents, disinfectants, protective agents, polishes, waxes, or others. Products can be liquid, gel, paste-like, powdered, or other.
