Why Use Natural Stone

Posted on 26th March 2021

If chosen correctly, natural stone for walling, paving and flooring can be the stand out material for use in the home. Natural stone has been used for hundreds of years and is long-lasting, unique and provides a wide range of design possibilities.

Natural stone is a versatile and aesthetic high-performance material that is exceptionally cost-effective for use on both the exterior and interior of your home over the long term.

Natural stone and slate products for use as tiles and paving are natural products of the earth, the original green building material. It does not require other materials or resources to create it. There is a wide range of different marbles, slates, sandstones, limestones and many more that you can choose from, all with different veins, textures, colours, shapes, and technical characteristics that make it possible for natural stone to be used in a wide range of applications.

The varying appearance of natural stone results from millions of years of geological change and the mineral composition. Natural stone contains no harmful chemicals or toxins, so you can rest assured that your interior environment will be healthy, an essential component of sustainable design. There are also often many local and regional variations of stone and slate that can be considered during the design and planning stage.

Well-chosen natural stone products used in your home will stand the test of time, which means they will only enhance the value of your home while reducing the need to replace materials over a more extended period.

Stones such as slate, limestone, travertine, and granite will age beautifully and gracefully, providing years of use and enjoyment. Stone can easily stand up to high traffic and use in areas such as courtyards, foyers, kitchens, and bath rooms, and can be designed to last for over 50  years.

When you compare materials, consider them from a life-cycle cost perspective. Even if natural stone is more expensive initially, it will more will normally more than pay for itself and reduce future costs compared to other materials that need to be repaired or replaced frequently.

If maintained properly, natural stone will last for years and reward you with its beauty. There is are a wide range of fabrication options and finishes that can be applied to natural stone that will also enhance its performance, including extending its life, resisting weather and wear and tear. Most stones can simply be cleaned with mild dish soap and water, but there are also cleaners made specifically for natural stone that are affordable and easy to use. Many of these cleaners are approved to meet sustainability standards, which means they contain no harmful chemicals and won’t pollute the environment. For more information, contact us via enquiries@stoneandsurfaces.co.uk

The choice to design with natural stone is a very personal one, but sustainability should be considered to help with the decision-making process. Talk to an experienced stone professional about your goals and the specific needs for your project so that you can make the most sustainable choice, one that you will also enjoy for many years to come.