The Wonders Of Natural Stone & Why We Use Them

Why do I like natural stones, what are some of its benefits and how is it used today? I am a fan of natural stones with all of their unique qualities, durability, elegance and the fact that they are environmentally friendly. There is no need to worry because these stone do not release toxins or chemicals into your home.

Stone is a formidable material that excites me with its colouring and grain. With its multitude of hues, stone allows us to use it in an overabundance of design. The uniqueness of each stone gives homeowners the security of knowing wherever they use it, no other home with have the same exact look. Stone not only adds uniqueness and a rich beauty to a home, but adds great value.

Standing the test of time, natural stones are formed by tremendous pressures under the earth.   Natural stone has been an essential force in the construction from the beginning of time and for our nation today. From the Ancient Romans using travertine to construct the majestic coliseum to the limestone pillars of the White House. Natural stone has played a fundamental role in the building of societies. The societies that have used stone to build homes, build commercial architecture and have used it to safeguard their religions. Most of the Renaissance and Baroque churches were clad in and decorated with travertine. Stone is a formidable material that excites me with its coloring and grain. With its multitude of hues stone allows us to use it in an overabundance of design.

Countertops, flooring, showers, fireplaces and patio tiles are a few places to use natural stone in your home and here are a few pictures showing how we have used it in our designs.

Many homeowners enjoy the process of selecting a specific piece of stone to be cut for their countertops. Unlike many man made products out there, natural stones each have their own story to tell with their movement, variations and the very fact of being created millions of year ago.

  

Granite is memorizing with its multitude of small mineral flecks and endless variations. It is probably the hardest natural stone out there. Granite is resistant to heat, stains and it’s not susceptible to scratches. These are a few reasons why homeowners and builders choose granite over other natural stone options.

Quartzite is a common stone for countertops. In their purest form, these elements are light in color and range from grey to peal white. It is becoming a big stone contender of 2015 and moving ahead of last year’s favorite, quartz, which is manmade. I love its uncanny resemblance to marble without the drawbacks of easily staining.

 

Marble has extraordinary patterns and stunning colors. It’s a metamorphic rock resulting from the recrystallization of limestone. Unlike many other stone flooring maters, marble is able to take an extremely high polish. When polished it’s extremely lustrous, smooth and dramatic. A slight glowing quality will arise when this natural material is placed under the right light. When sculptures are made of this stone it takes on a translucent quality. Remember Marble is porous and should have a quality sealer to prevent staining.

   

Did you know the Trevi Fountain in Rome is made from travertine? It has become a very popular building material because of its durability and versatility.. From bathroom walls to your outdoor pool deck it’s a natural stone that can be used in countless ways. The aesthetic value holds true which makes it a beautiful option for any area of your home. Travertine can be porous, so be careful not to place it where there are high levels of oil that will soak into it. Because of its porous nature and great ability to soak in water, it’s a great option for your bathroom or outdoor patio.

 

When we want an earthier more natural look, we choose limestone. Popular uses for limestone include flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding, backsplashes and fireplaces. It is a stone that is cold in nature and is formed over time from shells and fossils that have been compacted by pressure. You must be careful with the placement of this stone though, it can scratch easily and is very sensitive to acids.