Natural Stones: Applications and Do’s and Don’ts You Should Know

Natural stones have been used by constructors, architects, and designers for ages to embellish the interiors and exteriors of buildings and houses. It is because natural stones offer great appearance, have an appealing shine, and are highly durable. And because of the attractive properties like chip, spill, and heat resistance, these stones are widely used in safeguarding historic monuments and modern-day constructions. Considering such valuable properties of natural stones, market analysts predict that the global natural stone market will generate a revenue of $60,367.30 million and grow at a 5.0% CAGR during the 2022-2030 forecast timeframe.

Top 5 Applications of Natural Stones to Enliven Your Home Decor

Natural stones like limestone, onyx, granite, marble, sandstone, etc. are produced by complex geological processes that are later cooled down to form a solid mineral core. These stones are considered the primer building material because of their uniqueness and beneficial structural properties. Natural stones have limitless design potential and have some green attributes that enhance sustainability.

Here are the top 5 applications of natural stones to enhance your interiors:

1. Feature Walls

Feature walls are considered must-haves these days to add an aesthetic touch to your home. And using natural stones to build one can be very impactful since they can be utilized in a variety of unique designs. Since feature walls hardly get any contact, you can use highly textured natural stones without the fear of abrasion damage or crumbling due to heavy usage.

2. Flooring

Using natural stones for flooring is a great and attractive way to upscale your house décor. Since they come in various sizes, shapes, colors, and types, one can also use a mixed pattern of natural stones to add a little oomph. For flooring purposes, mostly granite tiles are used due to their durability which makes them expensive, but the results never disappoint anyone! Granite tiles look classy and pristine and are resistant to acid damage and spills. And unlike marble tiles that can easily get stained by cleaning detergents, these tiles don’t need much maintenance.

3. Countertops

Granite has been the favorite stone when it comes to contemporary kitchen structures like countertops because it provides a lustrous and luxurious finish. And since granite tiles are available in several colors, the countertops can go with most kitchen designs. Although slate is a cheaper alternative to granite, it can easily get stained by acid burns or coffee spills and are not scratch-resistant.

4. Roofing

For roofing, slate tiles are ideal since they offer a beautiful appearance and can be overlapped easily to create a watertight surface. This overlapping method prevents any leaks and is a cost-effective approach than opting for waterproofing tools like a sealant. Moreover, slate tiles are highly durable and can sustain harsh weather conditions without needing frequent repairs and maintenance.

5. Bathtubs

Since marble is a soft stone and can be molded smoothly, it is ideal for making bathtubs. Additionally, marble gives a lavish look to the structure and doesn’t chip easily, therefore maintaining its elegant appearance. Moreover, marble bathtubs are water-resistant and so, cleaning them doesn’t get backbreaking.

Some Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Natural Stone Surfaces

Although natural stones are highly durable, they need special care to maintain their beauty and elegance. Regular maintenance can preserve such surfaces for many years to come. Here are some do’s and don’ts for cleaning natural stone surfaces:

Should Do:

1. Use area rugs or anti-slip mats for floorings.
2. Mop and dust floors frequently.
3. Clean or blot up the spills immediately to prevent ugly stains.
4. Clean surfaces with stone soap or mild detergents.
5. Clean the surface with clear water and dry it properly.

Shouldn’t Do:

1. Don’t use soft cleansers and dry cleaners, since they’re abrasive.
2. Don’t use bathroom cleaners or tub & tile cleaners since they’re acidic.
3. Don’t use lemon juice or vinegar on limestone, marble, or onyx surfaces.
4. Don’t use worn-out vacuum cleaners; their plastic or metallic attachments can scratch the surface

Enhancing Home Interiors with Natural Stones

Natural stones are highly preferred to redo the interiors not only because they look classy and elegant, but they’re also environment-friendly and durable enough to withstand harsh climates. And with so many uses of natural stones, one can build up a high-end and unique abode for themselves.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.