9 Tips for Choosing Natural Stone for Your Home

November 20, 2021

Did you know stones were some of the very first materials we used to construct homes, buildings, and tools with? Even in those primitive times, humans recognized the value that stones possessed. The ability to shelter loved ones from intruders as well as protect us from the elements were invaluable qualities that stones offered us in ancient times.

Nowadays, stones serve a very different purpose than they did back then. This is not to say that they aren’t still used for similar objectives -- they most certainly are. However, stones are now geared toward more homely intentions.

In fact, many people today use them as decorations or conversation pieces in their homes. They add a level of formality and distinctness to the decor of a room.

If you’ve ever thought of accessorizing your space with some natural stones, then keep reading. Because in this post, we will share with you 9 tips for choosing a natural stone for your home.

1. Pick the Right Stones for the Right Rooms

There are many different types of stones, each one brings with it a particular kind of texture, feel, and overall consistency. Marble, for example, is very smooth and polished, and is often used for flooring in kitchens, hallways, and other spaces in more upscale homes. Granite blends in beautifully with the decor of nearly any kitchen space; it adds a touch of sophistication and can be an amazing addition to your home. Counter tops, island tops, wall backdrops, etc. Granite can truly give an area new life when installed with taste and care. Sandstone is another option, often used for structural components in walls, trim, and columns, you can’t go wrong with it.

2. Create an Attractive Space for Natural Stones

Many stones offer an intrinsic and aesthetic value due to the tactile look they deliver when diligently installed. Creating an attractive view in this manner really comes down to running with a concept or an idea for your room. You need a theme. Sometimes having similar or opposing shades and textures can help offset a space in a very peculiar but beautiful way.

3. Choose the Right Tones for the Stones

When natural mineralogical processes occur, stones receive unique patterns and tones on their surface. The veins and grains naturally imprinted on the stones will play a large role in how these patterns develop and shape themselves. By being attentive to the distinct subtleties of the stone, you will begin to gain inspiration and ideas of where that particular rock should be placed within your home.

4. Choose the Right Effects of the Stone

Patterns, textures, grains and veins all come together to provide each rock with a unique effect. By learning about the effect of each prospective stone, you can better match it to the room you want to allocate it to. Here are a few effects of certain stones:

Rustic Effects - A natural and soil-like effect, mimicking that of the earth.
Elegant Effects - Polished, refined, and concentrated effects.
Inviting Effects - Offers welcoming and inviting vibrations to others, best used for columns and granite tops.
Warm Effects - The whole climate and mood is warm and welcoming.
Casual Effects - A cohesive energy flows through the room.

From here, you use your own personal preference to decide which effect is best suited for your rooms and home.

5. Decide on the Surface Finishes

The Stones’ veneer must be properly treated in order to have that desired look of refinement. You have to pick the right treatment for the surface finishing. Here are a few options for you to consider:

Head Stone Finishing - Best suited for staircases or stepping stones, this finish will clean up the rock and make it presentable.
Sawn Stone Finishing - It smoothes out the surfaces with minor trenches and is best suited for exterior paving.
Flamed Stone Finishing - Delivers a little ruggedness to the top coats of the veneer and makes it useful for outdoor use.
Leather Stone Finishing - Produces billowing surfaces with gentle and easy touch.

6. Check the Hardness of the Stone

The rough and tough texture of the stone is indicative of its ability to be extended and bent. So try not to use power or strength as your benchmark as these guidelines are different for each stone. Important things to consider is you don’t want to use a gentler stone in an area where lots of foot traffic will be present. Additionally, more robust stones such as slate or granite are great options for outside spaces such as driveways, pool decks, patios, etc.

7. Estimate the Longevity of Stones

There are three ways to examine and determine the longevity of a stone, they are as follows:

Splitting - Stones have layers, if the attachment in between those layers is meek, it will easily come apart.
Crumbling - There are grains embedded within stones that produce pockets of mineral deposits. If the connection between the grains is weak and you can open it up. It’s best to stay away from that kind of rock as it is not durable enough.
Cracking - There are certain cracks in rocks that have occurred on their own. These are referred to as fissures, however, human fractures are plain cracks. Be wary when you notice any large fractures as these rocks won’t be a very viable option.

8. Check for Blemish Aversion Qualities

Blemishes or stains on the veneer of rocks can ruin their surfacing. Blemishes can happen because of spills or other incidents. However, liquids are usually the primary source of blemishes and staining. As a result, stain osmosis is connected to the liquid absorption abilities of the rock.

Stones of the Siliceous type, are incredibly impervious to blemishing because of their acid resistant properties. Conversely, stones of the Calcareous type, such as marble retain a strong responsiveness to their structure.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to stay away from the acid responsive stones in high blemish susceptible spaces like BBQs or kitchens. On the other end of the spectrum, dingier tones of rock can hide the little blemishes. Therefore, these stones are better suited for higher blemish susceptible spaces.

9. Estimate Strength Characteristics of Stones

The stone you’re employing has a big responsibility, it has to carry the load and handle the bone crushing weight of the structure it’s supporting. As a result, it would be wise to take the time to properly vet your stones for strength and durability. Two tests are used to determine this:

Flexural Power

It tests the fracturing volume of stones put against increasing strength. Stones such as marble and granite rate the highest on this test. And the higher the rating, the stronger the stone.

Comprehensive Power

This is an estimate of the compressing load. A high level of comprehensive power means that the stone is able to handle and manage high pressure without being crushed by the force.

Are You Ready for Your Stone Upgrade?

There are many variables when it comes to choosing the proper stone for your home. With all the factors you must consider, it can be a difficult decision to make. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, get in touch with us today! We look forward to hearing from you.

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