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

Nowadays, stones serve a very different purpose than they did back then. However, stones are now geared toward more homely intentions.

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. In this article, your trusted flooring installation company in Calgary, Floor Trendz, shares 9 tips for choosing the best natural stone for your home.

1. Pick the Right Stones for the Right Rooms

There are many different types of stones, and each one has a particular 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. Granite can be used for countertops, island tops, wall backdrops, etc. When installed with taste and care, granite can truly give an area new life. 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 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 idea for your room. You need a theme. Sometimes, having similar or opposing shades and textures can help offset a space in a 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 significantly affect 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 impact of each prospective stone, you can better match it to the room you want to allocate it to. Here are a few effects of specific stones:

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

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

5. Decide on the Surface Finishes

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

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

6. Check the Hardness of the Stone

The rough and tough texture of the stone indicates 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 are that 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:

• Splitting - Stones have layers; if the attachment between those layers is meek, they 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, it’s best to stay away from that kind of rock as it is not durable enough.
• Cracking - Certain Cracks have occurred independently and 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 rocks' veneers can ruin their surfacing. These 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 rock's liquid absorption abilities.

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, staying away from acid-responsive stones in high blemish-susceptible spaces like BBQs or kitchens is a good idea. On the other end of the spectrum, dingier rock tones 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 against increasing strength. Stones such as marble and granite rate the highest on this test. 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 can handle and manage high pressure without being crushed by the force.

The Beauty of Natural Stone in Your Home

There are many variables when it comes to choosing the proper stone for your home. At Floor Trendz, we sell and install all types of natural stone products for home and flooring solutions. These include kitchen backsplashes, bathroom backsplashes, fireplaces, floors and any other stone application.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, get in touch with our team. We look forward to hearing from you!