Choosing the right natural stone for your home can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types, their unique qualities, and how they fit your design vision.
This guide will help you make informed decisions about natural stones, from elegant marble to sturdy granite, with a focus on Egyptian marble and granite. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to consider when picking the best stones for your needs and style.
Understanding The Specifications of Natural Stone
What Are Natural Stones?
Natural stones are those materials that have been extracted directly from the earth’s crust, surfacing as nature’s bounty in their natural state. As opposed to the human-engineered or human-manufactured synthetic counterparts, natural stones retain their intrinsic attributes and characteristics that have taken thousands of years to formulate. The most common kinds of natural stones that you may come across include:
- Granite: is hard, durable, and great for countertops, floors, and outdoor projects. Its unique crystalline structure creates colorful, complicated patterns that stand out.
- Marble: is softer than granite but adds a touch of elegance and luxury. It’s often used for countertops, wall cladding, and decorative pieces, enhancing the beauty of any space.
- Limestone: a sedimentary rock, works well in construction and landscaping. Its earthy tones and natural look can be polished for a smooth finish or left rough for a more rugged style.
- Sandstone: another sedimentary natural stone, is known for its warm colors and natural textures. It’s popular for outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, and walkways due to its beauty and durability.
- Slate: a metamorphic stone, is tough, water-resistant, and ideal for flooring and roofing. It can handle harsh weather, making it a favorite for both homeowners and builders.
Why Choose Natural Stone?
Natural stones have some advantages: aesthetic appeal, since every natural stone is different in its appearance; durability, as most natural stones are very strong; versatility, because they can be used in a variety of applications, including countertops, flooring, walls, and outdoor spaces; and eco-friendliness, as they are mined from nature, so their environmental impact is much less than that of synthetic materials.
Increased Property Value: The presence of natural stone features in any house significantly boosts its value, making it more lucrative and highly desirable to buyers who seek special and superior characteristics.
Choosing the Right Natural Stone
1. Know Your Needs
Before venturing out on your trip to buy stones, you need to pay heed to your specific needs. You should consider the following points:
- Functionality: How will you use the stone? Will it be a beautiful countertop, durable flooring, exquisite wall covering, or perhaps a stunning outdoor feature?
- Location: Where is the stone going to be located? Is it going to be indoors in the kitchens and bathrooms, where it is supposed to look good, or outdoors in the patio and walkways, where it has to withstand the weather conditions?
- Maintenance: Are you willing to take on the responsibility of maintaining the stone surfaces, or would you prefer options that require little to no maintenance at all?
2. Know Your Style
Having a clear view of your personal style preference will go a long way in helping you make the appropriate choice when it comes to determining the most suitable stone. Here are some popular design styles that you may want to consider:
- Traditional: These are classic designs that often use materials such as marble and granite, usually featured in rich, deep colors that scream elegance and never-ending charm.
- Modern: This style boasts sleek and minimalist looks, which often favor light-colored stones or unique and catching patterns that give a modern touch.
- Rustic: This design incorporates natural stones that have rough textures and earthy tones, which makes them well suited for country-style homes where a warm and cozy environment is preferred.
- Contemporary: A fusion of both modern and traditional elements that can include the use of various stone types.
3. Consider Your Stone Choices
When looking at stones, consider its type. Here are a few of the most well-known ones:
Egyptian Granite
Egyptian granite is highly durable and available in various colors and patterns. Popular types include:
Red Aswan: A vibrant red stone with intricate patterns, great for countertops.
Black Aswan: A deep black granite with golden specks, perfect for a dramatic look.
Egyptian Marble
Egyptian marble is highly regarded for both its quality and beauty. It also comes in so many different colors and patterns that make it a staple for many designs. More specifically, some of the most known Egyptian marble types include :
Emperador Marble: Dark brown with white veins, ideal for luxurious applications.
Galala Marble: The light cream shade with discreet veining is ideal to brighten up spaces.
4. Check the Durability
The durability of stones, especially in high-traffic areas, should be highly considered. Generally speaking, granite is more durable than marble because it is harder. If you are looking to install stones for countertops, consider how much wear and tear they will endure. Here are the factors to be considered:
- Hardness: Use the Mohs scale of mineral hardness as a guide to scratch resistance. Granite is higher on the scale than marble.
- Stain Resistance: Certain types of stone are better at resisting stains, such as polished granite. If not sealed properly, marble can be more prone to staining.
- Scratch Resistance: Granite will tend not to scratch as much as marble, so it would hold up better in high-traffic kitchens.
5. Look at the Finish
The finish will impact the appearance and maintenance of the stone. Here are common finishes to consider:
Leathered: A textured finish that adds depth and hides fingerprints. It’s a good option for those seeking a unique look.
Polished: Creates a glossy surface, enhancing color and depth. However, it may require more maintenance to keep it looking pristine.
Honed: A matte finish, less slippery, and better at hiding scratches; ideal for high-traffic areas.
6. Budgeting
Setting a budget is essential when selecting stones. Natural stones can vary significantly in price, so consider the following:
- Material Cost: Prices for stones can range from affordable to premium, depending on type and quality. Egyptian marble and granite are often competitively priced for their quality.
- Installation Costs: Factor in the cost of installation. Complex installations may require more labor, increasing the overall price.
- Maintenance Costs: Consider the long-term maintenance costs, including sealing and cleaning products.
7. Source Quality Stones
When purchasing stones, source them from reputable suppliers. Here are some tips:
- Research Suppliers: Look for suppliers with good reviews and a solid reputation in the stone industry.
- Visit Showrooms: Try to see the stones in showrooms, if possible, to observe their appearance and quality.
- Ask for Samples: Request samples to observe how the stone will look under your house lighting and with other materials.
8. Seek Professional Guidance
Professional help can make your process easier. Consider the following services:
- Interior Designers: They can guide you in choosing the right stones that fit your design vision.
- Architects: They can give you an idea about what works best for structural applications.
- Contractors: They can walk you through the installation process and help you understand maintenance.
9. Test Before You Buy
It is also prudent to test the stones before making a final decision. Here is how:
- Stain Test: Place a small amount of liquid on the stone to see if it stains. This is imperative for kitchen countertops.
- Scratch Test: Scratch the surface lightly with a coin to gauge how easily it scratches. This will give you an idea of its durability.
10. Make Your Purchase
After selecting your stones, it is time to proceed with the purchase. Here are things to keep in mind:
- Review the Contract: Ensure that the contract stipulates everything clearly, including costs, delivery dates, and installation details.
- Check for Warranty: Look for warranties on the stones, especially for countertops and flooring.
- Schedule Delivery and Installation: It is vital to coordinate well with your contractor to ensure that the delivery of materials and the installation process are done promptly.
Conclusion:
The right choice of stones can definitely develop the aesthetic value and functionality of a home. You can make informed decisions by taking your time to understand the different types of stones, setting your needs accurately, and cooperating with qualified professionals who will not only reflect your personal style but also enhance the quality and ambiance of your living space.
Keep in mind, whether you go for Egyptian marble to add elegance or Egyptian granite to provide strength, the right stones can really turn your home into a masterpiece.
Enjoy Happy stone shopping with Shawkatstone!