Artists, artisans, and architects have been fashioning monuments, sculptures, and artifacts from natural stone for over 5000 years. More recently, technological advances have not only brought the beauty and grace of natural stone right to the doorsteps of modern consumers, but also brought them closer to newer and more innovative applications than ever before.

The value of natural stone

The value of natural stone lies in its obvious qualities. Its durability and strength, the ancient feel, timeless and aesthetic appeals all make natural stone a logical choice for your home project. Additionally, it is eco-friendly, easy to maintain, and adaptable to any style of decor. Used in both interior and exterior applications, a combination of natural stones can create a unique statement and bring an aura of individuality to your home. Limestone and slate together, for example, make an unusual but stylish garden path or exterior facade.

Beautiful flooring and elegant stairways

Nearly all natural stones create beautiful flooring and elegant stairways, adding a distinctive style and providing a backdrop to the decor of your home. Depending on your preferences and tastes, granite or marble is ideal for most areas of the home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Non-slip varieties of marble or granite are available for such applications. Natural stone, like slate, can also be used in areas like the shower or around the tub. Along with limestone, slate is also is also suitable for any kitchen floor.

Natural floor tiles come in variety of sizes and thicknesses in varying qualities. You can choose between many colors, grains, and finishing styles, add borders, and create designs. The possibilities are endless!

Marble and granite wall claddings

Marble and granite wall claddings make for unique and easy-to-maintain interiors, where you can put your feet up and relax after a hard day’s work. When working with natural stone exteriors, be mindful of the weight of the stone. Use non-polished varieties to protect the stone from weathering. Varying hues of slate on the outside walls can look stunning and provide a country feel, while limestone gives off a more contemporary look. Granite or marble exteriors exude a quiet, yet sophisticated elegance.

Slate roofing

Slate roofing is very durable, and can last for centuries – many 1000 year-old buildings in India retain their original slate roofs and floors to this day, and in remarkably good condition.

Hearths and fireplaces

Granite and marble, once again, add a special touch to hearths and fireplaces with their rich texture and natural beauty shining through as they have done for millennia. Granite can really make your at home bar look classy and a beautiful marble vanity top in the bathroom will really bring out the elegance of your tastes. Team these stones with comforting furniture like stools, coffee tables, and decorative shelving.

Due to its aesthetic appeal, hardness, durability and easy maintenance, granite is ideal for kitchen countertops. In the bathroom, granite and marble vanity tops, Jacuzzis, washbasins, tubs , and shower trays add a splash of luxury as you wash away the stresses and strains of your day.

Natural stone in garden

In the garden, you could use practically any natural stone. Granite pathways are popular, especially when complimented with granite lanterns or Japanese basins and sculptures. If you like marble, you could try dotting your garden with fountains, flowerboxes, benches and sculptures for an elegant effect. Limestone pathways in softer earthy hues can add a touch of class, as does slate flagging. Distinguish your garden with slate walls or decorate your patio in slate to add individuality. Entertain your friends and family with an outdoor natural stone kitchen using granite for countertops and floors.

Travertine and slate look very attractive outdoors; slate looks particularly beautiful around your pool or in your driveway. But nothing looks quite as imposing and distinguished as a nameplate in polished granite, perhaps the stylish Black Galaxy.

Natural stone is affordable

Newer innovations give rise to more varied applications everyday. In today’s market, natural stone is very affordable, making it popular with homeowners and increasingly more popular in commercial applications. Granite floors are used at nearly every new airport and in the facade and flooring of new buildings and commercial centers. Most well known hotels also use granite, marble, and other natural stones. After recognizing the durability of natural stone, and without having to sacrifice cost or visual appeal, Civic authorities are beginning to use marble in public places like parks and recreational center – bases of streetlamps, even sidewalks, made of natural stone can be found throughout the country.

Natural stone is here to stay. There are large deposits of granite, marble, and other natural stone across the world. Mining it does not deplete the environment or create hazardous waste. It offers so many benefits without major drawbacks. Couple that with its myriad of modern applications and it is easy to see why people opt for natural stone over its manmade alternatives, which pale in comparison to the versatility and timeless appeal of natural stone.