Stone due to its strength, prestige and aesthetic values is the best choice, despite apparent high price. Following current price tendencies on the market of finishing materials, natural stone is no longer luxurious. As compared to its substitutes – quartz-granite or corian – is often cheaper by even 50 – 100 %.
Natural stone is a monolithic rock. More than a hundred year old roads, bridges, squares and buildings do stand and operate up until now, still managing to enchant with their appearance and timelessness. Stone is an easily recoverable material, what applies to marbles, slates, travertine and other limestones in particular. The time is on its side as far as appearance is concerned. Otherwise, the time makes it even more distinct, and in case the stone gets dulled, it can be easily refurbished.
Tiling cannot guarantee the durability and with time it should be replaced, what in consequence is unprofitable.
Benefits from using stone as a natural construction and decorative material in construction trade are as follows:
Classic beauty – taking the best out of nature. Stone has been used in construction trade from the ancient times. Regardless of the architectural style it was used, until our days it keeps its great appearance and is definition of good taste. For surfaces laid of tiles, it is possible to recreate the design of the whole rock used. It provides a unique and impressive effect.
Timelessness – means durability and style that never subjects to temporal trends. Stone suits to be used in both minimalist and lavishly embellished interiors. With expert selection and skilful assembly it can successfully stand the test of time.
Wide range of colours and designs – including designs and colours created by nature. Impossible to be copied in products such as ceramics. When using stone, it is possible to create some various decorative elements of the same material, e.g. floor, table top and windowsill.
Practicality of use – thanks to different finishing forms, the same material can be used as a high-gloss material and a dulled one, e.g. for anti-slippery surfaces. Stone is resistant to soiling and can be cleaned easily. Owing to high thermal capacity and high conductivity, natural stone is by far a better material than floor tiling with floor heating system underneath. Such type of floor heats up instantly and provides feel of warmth in the winter time, and cold in the summer. For floors and facades made of stone, it is possible to use narrow joints of natural quartz.
Safety of use – stone does not cause any allergy. Owing to its low absorbability and resistance to high temperatures, it can be sterilized easily.
Owing to different properties of rocks, particular stone types are recommended for the following applications:
| Material Application | Marble | Granite | Natural quartzite | Onyx | Travertine | Quartz-granite | Slates |
| interior floors | X | X | X | X | |||
| exterior floors | X | X | X | ||||
| interior stairs | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| exterior stairs | X | X | X | ||||
| interior windowsills | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| exterior windowsills | X | X | X | ||||
| kitchen and bathroom tops | X | X | X | X | |||
| sinks and drain boards | X | X | X | ||||
| wash-basins | X | X | |||||
| shower bases | X | X | |||||
| bathtubs | |||||||
| tables | X | X | X | ||||
| fire place elements | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| facings | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| facades | X | X | X | ||||
| slabs and tiles | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| pedestals for monuments and figures | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| fountains, balusters, cornices, portals, columns | X | X | X | X | |||
| decorative elements, sculptures and reliefs | X | X | X | ||||
| mosaic – floor of a wall | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| garden architecture elements | X | X | X | ||||
| granite paver and rims | X | ||||||
| lighting elements (translucent) | X |
Available types of edge treatment patterns are provided below:
Edge treatment
and patterns of possible lining of kitchen tops:
Edge lining
