Natural Stone; The Best One for your Kitchen

KITCHEN | MATERIALS

Natural stone slabs are one of the industry's oldest and most highly reliable building materials. It's no surprise that natural stone has been the go-to option for thousands of years, offering one-of-a-kind designs with a variety of benefits.

What Exactly is Natural Stone?

Natural stones are Earth's products, the result of geological changes and mineral compositions that have occurred over millions of years. These materials are extracted from the Earth's surface and used for a variety of purposes, including sculptures, countertops, fireplaces, flooring, and more.

Better Marble and Granite

It all depends on your aesthetic and maintenance preferences. Both are natural and quarried, but their properties differ. Granite and marble are distinguished by their porosity. Marble, with a few exceptions, is softer and more porous than granite. Granite is an igneous rock, which means it cooled after being molten deep within the earth. The minerals in granite appear as tiny flecks. Heat and pressure transform limestone into marble. This altered its crystalline structure and allowed other minerals to enter, resulting in veining. Marble and granite are hard, heavy, heat- and scorch-resistant materials that come in a variety of colours and patterns. Because they are both natural, the colour and pattern can vary greatly. A store display sample may be inaccurate in both cases. Because oily or coloured foods can stain both stones, they must be sealed. Both are the result of millions of years of complex earth reactions, giving them an appearance, unlike any other human-made material. Marble and granite make stunning countertops, backsplashes, and wall coverings, among other things. Both are rare and expensive stones. You now have a thorough understanding of the differences between marble and granite. Both are one-of-a-kind. It is determined by the aesthetics and use of the stone. Choose marble if you don't mind the maintenance. Granite is the hardest, most scratch-resistant, and least-maintenance natural stone.

Top 5 Best Natural Stone: 

Marble

Even though marble is more likely to scratch and stain than other flooring materials, it has an elegant appearance that attracts many homeowners. Historically, marble has been used as a classic natural stone for architectural projects. 

Granite 

One of the most popular natural stones in the world is granite. One of the most complex and durable materials requires very little maintenance. The use of granite is ideal for various projects, including countertops, fireplaces, outdoor projects, floors, etc. In addition to its colours, textures, and finishes, it also comes in various finishes.  

Limestone

Limestone has a unique and highly durable appearance, making it one of the most diverse stones. It is used indoors and outdoors in many projects, such as road construction and construction materials. 

Travertine

Travertine is a popular choice for countertops and home flooring, but it is also used in showers and exterior designs. Its hues range from white to greyish, reddish, and even yellowish. Travertine tiles are ideal if you really want a pattern that is interesting, bold, and unique.

Slate

It is a natural stone that is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Due to its metamorphic composition, this metamorphic rock is dense, durable, and stain-resistant. Slate is a popular flooring material in high-traffic areas of homes and businesses. 

Natural Stones Vs Engineered Stones

Natural Stone

While there are many natural options available, granite remains one of the top choices because it is recognised as a prominent high-end option and can help increase the value of your home. It is also well-known for its distinct appearance and the long-lasting durability that natural stone provides.

Granite's natural minerals, such as quartz, tourmaline, topaz, garnet, and others, contribute to the beautiful natural flaws and irregularities seen in granite counter tops. Because no two slabs of granite are the same, your kitchen design will be truly unique.

Engineered Stones:

Because engineered stone is manufactured, it has a consistency that natural stone does not have. This composite material is composed of crushed stone held together by an adhesive, most commonly polymer resin. Today's engineered stone resembles natural stone in appearance and offers additional benefits that make it a powerful competitor.

Why Choose Natural Stone?

Natural stone is considered as a premier building material due to its distinct character, stability, and magnificence. Color, pattern, and texture variations in natural stone are visually appealing and impossible to replicate. It's also a natural choice because it comes from the earth and eco-friendly compositions.

Variety

The variety of natural stone products allows for virtually limitless design possibilities. What you can do with stone in terms of appearance is as limitless as your imagination. Its several factors like how stone formed within the Earth contribute to its variety and enhance the creativity it provides – something that cannot be replicated in a laboratory or come from a mould.

Durability

Natural stone is more durable than other building materials. There is an emotional connection to stone-built buildings and monuments that carry a hell of a lot of meaning due to enduring history and a legacy of humanity throughout the ages.

Unique

Design projects should stand out and reflect the designer's passion, taste, and personality. Natural stone is a one-of-a-kind building material that distinguishes you from the competition because it cannot be replicated, manufactured, or faked.

Value

Natural stone has more value than monetary value. Durability, ease of maintenance, permanence, and stability far outweigh the initial investment.

Why does Natural Stone Need to be Sealed?

Natural stone surfaces must be sealed on a regular basis. This is due to the fact that stone is a naturally porous material that can absorb bacteria, food particles, and liquids that we use in our homes. If a stone countertop or floor tiles are not sealed, the surface is vulnerable to absorbing substances, which can weaken the stone and potentially lead to the growth of bacteria. 

NAVIN Member since September 22, 2022