Stone is a raw material which perfectly matches contemporary interior design and architectural trends. It is characterized by an extremely elegant appearance and exceptional durability, which compensates for its relatively high price. Various types of natural stone are used for finishing, which differ not only in appearance but also in properties. As this is an investment for years, you should think carefully about your decision. We encourage you to read the whole article to know what to pay special attention to when choosing this natural material.
Type of stone and its properties
In the offer of each producer and seller of elements made of natural stone there are different kinds of stone. The buyer should not be guided only by the appearance of a given material, although the aesthetics is of great importance. It is also worth knowing what the material is characterised by and whether it can be used in accordance with the planned use. So which natural stone for a terrace will be the best? The one with the highest possible resistance to abrasion, water absorption or weather conditions. Granite works perfectly as it can be used even in places with heavy traffic. It is also a very good stone for building elevations.
Slate is also characterised by high durability and resistance to external conditions and is used even more extensively, e.g. as a raw material for walls. Both stones are available in various colours and patterns, which gives you a really big choice. These possibilities are even greater when it comes to choosing a stone for the walls inside your house or flat. Here, the material does not have to be resistant to abrasion or temperature differences, so you can choose practically any variant. Only in the case of bathrooms or kitchens it is necessary to check whether a given type of stone will not be damaged by water. Walls made of granite, marble, travertine or onyx look great.
What is the difference between Chinese and Polish granite?
Before buying a raw material for decorating a floor or walls you must also make sure about its quality. Some sellers offer cheaper granite of Chinese origin. Theoretically, such stone does not differ from those quarried in Poland or other European countries. It was created in an identical manner but much later. In practice, this translates into its hardness which is significantly lower. Such softer granite is suitable for use in China, however, it is not suitable for conditions prevailing in Poland. It is not a good stone for facades or terraces as large temperature fluctuations may cause visible blemishes. After a few years its aesthetic qualities will significantly decrease. That is why it is worth investing more in a material from a reliable source to be able to enjoy your investment longer. The guarantee of good quality is a document confirming compliance with the European norm PN-EN 12058:2005, which strictly specifies what conditions must be met by natural stone products to be allowed for sale.
