There are many types of natural stone, including marble, slate, granite, travertine, limestone, and sandstone. Each stone has its own unique properties, so Sangvareh advises you to consider natural stones pros and cons to know what type of natural stone, if any, is right for your home.
Natural Stone is a popular material for both interior and exterior applications. Derived from the earth, natural stone is favored for its organic nature, tonal variations, and imperfections. It’s also a highly durable material and versatile with many stone types, formats, and finishes available.
Parameters for Natural stones pros and cons
The Look
One important thing about natural stones pros and cons Is that Natural Stone looks amazing. That’s a simple fact. There is nothing a factory can do that will match thousands of years of pressure that are needed to produce marble or the burning volcanic fires that forge granite from the depths of the planet. But factories today are getting very, very close. Porcelain (clay which is fired at high temperatures by man) is digitally printed nowadays so that it looks like marble, and if you check out our Stone marble range and you can see how close it looks.
Nevertheless, porcelain isn’t natural stone and will never achieve the natural look, despite it getting closer by the month. The question is whether that look outweighs the cons.
Hassle
Natural Stone is hard work. A piece of stone that has been slowly formed over millennia wasn’t built for Bolognese splashes, and it will stain (microscopic holes in the surface mean any liquid is absorbed quickly). Natural Stone has to be sealed before you expose it to daily life, and has to be maintained and cleaned using specialist products regularly. It’s a commitment you need to understand before you buy: you can’t just lay 60 meters of Travertine and forget about it.
Porcelain is much more durable, however. It’s non-porous and is extremely tough — there’s a reason airports and shopping centers are tiled in porcelain. Food for thought.
Price
As you can imagine, Natural Stone is expensive. For example, the overheads of a Slate mine are considerably higher than a Spanish porcelain factory, and unfortunately, those overheads get passed on to you, the customer. You can find what appears to be ‘good deals’ on natural products online, but be aware that there is a grading system and you do get what you pay for (i.e. poorer quality stone is of course cheaper).
A porcelain slate-effect tile is considerably cheaper than its natural equivalent — and the quality is consistently high. Again, it’s another con to weigh up when deciding on your floor.
Shades
A slight change in downward pressure in 1147 AD can mean a completely different shade of Limestone to the sample you took home. Some people love this aspect of natural products and are happy to have plenty of variation (nowadays porcelain copies are printed with variation in some lines too), but be aware that even from box to box you will find plenty of variation. If you’re not keen on this idea then porcelain is the way to go — with most lines you can be sure that each tile will look similar (although there is some shade variation) which is especially useful if you under-order and need a few more.
Natural stone tiles are classy, popular, and available in various hues and styles. However, these tiles have both their good points and bad points. You should read more to discover if stone tile flooring would be a good option for your home.
The Pros
Natural stone tiles are unquestionably beautiful. They give a home a warm, pleasant ambiance and look good with just about any style of decor. What is more, natural stone tiles are eco-friendly, making them ideal for homeowners who are concerned about the environment.
Natural stone is sturdy and durable. It is not slippery like ceramic and other materials, making it a safe option for homeowners with kids or pets. These tiles also offer a reasonable amount of insulation, helping keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The Cons
While natural stones can be a beautiful and durable material for building, they do have some disadvantages.
Perhaps one of the main reasons why homeowners do not choose natural stone tiles is the high cost of purchase. Other drawbacks include the fact that some types of natural stone are brittle and can be easily scratched or chipped. Should damage occur, it could be difficult to rectify. It is also important to note that some types of natural stone are porous and as such has to be regularly treated with a sealing agent to prevent water damage or staining.
Another disadvantage is that natural stone can be difficult to work with. It is a heavy and dense material, which can make it challenging to cut, shape, and install. This can make construction projects more time-consuming and labor-intensive, which can also add to the cost.
In addition, natural stone can be prone to cracking and chipping over time. This is particularly true if the stone is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles or other types of weathering. This can be a concern for buildings that require consistent structural integrity.
Is The Iranian Stone popular in the world?
Iran is one of the most active countries in stone export. There are many reasons for the popularity of Iranian stone and the export of Iranian stone to different countries.
According to official statistics, Iran has the largest variety of building stones in the world. Even the biggest competitors of Iran, such as Brazil and India, do not have this amount of diversity in quarries for exporting stone. Other factors of the popularity of Iranian stone include the presence of many quarries in different provinces, the quality of Iranian stone, the low cost of production, and the convenient geographical location.
Another important point that affects the export of Iranian stone is that different countries importing Iranian stone buy from Iran for specific reasons. For example, despite the rich natural resources, Georgia is weak in stone extraction and cutting technology, and Oman lacks natural stone mines
The Last Word
As you can see, there are both natural stones pros and cons. The two main advantages driving people to choose natural stone cladding are its aesthetics and durability. Each piece has its own unique textures, color tones, and imperfections making no two stone feature walls the same.
The main disadvantage of the stone for some is its heavy nature demanding a structural substrate and, in some cases, additional fixtures. Constructing a structural wall for the cladding to adhere to may not be feasible in every situation. This can also increase the cost and the installation time.
SVS Company can help you to choose the best type of stone for your needs.
FAQ
What are the cons of natural stone?
natural stone is prone to water damage and can easily stain, scratch, and chip when exposed to water. In addition, the lack of cushioning from the floor due to the natural strength of the stone can make slip-and-fall accidents more dangerous.
What are the advantages of natural stone?
Stone is incredibly resilient and resistant to damage. It is impervious to bending, warping, splintering, denting, or swelling, and is exceptionally difficult to scratch or chip. Stone remains unaffected by natural elements such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail, making it a dependable option for outdoor use. Furthermore, due to its remarkable strength and durability, stone can last for an extended period of time.
Are natural stones eco-friendly?
Anything that’s produced naturally is inherently more sustainable to manufacture, and stone is no exception. Natural stone is one of the world’s first green building materials, as it doesn’t require any other materials or resources to create it.
Why are natural stones sustainable?
Stone is recyclable.
Environmentally, utilizing recycled stone can eliminate the energy, water, and other resources needed to generate new products from virgin or raw material sources, ultimately reducing or avoiding impacts on ecosystems and resource supplies.
