subject: Natural Stone - The Magic Of Nature To Make Your Home Gorgeous [print this page] Often people get confused while choosing building materials for their home. There are so many options like using tiles, vinyl, lamination and others. But if you believe in learning from history then natural stones will be the obvious choice for you. Many ancient buildings and palaces which stand erect instead of those ruthless attacks of nature, speak in favor of natural stones. Moreover, the multi beneficial qualities (like being sturdy, long-lasting and elegant looking) of these stones are something that have kept them in demand till today.
There are mainly three types of natural stones available. These are metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary. Among the natural stones which are available in market granite stones are the examples of igneous type, marble and slate are examples of metamorphic type and travertine and limestone are the examples of sedimentary type. Though all of these are products of nature yet their uses for home decoration vary greatly according to their features.
Granite tiles and countertops are generally used to decorate kitchen places as these are strong and heat resistant materials. On the other hand, marble can be a good material to beautify your floors but it should be used with care as it is a very soft material.
As far as surface decoration is concerned, travertine is a popular choice nowadays. These stones are generally light colored and full of pitted holes. These holes are filled with grout and then polished to get eye-catching designs. If used in a rustic setting then limestone looks fabulous. The use of limestone as a flooring material is a century old process. If it is sealed properly then it can last for a long time. Slate is another natural stone which is mostly used in traffic areas for its durability factor.
They are also popular as material to make base of a patio. In a weather that has moisture in the air these stones are the best choices to install for their damp-proof nature. For paving the pathways or surrounding swimming pools these stones are the most effective as they can form resistance against the harsh climate.
Another popular use of natural stones is seen in fireplaces of most houses. Generally these stones are used to surround the fireplace area. The dual purpose of saving it from heat and making it attractive in look is served by the use of natural stone in it.
So if you are really searching for a building material that will help to protect your dream home from the natural decay with time then natural stones are inevitable for you.