Tips & Articles

Natural stone is a material that is not only beautiful and long-lasting but can be used for sustainable building. There are many ways to use natural stone tiles around your house and garden and to increase the value of your property. 

Some of the projects are quite easy and can be done by yourself, while others, such as the construction of an outdoor kitchen, may require the help of a specialist.  

Regardless of the project, you have chosen to implement, it is necessary to select the right tiles. If it is an outdoor project, make sure to opt for tiles that are part of the exterior stone category. These are granite, slate, and in some cases marble as well. If you are renovating the inside of your house, there is a great variety of tiles to choose from but once again you need to be aware of their properties- which can withstand scratches or which are suitable for wet premises. 

There is one common feature that unites all types of natural stone tiles and that is that they are green. Natural stone is sustainable material and can help you enjoy your new floor, walls, garden pave way or bathroom longer while being friendly to the environment. Here are a few facts that you can consider the next time you plan a renovation at home.  

Interesting facts about natural stone sustainability

 

The fact that natural stone tiles are a green option for building comes as no surprise as it is set in their very name – natural. Along with wood and clay, natural stone is the only other material that can claim to be 100% natural. 

There are a few interesting facts that prove that natural stone is green and that justify its usage in both private and public premises. It stands on top places when it comes to energy consumption, CO2 footprint, production, life cycle, and disposal. 

• Natural stone requires no primary energy for its production. It exists in nature and some stone pieces can even be used as they are found. Just as a comparison, glass requires 1,200° C to be made, steel needs 1,400° C, while concrete includes cement, which also requires significant energy for its production.  
• While it is true that natural stone needs to be cut into pieces in order to get the tiles we use, marble, granite or other materials require the same amount of work and energy as any other building material in order to get to the shops. Therefore, it is not more expensive or environmentally-harming to produce natural stone tiles. 
• If we use natural stone tiles that are locally quarried, we also save on transportation which adds to the green side of this material. 
• When it comes to the life-span, natural stone tiles are extremely durable and can withstand weather changes and a lot of wear and tear. Prove of the material longevity are the famous buildings made of natural stone in the past that have survived till nowadays such as Taj Mahal, The Coliseum, The Great Pyramid or The Washington Monument. In addition to that, their beauty is eternal and you won’t regret your choice. 
• Using natural stone tiles around your house and in the garden only increases your property value, which makes them a clever investment. 
• Recycling natural stone is also pretty easy as when a building is torn down, the stone can be easily reclaimed and reused. This is valid for floor and wall tiles, stairs, countertops and the like.  
• Natural stone can also be downcycled and finally used as gravel or mulch. This means, that actually the material can be reused multiple times without losing its main qualities. This also affects positively its CO2 footprint and makes it a priority building material. 
• Natural stone comes in different prizes depending on the type and quality of the stone. While certain marble types are quite expensive, some other types such as silver travertine which is a real luxury stone come at an affordable price.  
• Natural stone can also be used for insulation as it works as a thermal reservoir. Hence, it is used for cladding ovens and fireplaces. As stone tiles preserve heat, they are also good for flooring and many modern office complexes utilize them to keep their air conditioning under control.  

These are but a few of the green features of natural stone that are worth considering for your next project.  

Where to use natural stone tiles for best results? 

Natural stone tiles are quite versatile and they can be used anywhere in the house and for a great number of outdoor projects as well. As long as you select the right type of tiles, you will enjoy them for quite a long time as they are long-lasting, durable, and bring a special atmosphere to the place. 

Some of the common indoor uses of natural stone tiles include: 

• Floors 
• Walls 
• Kitchen countertops 
• Kitchen islands 
• Accent walls 
• Full bathroom 
• Sinks 
• Backsplashes 
• Bathtubs  
• Accessories 

You can combine different types of natural stone tiles or use the same material for different applications in accordance with your taste. Natural stone allows you to recreate various types of styles – from rustic, Mediterranean to contemporary. You can combine them with other materials such as brass or wood to add more warmth or enhance the atmosphere in the place.  

If you want to use natural stone outside, you also have a great choice: 

• Patios 
• Outdoor kitchen 
• Outdoor fireplace 
• Paving 
• Furniture 
• Outdoor showers 
• Pool area 

You can either use natural stone tiles, natural stone slabs or pieces of natural stone as they were found in nature in order to decorate your garden.  

No matter which type of natural stone you will decide to use, it is essential to look after it properly, seal it, and maintain it so that you can enjoy it longer. If you need any help with your selection, feel free to contact us.