When building a home or beginning renovations, you can choose from a broad range of options for surface materials. Some popular options for flooring are wood, vinyl, carpet, tile, and concrete. For walls, some common choices are wood, tile, concrete, wallpaper, and plaster. For countertops, materials like wood, quartz, concrete, stainless steel, and tile are often selected. But one material is one of the most highly sought-after materials for homes: natural stone.
Even with natural stone, you have options. Examples include marble, granite, soapstone, quartzite, and limestone. Each stone has unique visual characteristics that are appealing and keep it in high demand. And even though the higher cost of natural stone may give you pause, it is well worth the investment. Here’s why.
Why Use Natural Stone in Your Home?
Here are the top reasons why you should consider this material.
Resale Value
Stone adds a level of luxury and prestige potential buyers want. This helps you get a higher return on your investment when selling your home. Until the house sells, you have a gorgeous home to enjoy.
Durability
Stone is one of the most durable materials on the market. It stands up to wear and tear and lasts for decades. Unlike wood or carpeting, natural stone won’t need to be replaced. These characteristics make it perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Heat Resistance
Natural stone is heat resistant – especially granite. This makes stone an intelligent choice for kitchens, fireplaces, and outdoor living spaces. Stone stands up to high temperatures without discoloring or cracking.
Easy to Clean
You only need water, mild soap, or a natural stone cleaner when cleaning the stone. This benefit has made the stone a popular choice for countertops and backsplashes.
Low Maintenance
Natural stone only requires a little maintenance. You can easily keep the material looking new with periodic cleaning and resealing every few years.
Lasting Beauty
In the world of home decor, some trends come and go, but natural stone stands firm, adding to the beauty of any styles around it. Natural stone is timeless in look, durability, and value perception.
A Range of Colors and Textures
You can choose from numerous stones to match your home decor and taste. Colors range from delicate creams to bold greens and deep browns. Patterns can be intricate swirls or subtle veining in a solid color. The options make selecting looks that match your home and personal preference easy.
Stone is Easy to Incorporate Into Your Home
Natural stone is easy to install. You can use it as a kitchen countertop, floor tile, shower walls, fireplace hearth, or any other surface in your home where you want to add beauty and maximize value.
Natural stone is a great way to add resale value and lasting beauty, and with so many design options in the market, you’re sure to find a style you love. So when considering materials for your next renovation or home build, keep stone in your list of material options. Even if your budget is tight, you can use the material sparingly and still elevate your home in ways you and future owners will appreciate.
