Limestone, granite, marble, and tiles are some of the most versatile natural stones. For many years, they have been used for walls and floors of large palaces and small residences. They are considered timeless, never worn out, and intrinsically linked with the outside world, making them a popular design element. Natural stone and tiles, from marbles to slates, are elegant and impart a unique rustic romance to spaces.
If you have plans to work with natural stone and tiles in your next construction or renovation project, then lucky you. The USA has vibrant resources; it can produce some of the highest quality natural stones and tiles in the global market. However, it becomes hard to choose because of the numerous options available with such a diverse version. In this blog, you will discover what natural stones and tiles are on the market in the USA so that you can make a well-informed decision.
Understanding Natural Stone and Tiles
Natural stones and tiles are an extensive category of products, all characterised by their specific physical properties and appearance. Here are some of the most popular choices in the USA:
- Granite: Due to its extraordinary hardness and effective permanency, granite is ideal for working areas, especially the kitchen and bathroom. The shift from one colour to the other and the changing patterns are distinctive; thus, they can be used in interior designs in different dimensions.
- Marble: Marble can be considered one of the many symbols of luxury and refinement, adding a distinguished look to any interior. This material has a rather polished look, and its specific vein makes it noble, bringing any interior to a higher level. However, marble is more sensitive to etching and hence requires a more delicate touch.
- Limestone: Compared to marble, limestone is less overpowering in terms of aesthetics but gives a rustic warmth. It is slightly softer and thus ideal for areas with little traffic or for use as a wall covering.
- Travertine: With natural holes and patterns, travertine lends your house a fine-grained, natural look. It mainly comes in lighter and neutral colours and is widely used to maintain the room's Mediterranean appeal.
- Slate: Slate is one of the most distinctive materials because it has a naturally textured surface and rich colours that reveal an exquisite form of modern elegance. It is often used for designing various interiors, especially accent walls fireplaces and outdoor patios.
- Sandstone: Sandstone gives a feeling of being in touch with nature due to its warm colours and appearance, which gives off a natural look with different layers. Due to its low density, it is most appropriate for areas with little humidity, such as the living room.
Choosing the Best Natural Stone and Tiles for Your Needs
The best natural stones and tiles are the ones that meet the needs of a particular project and its designs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Durability: Material hardness and resistance to scratches differ significantly depending on natural stone and tiles. Take into account the purpose of the area that will be redesigned. While granite is best for the high-traffic floor area, softer stones such as limestone could be used for the low-traffic areas.
- Maintenance: Not all natural stones demand equal attention and care for their maintenance. Granite and slate are not very demanding when cleaning, whereas marble has to be resealed relatively often.
- Style: Natural stone and tiles are available in a variety of colors, designs, and surface finishes. Consider the general appearance you would like to achieve. Marble gives the interior a traditional and opulent appearance, while slate provides a more raw and striking appearance.
- Budget: The price of natural stones and tiles may vary depending on the product's kind, scarcity, and origin. Therefore, you should set a budget before going to the market to enable you to make a good choice.
Finding Reputable Suppliers of Natural Stone and Tiles in the USA
Likewise, the natural stone and tiles count for the outcome, which is why selecting a supplier is vital. Here's how to find the best options in the USA:
- Local Tile Showrooms: It is preferable to visit several local tile showrooms, along with natural stone and tiles, as you can touch and feel them. Professional stores must have trained staff to attend to customers, help them with inquiries, and advise them on the right products.
- Online Retailers: Many Internet stores are focused on natural stone and tiles and probably have a better choice of products and more favourable prices. Select those suppliers, who are reputable, have clear descriptions of their offered products, and high-quality images of the goods as well.
- Stone Fabricators: It is always wise to cooperate with fabricators, who can give appropriate recommendations concerning the selection of proper natural stone and tiles. They can also perform the silting, polishing, and sealing of the stones and guarantee a neat cut.
Natural Stone and Tiles in Your Home
Natural stones and tiles can be installed in various ways to bring an elegant touch to whichever room you want. Here are some inspiring ideas:
- Statement Floors: Transform your kitchen, bathroom, or entryway space into something spectacular with a natural stone floor. Granite, slate, or limestone look classic and exquisite and easily fit many design concepts.
- Elegant Countertops: Beautiful natural stone countertops are here to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom. Marble gives the design a lavish feel, and granite is long-lasting and sleek.
- Dramatic Accent Walls: Nothing beats the bold look of a natural stone accent wall. Choose a dark and textured slate for a significant impact in a living room or the fireplace surround. This light stone may be used at the doors, halls and other places to enter a house. This type of flooring can create a clot in the bedroom to warm the room.
- Mosaic Tile Backsplashes: Bring a personal touch to your home by designing a mosaic natural stone backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. It becomes visually appealing due to the various patters and different shades of the colour.
- Shower Walls and Floors: Installing natural stone on shower walls and floors makes your bathroom stand out like in a spa. Tiles such as granite or slate provide significant wear on a more durable level in a wet environment.
- Outdoor Patios and Walkways: Use travertine or sandstone for patios and paths to prolong the effect of natural stone outside living spaces. Its rough exterior is perfect for a good grip on the ground and enhances your innovation of rustic designs for your lawn.
Sustainable Benefits of Natural Stone and Tiles
While the aesthetic appeal of natural stone and tiles is undeniable, they also offer some significant environmental benefits:
- Durability: Natural stone is solid, and when maintained appropriately, it can last many years up to generations. This, in turn, reduces the need for frequent replacements, thus curbing the negative impacts on the environment.
- Low-Maintenance: There are different types of natural stones, and most of them do not need frequent washing. When they are washed, strong chemicals are not used.
- Natural Beauty: Natural stone is one of the best choices because it is one of the most eco-friendly options on the market and does not require much processing.
Conclusion
Natural stones and tiles are investments in quality, elegance, and elegance that never goes out of style. Given these products' nature as long-lasting, versatile and ecofriendly, they enhance your space while keeping the environment in mind. This way, knowing the differences between natural stone and tiles, assessing your project, and finding reliable suppliers may fully open these exceptional materials' potential. Therefore, start designing a home you would love to be in and an environment that will complement the elegance of natural stone and tiles.
