Using Natural Stone for a Luxurious Look While on a Budget

Throughout history, certain types of natural stone have been associated with luxury. For example, ancient Egyptian potters and jewelers used onyx to decorate sarcophagi, and this ceremonial application extended to the Roman Empire. These days, marble is frequently chosen as a luxurious construction material, particularly if it is extracted from specific quarries in Marmara, Turkey, or Tuscany, Italy. You don’t have to install onyx and marble all over to give your home a luxuriant look. Some stones are more affordable than others, and you also have the option of using remnants. As a bonus, natural-stone care is fairly simple. Here are some ideas on how you can create an upscale look in your home with natural stone and without breaking the bank. River Sandstone In recent years, homeowners have been limiting their search for natural stone to marble and granite, and this is mostly the result of chasing after trends in the world of interior design. Sandstone is one of the most affordable types of natural stone you can find, and it happens to be very abundant in the United States. Although this sedimentary rock is mainly available in earthy tones, you can shop around for lighter colors that resemble marble. With a polished look, it will look very sharp in any living space. Pennsylvania Bluestone Also known as Pennsylvania river stone, this sedimentary rock is an affordable alternative to dark granite. If you live in the northeastern region of the U.S., you will be able to find bluestone at very reasonable prices. Similar to sandstone, Pennsylvania bluestone tends to be very porous and thus more sensitive to staining, but this is something you can prevent with frequent applications of natural-stone sealant for household use. If you’re aiming for a rustic look in your kitchen, bluestone will contrast nicely against white cabinetry. Marble and Granite Remnants The emerging trend of homeowners switching to engineered stone, also known as quartz, has created an advantage for those who are still interested in natural stone. Remnant yards are filling up with tiles and slabs waiting to be reused or recycled. In some cases, former marble countertops may feature a stained section that can be cut out or refinished. They can also be reinstalled as tiles or as backsplash accents. Flagstone Commonly seen in gardens and patios, flagstone can be brought indoors for a stunning look, particularly when used for fireplace surrounds and floors. Flagstone is very affordable. Although it is largely offered with a rough and textured finish, it can be polished and sealed. The choice of using uneven fragments or geometric tiles is completely up to you. If the texture of the pieces presents great variation, you may want to go with uneven tiles. If the texture is uniform, you will want straight-edge tiles with a nice polished finish. Flagstone is perfect for Southwest and Spanish Colonial décor. If you use stone tiles surrounded by grout, make sure you clean your grout regularly with a high-quality grout cleaner such as Granite Gold Grout Cleaner®. At Granite Gold®, all of our stone care products are safe to use on marble, granite, bluestone, and all other types of natural stone. Call 1-800-475-STONE (7866) today to learn more.