Top 5 Types of Natural Stone to Use in Your New Home

Are you thinking about building your dream home? Or maybe renovating your current one? If the answer is yes, the chances you are thinking about incorporating natural stone into the design are pretty high. Rustic, elegant, and eco-friendly stone has a unique charm. When used in interior design, it provides homes with a timeless look.

But how do you know which type of stone to use? No worries, Liona Constructions – one of the leading residential builders and construction companies in Brisbane – is here to help you learn the different types of natural stone to use in your new or remodeled home.

Each type has characteristics worth considering when choosing the idea one. So, let’s look at the five most common types, according to expert residential builders:

1. Basalts

As the most common type of stone, basalts are frequently found in homes. They are fine-grained with colours, ranging from grey to black. Grey tones seem to be the more popular choice for both interior and exterior application. Plus, they oftentimes feature small holes for a distinctive look.

Home applications: pool surrounds, bathroom cladding, outdoor shower surrounds, kitchen splashbacks, etc.

2. Granite

Granite is a type of igneous or magmatic, rock formed when hot, molten rock crystallizes and solidifies. In general, it consists of quartz and feldspar, which make it remarkably resistant to scratching, heat, and chips. Thanks to these characteristics, professional QLD builders recommend granite for both internal and external design, especially for kitchen countertops or flooring.

Home applications: kitchen benchtops, kitchen splashbacks, bathroom vanity tops, flooring, fireplace surrounds, wall cladding, etc.

3. Quartzite

Similar to granite, quartzite offers even stronger physical-mechanical features. This stone type is particularly suited for both internal and external uses and comes in distinctive colours with veining similar to marble. Thanks to being more resistant than granite, it is also one of the frequently used materials for kitchen countertops.

Home applications: kitchen countertops, flooring, wall coverings, vanity tops, stair steps, etc.

4. Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when another type of stone – limestone – is exposed to heat and pressure. Ask any QLD builders; they will warn you that marble is highly susceptible to damage as it is a soft rock type comprised of calcite and other minerals like graphite, iron oxides, micas, clay, and quartz.

Home applications: kitchen countertops, kitchen splashbacks, tub and shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, entryway floors, etc.

5. Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcite that is typically produced with a honed finish for a smooth texture and matte look. It is lovely but not  a high polished finish. Limestone comes in various colours – grey, ivory, or brown – and offers low-to-medium range of hardness.

Home applications: fireplace surrounds, kitchen countertops, flooring, accent walls, etc.

Now that you know the main characteristics of the most common types of natural stone for use in the home, it’s time to contact one of the leading residential builders and construction companies in Brisbane and ensure you get the best service.