Natural stone looks very appealing in many parts of a home, or in offices and commercial buildings. Its main appeal is the organic, natural look. But people also like the fact that stone lasts so long, as attested by many ancient buildings. Yet no material is indestructible. And every material has its disadvantages. Stone, in its various forms, is no exception. If you are considering stone for part of your home, perhaps in place of tiles or concrete pathways, then it is important to understand and consider the advantages and disadvantages of stone in all its different forms.
TileWave – Tile Outlets Sydney
TileWave is Sydney’s premier supplier tile and stone building materials. With our wide range of wall and flooring options, we specialise in large-scale orders projects, but also supply products for home renovations. We are proud to see such great results achieved with the materials we supply.
Types of Natural Stone Tiles and Where They Work Best
Natural stone tiles come in many varieties, including marble (such as Carrara, Calacatta, New York Marble, and Nero Marquina), travertine, slate, granite, and limestone. Each type of stone material offers its own natural colour variation and patterning. And each individual sample stone is also unique in its pattern and colour. These differences give each stone installation a distinctive, organic look, with a pattern that is neither uniform enough to feel predictable nor random enough to feel untidy. This natural look is something that can never be fully replicated by manufactured products.
Natural stone tiles are cut differently depending on whether they are intended for floors, walls, or for decorative applications. The floor tiles are generally thicker and heavier, often supplied with honed or textured surfaces for durability. Stone wall tiles may include more decorative formats, such as mosaics, fluted tiles, and 3D pieces. These are well-suited for feature area focal points in interior spaces. There are also stone tiles suitable for use outdoors, but of course not all varieties are suited to full weather exposure. It is best to discuss the locations and intention for any tile installation with a tile consultant to ensure that the selected stone is compatible with the environment.
Advantages of Natural Stone Tiles
1. Unique and Timeless Appearance
Every natural stone tile is inherently unique, with individual variations in colour, veining, and texture. This is something that retains a pleasing appearance even as décor fashions change. Stone is distinctive and rarely looks dated.
2. Strength and Durability
Stone building materials are extremely durable. When professionally installed and properly maintained, stone can last for decades. In rare cases where the surface is worn or damaged the stone can be refinished. This hardly affects the appearance as the pattern runs throughout the depth of the material. So refinished, rejuvenated stone will look like new.
3. Hygienic and Easy to Clean
Like all hard surfaces, natural stone, when sealed, has a dense surface that does not trap dust or allergens. This makes it a more hygienic flooring option than carpet. Cleaning is very straightforward, with regular sweeping and mopping being quite sufficient.
4. Environmentally Sustainable
Natural stone is a natural product of the earth, requiring no manufacturing or artificial materials. When responsibly sourced, it is considered an environmentally sustainable option. And, because of its long lifespan, it reduces waste, rarely needing to be replaced.
5. Potential to Increase Property Value
Because of its premium appearance and long-term performance, natural stone is often viewed as a value-adding investment. Homes with authentic stone finishes tend to have strong appeal to buyers.
Disadvantages of Natural Stone Tiles
1. Porosity and Need for Ongoing Sealing
Most natural stones are porous, so they require sealing. Without appropriate sealing they will absorb liquids or powders that lead to stains and discolouration. Sealing is required both before installation and again after installation. Then, as a matter of maintenance, it must then be periodically reapplied depending on the amount of wear the stone is experiencing. Maintenance also requires pH-neutral and stone-safe cleaning products to avoid damaging this sealer.
2. Higher Upfront Costs
Natural stone tilework will generally cost more than ceramic or porcelain alternatives. They also cost more to install due to their weight and the need for specialised handling, cutting, and sealing. These added costs should be considered when budgeting. But as the stone lasts for many decades, it can prove cost-effective in the long term. Unlike carpet or vinyl, it will not need to be replaced every 10 years.
3. Possible Susceptibility to Damage
Softer stone surfaces, such as marble and limestone, can be prone to scratching, etching, or chipping. Acidic spills (like wine or lemon juice) can mark polished stone surfaces. Heavy furniture or high heels may also cause wear.
4. Requires a Strong, Level Subfloor
Because stone tiles are heavy, they require a subfloor that is strong and structurally sound. Any imperfections can result in uneven tile surfaces or cracks. Preparing the subfloor may increase installation time and cost.
5. Hard and Cool Underfoot
Natural stone floors are inherently rigid. This means they can feel uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. They also tend to feel cold, especially in winter. It is possible to use underfloor heating to alleviate this temperature issue, though this will be costly. Many homeowners simply put rugs on the floor during winter, or wear slippers.
6. Repairs Can Be Difficult
Although it is possible to replace individual tiles it can be difficult to get an exact match. This is due to natural variation between tiles. If spare tiles from the original batch aren’t available, the repaired area often looks different to the surrounding stonework.
Conclusion – Stone and Tile Outlets Sydney
For those of us who value authenticity, longevity, and timeless character, natural stone tiles can be an excellent choice. Stone tile options such as marble, travertine, and slate offer a long-lasting and visually appealing finish that suits a wide range of design styles. Their unique patterns and natural strength make them a very suitable choice for both floors and walls. However, they do require more specialised installation and initially cost more than many manufactured options. But the impressive, durable, long-lasting results are well worth the investment.
