The beauty of natural stone countertops and flooring give a home an elegant yet natural atmosphere. There is something about the permanence of natural stone that give a home a certain regal splendor. Stone has been used as a building material, well..since the stone age. It has been prized for its natural beauty, resilience, and low maintenance. Other benefits to using natural stone are its economic feasibility, environmental sustainability, and low chemical requirements in both production and upkeep.
Good for Indoor Health
Stone doesn’t emit off-gasses or toxic elements to pollute indoor environments. There will never be any type of chemical or synthetic odor to aggravate allergies or cause air-borne irritations. Natural stone is especially advantageous for allergy and hay fever sufferers as stone surfaces are naturally resistant to the buildup of dust and allergens, particularly when cleaned regularly.
Good for the Earth
The National Stone Council, in rating stone sustainability used the five key LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system categories. Those categories are:
- Sustainable Site Development
- Water Savings
- Energy Efficiency
- Materials Selection
- Indoor Environmental Quality
The stones selections available at Natural Stone Sales rate highly for sustainability using this scale. Stone is quarried from abundant existing sites and used in its naturally occurring state with no chemical dyes added. No heavy machinery or lengthy production process is used to ready stone for distribution or construction. Maintaining natural stone is also a very green process. Other than applying a yearly protective coating, harsh chemicals should never be needed to cleanse counters or floors. Dry mops or small amounts of plain water should be the norm. Please see our recommendations for
cleaning marble and travertine for some helpful hints.
Good for your Pocketbook
Stone is also one of the most durable building materials available. It is virtually indestructible and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications and can withstand the elements without fading, splitting, or wear. It is also not easily scratched or stained as long as spills are cleaned up as they occur. It’s durability in high traffic areas is unsurpassed. The ancient ruins of Pompeii and Rome from the Pantheon to the ancient city of Herculaneum are still standing on original marble and travertine floors from thousands of years ago. Still beautiful after being subjected to several hostile overthrows, volcanic eruptions, and thousands of years of traffic, many of them before the welcome mat for wiping feet was invented!
As natural stone is very resilient and easy to maintain, it is also quite cost effective. It will likely never need to be replaced or repaired. Expensive cleaning products are not necessary nor are cleaning machines of any kind. Stone is also a natural insulator saving energy during all seasons of the year.
Make a Green Choice Today
Whether you’re making a decision based on structural permanence, eye catching beauty, or easy care, natural stone is a great choice for any home. Check out Natural Stone Sales website for products available and some design ideas.