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Stone isn’t just for the exterior of the home. Many homes have incorporated stone and masonry into portions of the home or the entire home. For the ecofriendly home owner, stone elements or design can be a perfect fit for lifestyle and earth friendly living. Whether you are looking to use stones in your own DIY project or having a professional do the job, stone is great material for home construction.

Knowing the different types of stone, their finishes and applications will help you to make an informed decision on which stone is the best for your project.

There are many finishes and options available. The most commonly used:

Polished – A high gloss surface.
Honed – Smooth with squared edges and without a polished surface.
Tumbled – Lightly tumbled to achieve rounded edges and a surface that is not as smooth as honed.
Antique Tumbled – Medium tumble edges and surface to achieve a slight rustic look.
Cobbled or Distressed – Heavily tumbled edges and surface to achieve an aged or ancient look.
Brushed – Acid washed and wire brushed for a smooth textured surface.
Flamed – Blow torched for a rough textured surface.

All natural stone can stain and etch. Sealers don’t prevent staining as they are a moisture barrier only. The will however help to give you a small amount of time to wipe up spills. It is nearly impossible to prevent staining or etching, but serious stains can be almost completely removed and any etching can be resurfaced. The more the stone is used, the faster a “Patina” or light sheen on the surface will develop. The “Patina” will also aid in preventing stains.

For centuries natural stone has been used from floor to ceiling, inside and outside of the home. When the stone becomes stained, cracked, pitted it adds character and beauty to not only the stone but the home. Because stone is quarried from the earth and not “man” made, you will never find to exact matching pieces. This again adds to the beauty of stone. When deciding on what type of stone to use, be sure to visit local stone masons or as a contractor for more specific details on the types of stone that are available which will help you to determine what will be best for your home. To find out more information, make sure you get our Improve Your Home And Garden Online Video Series!

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