The main attraction of natural stone is its ability to add beauty to spaces. This, however, does not mean that shoppers should be oblivious to the other factors when deciding what natural stone will work best for them. It is the combination of these factors which will ensure that you get the best in terms of aesthetics, durability and performance. The following factors are worthy of consideration when shopping for natural stone:

Size of the tiles

The place where you intend to use the natural stone will determine the size you choose. When you intend to use them on the floors, especially in sizeable or open rooms, then slightly larger stone flooring would be ideal. On the other hand, if you want to tile the walls of a bathroom or create an elegant kitchen backsplash, then smaller ones would likely be more suitable.

Characteristics

By characteristics, we consider the particular features that the natural stone has which will make it suitable for the intended use. For instance, if it is to be used in a wet environment, like the bathroom, a rough textured stone would be less slippery and a better fit. But, if it’s for flooring the kitchen or the lounge area of a living space, then a glossy or smooth textured stone might be more aesthetically pleasing.  If you have children or pets in your home, you may also want to consider which natural stone choices are better suited to a pet’s toenails or the use of a toddler.

Cleaning and maintenance

Though natural stones will require little maintenance for the immediate duration of the installation, to keep it from losing its lustrous look over time and use, constant cleaning will be necessary. When choosing natural stone options, consider those that won’t degrade in beauty due to cleaning and also check to see if there are any special cleaning requirements needed. In the case of limestone, for instance, using acid based cleaners can cause the tiles corrode and diminish the beauty and strength.

Styling

One you have selected a natural stone or two that you like the best, and that is most suited to your lifestyle needs, consider which choice work best with the style of your home. Some stone choices just tend to work with certain styles better than others, or will need to be finished a certain way to match your home’s character the best.