Stone is one of the most commonly used materials in interior design. With its strong, durable properties and unique natural beauty, stone has been widely used as a building and decorative material in the field of architecture for thousands of years.
According to a 2021 study by the Institute of Building Materials, granite can last up to 100 years if properly maintained.
To choose the right type of interior stone, it is necessary to base on the space and specific purpose of use. Important criteria to consider include hardness, water resistance, aesthetics and price.
Besides the familiar natural stones such as marble, granite, sandstone with original beauty, today's market also has many types of artificial stones with diverse colors, patterns and high applicability such as translucent stone, complex marble, plastic stone, cement stone, ...
You should find a reputable supplier, carefully check the quality of the stone and apply the correct cleaning and preservation methods for each type of stone to ensure the durability and beauty of stone furniture for a long time.
To help you have an overview of the world of stone in interior design, this article will introduce the top most popular types of stone today, analyze the advantages, disadvantages and specific applications of each type.
Let's explore and find the most suitable stone for your dream home!
Criteria for Choosing Suitable Interior Stone
To choose the right type of stone for the interior, it is necessary to base on the space and specific purpose of use. Important criteria to consider include hardness, water resistance, aesthetics and price. Specifically:
- Hardness (measured on the Mohs scale): The hardness of the stone determines its ability to withstand force and resist scratches. For example, granite has a hardness of 6-7, suitable for areas with high frequency of use such as floors and kitchen countertops.
- Waterproof ability: Some types of stone have good water resistance such as granite, artificial stone, suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms, sinks.
- Aesthetics: The color, grain, and pattern of the stone need to match the design style and personal preferences. Marble with natural, luxurious grain is often chosen for living rooms and main halls.
- Price: The price of different types of stone depends on the origin, quality, and size. It is necessary to balance between budget and usage needs to choose the right type of stone.
According to statistics from interior experts, 35% of families choose granite for kitchen countertops, 42% use marble for bathrooms and 28% use decorative stone for living rooms. This shows the diversity in the choice and application of stone in interior design.
Types of Natural Stone Used in Interior Design
Marble, granite and sandstone are popular natural stones with original beauty, high durability and timeless elegance.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by the recrystallization of limestone or dolomite under the influence of high temperature and pressure over millions of years. The structure of marble is fine-grained crystallization, calcite or magnesium carbonate crystals are tightly bound together. The natural stone grain is unique and does not repeat.
Characteristics
Marble has a luxurious, splendid beauty with natural stone veins such as gray, white, yellow, pink, blue. The stone surface is shiny, smooth, and easy to clean.
Advantages - disadvantages
Marble, natural marble possesses luxurious, noble beauty with unique, non-repeating veins. They bring high aesthetic value to the interior space. However, marble also has some disadvantages such as high cost, durability and scratch resistance compared to some other types of stone.
- Advantage:
- Natural beauty, luxury and unique. Each stone slab has its own beauty with natural veins that do not repeat.
- The delicate and unique stone grain patterns are like works of art drawn by the hands of artisans.
- Brings high aesthetic value, enhances the luxury and class of the interior space. The natural color of the stone creates a warm feeling, easy to combine with many different design styles.
- Disadvantages:
- Hardness and scratch resistance are lower than granite, only reaching 3-4 on the Mohs scale. Easily corroded by acids and strong detergents.
- Natural marble is prone to warping and cracking due to temperature and weather differences. Not suitable for hot and humid climates with lots of rain like in Vietnam.
Application
Marble is suitable for wall cladding, flooring, stairs, table tops, sinks, creating a luxurious and elegant space. In addition, marble is also used to create unique works of art and decorative stone paintings for the space.
Granite
Granite is formed from magma that cools and crystallizes below the earth's surface, then undergoes uplift and weathering. Granite has a dense structure, large crystals, and consists of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. Colors vary from the minerals that make up the rock.
Characteristics
Granite has a hardness second only to diamond and some other precious stones. Its tight crystalline structure gives the stone good resistance to force and scratches. Stone colors are diverse such as gray, black, pink, yellow, green depending on chemical and mineral composition. Natural stone grain patterns are rich and non-repetitive.
Advantages - disadvantages
Granite has many outstanding advantages such as high hardness, scratch resistance, good water resistance, beautiful colors and patterns. Although it is quite expensive and more difficult to construct than some other types of stone, but with high durability and luxurious beauty, granite is still the top choice for many applications in interior and exterior design.
- Advantage:
- Outstanding durability, long life span of over 100 years. Good heat and force resistance, no cracking.
- Scratch resistant, waterproof, resistant to acid and heat.
- Smooth surface, easy to clean, antibacterial and dirt resistant.
- Rich natural colors and patterns bring a luxurious, unique beauty.
- Disadvantages:
- Relatively high cost.
- High hardness makes it more difficult to construct and process than some other types of stone.
- Heavy weight makes transportation and installation difficult. Minimum thickness of 15-20mm is required to ensure durability.
- Rich natural colors and patterns bring a luxurious, unique beauty.
Application
Granite is suitable for wall cladding, flooring, kitchen countertops, dining tables, stairs, lavabos, and outdoor spaces.
Sandstone
Sandstone is formed by the process of sedimentation, compaction and bonding of sand grains, usually quartz, under the influence of gravity and pressure. The structure of sandstone consists of sand grains bonded together by natural cements such as silica, calcite, clay. High porosity and permeability.
Characteristics
Sandstone has a rough surface, neutral colors such as gray, brown, yellow, red. Natural patterns bring wild, rustic features.
Advantages - disadvantages
Sandstone is a type of stone with many advantages such as low cost, easy to process and construct, and natural beauty. However, it also has some disadvantages such as poor durability and water resistance, and is susceptible to corrosion.
- Advantage:
- Reasonable price, ranging from 20-50 USD/m2 depending on quality and origin. Much cheaper than natural stones such as marble, granite.
- Easy to process, construct, cut into many different shapes and sizes to suit usage requirements. Lighter weight than natural stone, convenient for transportation and installation.
- Has relatively good heat and sound insulation capabilities thanks to its porous structure and high porosity. Helps reduce heat and noise transmission from outside into the living space.
Brings natural beauty, close to nature thanks to rough, bumpy surface and neutral colors such as gray, brown, beige. Suitable for rustic, classic design styles.
- Disadvantages:
- Durability and water resistance are lower than granite and marble. Easily peeled and cracked if subjected to strong impact.
- Easily corroded by strong acidic and alkaline detergents. Also susceptible to dirt and mold if exposed to water frequently.
- Needs to be maintained and waterproofed periodically to increase longevity and maintain beauty. Otherwise, it will quickly deteriorate, affecting aesthetics.
Application
Sandstone is suitable for wall cladding and flooring for exterior areas such as gardens, hallways, walkways, and fences. Not only that, sandstone is also popularly used in classic, rustic, and natural-style constructions such as garden houses, resort villas, and garden cafes.
It can also be used as a decorative material for garden landscapes such as waterfalls, flower beds, stone benches, and stone statues.
Types of Artificial Stone Used in Interior Design
With a variety of colors, patterns and high applicability, artificial stones such as translucent onyx, composite marble, artificial resin and cement are increasingly becoming the top choice for modern interior designs.
Onyx translucent stone
Artificial onyx is made of stone powder, minerals and polymers, through the process of pressing, molding and surface treatment. The artificial onyx structure is uniform and has high transparency. The mineral particles are evenly distributed, creating a delicate beauty.
Characteristics
Artificial onyx stone has the ability to transmit light, creating an impressive visual effect when illuminated from the inside. The stone surface is shiny and sharp, and can create unique patterns and textures.
Advantages - disadvantages
Artificial onyx stone has the advantages of being light weight, easy to process and construct, good load-bearing and scratch-resistant, and diverse colors; the disadvantages are high cost and Heat resistance is worse than natural stone.
- Advantage:
- Light weight, only about 20-30 kg/m2, convenient for transportation, processing and construction.
- Higher impact and scratch resistance than natural onyx.
- Diverse and rich colors and patterns. Design and color can be customized according to the requirements and preferences of the homeowner.
- Disadvantages:
- The cost is higher than some other types of artificial stone such as solid surface plastic stone, artificial quartz stone.
- Heat resistance is worse than natural stone. Easily deformed and cracked if exposed to too high temperatures.
Application
Artificial onyx stone is suitable for wall cladding, partitions, making tea tables, lavabos, creating highlights for interior spaces.
Compound marble
Artificial marble is produced from natural marble powder (about 90-95%), combined with resin and additives, through the process of pressing, casting and surface treatment. The structure of artificial marble is solid and uniform. The stone grain pattern is created from a printed mold, which is sharper and more uniform than natural marble.
Characteristics
Artificial marble has a beauty close to natural marble. The stone surface is shiny and easy to clean. The colors and grain of the stone are diverse and rich.
Advantages - disadvantages
Artificial marble is a worthy choice for interior applications thanks to its advantages in durability, aesthetics, and affordable price, but still cannot compare to the perfect beauty of natural marble.
- Advantage:
- High durability, good water resistance and dirt resistance. Smooth stone surface, easy to clean.
- The color and grain of the stone are stable, do not fade or change over time. The stone grain patterns are diverse and rich.
- More reasonable price than natural marble, suitable for many customers.
- Disadvantages:
- Although it looks quite similar to natural stone, it still cannot compare to the perfect beauty and elegance of real marble. The color and grain of the stone are less natural.
- The hardness of artificial marble is lower than that of natural granite, only reaching about 4-5 on the Mohs scale. It is easily scratched and chipped if impacted strongly.
- Heat resistance is worse than natural stone, easily affected by acids and some strong cleaning chemicals.
Application
Artificial marble is suitable for wall cladding, floors, stairs to create a luxurious, modern space. It is also used as kitchen countertops, washbasin tops in kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its good waterproof and anti-fouling properties.
Artificial plastic stone
Plastic stone is made from acrylic or polyester resin (about 30-40%), combined with natural stone powder (60-70%) and color additives and stabilizers.
The structure of the plastic stone is solid and uniform. The surface of the stone is shiny and smooth, without natural stone grain.
Characteristics
Plastic stone is waterproof and dirt-resistant. The stone surface is shiny, with bright and diverse colors. Can be shaped and bent easily.
Advantages - disadvantages
Solid Surface plastic stone is a versatile interior material with many outstanding advantages such as high aesthetics, easy to clean, reasonable price. However, it also has Some limitations in durability and heat resistance, should be noted when choosing for suitable spaces.
- Advantage:
- The surface of the plastic stone is smooth, does not get dirty, and is easy to clean.
- Can polish and restore lightly scratched surfaces without leaving traces.
- Flexible shaping ability, bending, creating soft curves. Suitable for many design styles from classic to modern.
- Affordable price depending on brand and quality.
- Disadvantages:
- Durability and heat resistance are lower than natural stone and some other types of artificial stone.
- Easily scratched, not suitable for high frequency usage areas.
Application
Plastic stone is suitable for wall cladding, partitions, and decorating small wall areas. In addition, it can be used as a tea table, dressing table, decorative shelf, mini bar in the living room or wash basin, bathroom shelf with many unique designs.
Cement stone
Cement stone is produced from white cement or colored cement, combined with sand, gravel, stone granules and color additives. Cement stone structure is solid, rough or glossy surface depending on surface treatment.
Characteristics
Cement stone has high durability and good bearing capacity. Diverse colors and patterns, with classic or modern style.
Advantages - disadvantages
Cement stone has many advantages such as low cost, quick construction, good waterproofing ability. However, they also have some disadvantages such as rough surface, difficult to clean and not as luxurious as natural stone.
- Advantage:
- Reasonable price, much cheaper than natural stones such as marble and granite.
- Construction is quicker and easier than natural stone. Can be poured and finished on site without the need for complicated cutting and joining steps.
- Relatively good water and scratch resistance thanks to the polished and waterproof treated surface.
- Lighter weight than natural stone, reducing the load on the construction.
- Disadvantages:
- Stone surfaces are often rougher and more porous than other natural and artificial stones, making cleaning and wiping more difficult.
- Does not have the luxurious, noble beauty of natural stones. The patterns and grain of the stone are monotonous, with little uniqueness.
- Durability and longevity are lower than natural stone. Easily cracked if subjected to great impact.
- Colors fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and the environment.
Application
Commonly used for flooring and wall cladding in exterior areas such as gardens, hallways, porches, and areas around swimming pools. In addition, this type of stone is also used in public works such as shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and train stations due to its reasonable price.
Cement stone can be used for tiling areas with moderate frequency of use in the house such as living room, dining room or for casting products such as tables, chairs, sinks, kitchen countertops with many unique patterns and colors.
What to Note When Choosing and Preserving Interior Stone
To own a luxurious and sustainable living space with interior stone, choosing a reputable and experienced supplier is extremely important. In addition, carefully checking the quality of the stone and applying the correct cleaning and preservation methods for each type of stone will help you preserve the natural beauty of the stone for a long time.
Experience in choosing stone for interior decoration
- Choose a reputable, experienced supplier: Choose an interior stone supplier with clear origin, standard stone quality and prioritize units with many years of experience and thoughtful after-sales service.
If you do not know a reputable supplier, you can consult an expert or architect to make the right choice. - Check the quality of the stone carefully before buying.: Carefully check the quality of the stone before buying by observing the color, grain, and whether the stone surface is even and sharp, and check for defects such as cracks, dents, and unwanted veins. At the same time, ask the supplier to provide documents and certificates of stone quality.
How to clean and preserve stone to keep the beauty and durability of each type of stone
How to clean and preserve some types of easily scratched stones:
- Marble, granite: Clean with warm water and neutral detergent. Avoid using strong detergents and acids. Regularly polish and periodically waterproof (6-12 months).
- Onyx translucent stone, artificial stone: Clean with a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid letting sharp or hot objects come into direct contact with the stone surface. Do not use harsh detergents.
- Sandstone: Clean with soft brush, warm water. Periodically waterproof treatment (3-6 months). Avoid leaving water on the stone surface for long.
Handling common problems when using stone tiles
Some common problems when using stone cladding are dirt, stains, scratches or cracks. Therefore, when encountering the above problems, you can handle them in the following ways:
- Stains, stains: Use a specialized cleaner for each type of stone (for example, grease remover for marble and granite).
- Scratch: Use fine sandpaper (1000-2000 grit) to lightly sand, then polish the surface.
- Cracks, chips: Use specialized stone glue and fill with stone powder of the same color. If the crack is large, replace the stone slab.
Questions About Stone Used In Interior Design
Which is better natural stone or artificial stone?
Depending on specific needs and conditions:
- Natural stone has natural beauty, uniqueness, high durability but high cost.
- Artificial stone has a more reasonable price, diverse colors and patterns but is less durable than natural stone.
- It is possible to combine both types of stone to optimize cost and aesthetics.
How to distinguish natural stone and artificial stone?
Some ways to distinguish:
- Natural stone has natural, irregular, non-repeating grain. Artificial stone has even, sharp, repeating grain.
- Natural stone often has natural tones such as white, gray, brown, yellow. Artificial stone has more diverse and brighter colors.
Can be tested by dropping 10% hydrochloric acid on the stone surface, if it bubbles it is natural stone (due to reaction with calcium carbonate), if it does not bubble it is artificial stone.
Is using interior stone safe for health?
Interior stone is safe for health if it is mined, produced and constructed according to the correct process:
- Natural stone must be mined from quarries of clear origin, free of toxic substances such as asbestos or radiation.
- Artificial stone must be produced from safe materials, with standard production processes, and without the use of toxic chemicals.
- Construction and installation processes must comply with safety measures and ensure industrial hygiene.
What type of stone is suitable for classic interior style?
Neoclassical interior style, Semi-classical furnituren, classic interior Often use natural stones such as marble to create a luxurious, noble beauty. Marble with delicate veins, elegant colors suitable for classic spaces.
What type of stone is suitable for Rustic interior style?
Rustic interior style is suitable for rough stones with natural beauty such as sandstone. Sandstone with rough surface, neutral colors such as gray, brown, beige help create a cozy space, close to nature, true to the spirit of Rustic style.
Which unit professionally constructs and produces beautiful stone furniture?
SmartDecor is a reputable unit specializing in designing, manufacturing and constructing beautiful and professional stone interiors.
Some highlights of SmartDecor:
- Having a direct manufacturing workshop, the products are of high quality, diverse in design, and have a high warranty. The unit proactively sources raw materials and possesses highly specialized resources, meeting the diverse requirements and ideas of customers.
- A team of architects, engineers, technicians and skilled workers, committed to a professional working process from survey, design, production, construction to warranty. A team of professional, experienced staff will bring the best experiences and services.
- Ready to return/remake if design is wrong.
With expertise, experience and long-standing reputation, SmartDecor is a reliable choice for professional, high-quality stone interior design and construction projects.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the types of stone used in interior design. Each type of stone has its own advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right type of stone should be based on the needs of use, space conditions, and budget of the homeowner.
Consult with experts, architects and reputable contractors to get the best choice.
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