Wall coverings

Decorative stone in the interior: 85 photo ideas

Natural elements in an apartment, house or office - this is a spectacular design solution that will give a special piquancy to any room. Moreover, it is not necessary to make a single interior style, individual inserts and eclecticism are permissible. For example, a wall made of “wild stone” looks interesting in a room in a marine style or in a la hi-tech kitchen. But even for a classic living room such an element can be used. And as for the lofts, ethnic and Scandinavian interior, the tile will become the main forming material in them. Today it is in trend. Laconic design and rough, but at the same time elegant simplicity come into fashion, and with the improvement of production technologies to simulate natural materials, decorative stone-faced decorative tiles look realistic.

The popularity of this design supports the fashionable direction of a healthy lifestyle, ecology.

Benefits

The widespread use of artificial tiles that mimic a wall of cobblestones is due to its advantages. Material advantages:

  • the installation of tiles of such a plan does not require special skills and can be performed independently, subject to the availability of basic knowledge in repair and construction,
  • this material weighs less than cement tile, therefore it is fixed even on drywall,
  • budget options are presented in the product line (the minimum cost depends on the region, in Moscow, for example, according to the price lists of individual companies, prices start from 450 rubles / sq.),
  • the material has increased refractoriness and does not conduct electric current, therefore it can be used in the repair of a kitchen or a nursery,
  • the tile has excellent heat-conducting and sound insulating properties,
  • natural elements adorn any interior,
  • This material is environmentally friendly,
  • There are a lot of modifications of the tile, it can recreate any kind of stone or brick.

Disadvantages

But when choosing a building material it is impossible to focus only on positive aspects. It is better to be aware of all its shortcomings in advance, in order to minimize them during application. You need to understand what you have to sacrifice if you choose this particular tile, and not something else. The main disadvantages of the material:

  • gypsum products begin to deform quickly due to the high moisture absorption of the tile, this can be avoided with the help of various substances (you can use a special primer in advance, for example, Primer X94),
  • decorative tile breaks easily, does not have high strength and resistance to abrasive influences, therefore, when installing it, be careful
  • the material has poor frost resistance,
  • “Wild stone” collects dust due to the relief surface and requires frequent cleaning, therefore it is better to varnish it after installation (a non-cloudy surface is treated with a solution of 50 ml of fabric softener dissolved in 200 ml of water).

There are several classifications of tiles for natural stone. One of them shares the varieties of this material by application. Types of decorative tiles, depending on the application:

  • facade - used for exterior wall cladding of buildings in the private and commercial sector. Its features include the absence of a mechanical connection (not including grouting) between adjacent elements, the need to seal the seams and the waterproofness of the entire canvas,

  • floor - made of PVC or porcelain stoneware. The floor tile is chemically neutral, does not rub off, does not deteriorate from sudden changes in temperature, and also has high strength. The most resistant flooring is paving,

  • wall - used for interior decoration. It weighs easily, and therefore simplifies the installation process. This tile has a huge number of design varieties (for example, tiles in the bathroom),

  • ceiling - has the smallest weight of all types of decorative tiles. Its thickness should be no more than 1 centimeter to cover the entire ceiling of the room with it.

Gypsum

Tiles are produced in two versions: gypsum and ceramics. Gypsum tiles typically mimic a natural stone or brick wall. It is durable, allows you to forget about redecorating the room for many years to come. Distinguished between painted and unpainted, smooth or embossed varieties of material. It is used for decorating closed loggias and balconies, walls and ceilings in rooms and corridors. Gypsum is used to decorate home fireplaces, but for fire safety it is better to equip them with heat-insulating panels. The natural composition of gypsum allows you to maintain a favorable microclimate. But still, this material is not used in the decoration of bathtubs and saunas due to high moisture absorption. For the same reasons, after installation in any room, the tile is treated with a hydrophobizing agent.

No substances will help cope with the "wild stone" of gypsum with climatic factors, so it is not used in the outer cladding of houses.

Ceramic

Ceramic tile has increased durability and strength. It is able to withstand a variety of mechanical loads without damaging its integral structure. The material is used in facade decoration, as it is not subject to the climatic effects of the environment (although, of course, when choosing a product and brand it is necessary to focus on regional characteristics). But the main role is played by ceramic tiles in the interior of the living room, dining room, kitchen, hallway and bathroom. If you want the room to look “richer”, you can make inserts from tiles that mimic marble or onyx. Moreover, in accordance with international standards, this material practically does not differ from natural analogues in its technical properties and appearance. A wide range of ceramic stone tiles allows you to choose the best material option for absolutely any architectural solution. Moreover, it does not absorb dirt and odors, and therefore is convenient in operation.

Colors

The colors of the tiles are diverse and completely imitate the elements of nature. Moreover, the double technology of painting the relief base leads to the fact that there are no two identical tiles. The color of the veins and bulges will always vary. The choice of shade depends on the style and personal preferences of the designer, but anyway, when using this material, you should rely on a natural palette. It is customary to classify decorative tiles by color depending on the type of stone that is imitated. The following types are distinguished:

  • marble imitation involves the use of white, black and beige with a small interspersed gray shade,

  • malachite tiles should be dark green with some stains,

  • onyx will be presented in pink, amber and light green flowers,

  • gray and beige shades are suitable for decorative sandstone,

  • artificial slate has a brown, gray-green hue with light veins,

  • a mixture of stones involves the use of natural shades (brown, white, reddish, etc.).

Application

There are a huge number of options for using decorative brick tiles. Conventionally, they can be divided into standard and non-standard. Standard methods include:

  • decorating a separate corner of the kitchen (for example, next to a gas stove),
  • facing of internal and external walls,
  • creation of a special “Christmas” cosiness due to the edging of the fireplace,
  • decoration of bathrooms
  • use for windows and doors,
  • edging mirrors, etc.

As non-standard (conditionally) ways to use artificial stone are called:

  • facing the working surface of the kitchen headset, which smoothly turns into an apron (while dirt does not accumulate under the bottom edge of the apron tile),
  • decor of old furniture,
  • from a broken tile (the material is fragile, during installation something will break) you can make a small panel on the wall,
  • decoration of garden benches, flower beds and pots,
  • from white wall tiles you can make a custom canvas for adults and children (you need to draw on it using special paints for glass or ceramics),
  • decoration of stairs in the cottage,
  • excess tiles can be used as a stand for hot or cold dishes.

How to choose?

Artificial decorative stone for exterior and interior decoration is selected based on the parameter of price, durability, reliability, ease of use and appearance. You should also carefully consider the manufacturer of the goods. If the company has long established itself in the market and has a wide range of products, then its decorative tile is quite possible to purchase. According to the law, tiles are not subject to mandatory certification, but the presence of such a document indicates that the company is attentive to its consumer and conducts product testing (if a large holding buys goods from a small manufacturing company, it always requires technical documentation for inspections). If the consultant refuses to provide quality certificates, you should think about the appropriateness of making a purchase.

When choosing a fake stone, you need to pay attention to its frost resistance indicators. The larger they are, the longer the material will last (this applies not only to the facade, but also to the inner lining). The correct tile has a textured surface, indistinguishable from ordinary natural stone. When buying a tile, you need to look at its surface. If it is porous, then this indicates a violation of production technology (for example, the injection mixture was moved). Such a stone will be short-lived, moisture will begin to enter the pores that will lead to the destruction of the material. You should also pay attention to the thickness of the product. Depending on the purpose of the tile, it varies from 1 to 5 centimeters. Ideally, the thickness of the stone should be uniform over its entire length and width. In case of irregularities, such decorative tiles will be difficult to lay on the wall or floor, additional finishing work will be required to restore the marriage (at least visually).

Stacking

The whole process of laying artificial stone is divided into the following stages:

  1. First, the old coating is dismantled. If you plan to decorate the entire wall or ceiling, then the coating is removed completely. Otherwise, only a part is deleted.
  2. Then the walls are leveled, since it is necessary to lay the stone on a smooth surface. Cracks are putty, and large drops and slopes are sanding.
  3. After sanding, the stage of priming begins. Before this, the surface should be cleaned of dust and other dirt. Only after that the site is treated with a primer (preferably acrylic).
  4. The tile has uneven edges, so it must be assembled like a puzzle on the floor using a meter. Identical fragments should come in contact with larger and smaller ones.
  5. Then glue should be prepared (it should be thick and uniform without lumps) and proceed with the installation itself, paying particular attention to the corner joints.
  6. After laying the tiles, wait 3 to 10 days, depending on the type of glue and the characteristics of the room. Only after this period, the tile adhesive will finally dry out, and the design itself will become durable.

How to care?

Care for decorative tiles consists in timely dusting. To avoid problems with excess moisture, the lining is treated with hydrophobic sprays. Thanks to this coating, the tile can be washed in the future. But it is better to use not a usual, but a special rag with microfiber for its processing. Also suitable for spraying flowers. Vacuum cleaning (preferably washing) will be effective. For some surfaces a static broom is shown, but it is necessary exclusively for dry cleaning. An ordinary porous sponge is suitable for cleaning a kitchen apron. As detergents, it is better to choose special tools for processing artificial stone. Sometimes they use fabric softener, but you do not need to abuse this method, since the surface of the tile can deteriorate. The frequency of cleaning decorative stone depends on the humidity of the room, as well as the presence in the apartment (house, office) of objects collecting dust.

Conclusion

Tile is an excellent interior solution for any room. It’s just that for each design development a certain type of material is used. Artificial stone helps to focus on important details in the interior and dilutes the monotonous finish. Due to the ease of installation, it can be put even with your own hands, without resorting to the help of tile specialists, which reduces the cost of repair. If necessary, a person will choose tiles of any price category and quality. And the strength shortcomings that are inherent in artificial stone practically do not manifest themselves with proper installation and further operation. The key advantage of artificial tile is that it is mounted after the overhaul is completed and is in perfect harmony with any building materials.

What it is?

In fact, decorative stone is a specific tile. It is distinguished from a finishing tile by the invoice which imitates real breeds. It is used for exterior and interior use, in particular in interiors.

There are several reasons for this: unpretentiousness in the care and operation, ease of processing and installation, the cost is lower than that of natural granite or marble.

The material itself is lighter in weight. Dirt, grease and other stains are easily washed off the coating. A homogeneous structure provides high material strength, and geometry accuracy is achieved through artificial manufacturing. Artificial stone is resistant to moisture, parasites, fungus, mold, temperature changes and other external influences.

Concrete decorative stone

The composition includes cement, sand, plasticizers, reinforcing components, pigments and fillers. Most often used expanded clay, pumice, ceramic chips. This is the most common and universal form.

Concrete is a very flexible material and a lot of impurities or additives can be introduced into it. Therefore, it allows you to create an imitation of almost any natural stone.

Finished tiles are used for wall cladding. But that's not all! Pavement, baseboards, curbs, cornices and decor for natural breeds are made of concrete.

1. Natural stone in slab

Marble in all the variety of its varieties is considered to be a classic material for interior decoration, but besides it, granite, onyx, travertine and other types of stone are used. Let us explain the terminology - in the stone processing industry, large slabs of stone are called slabs (from the English word slab - slab). The sizes of slabs are not brought to a single standard, they depend on the type of stone and the features of working with it. The ideal thickness of a stone slab is about two centimeters, but this parameter can vary. Decorating a room with marble, onyx, and other types of stone in large slabs is considered expensive, since a stone texture pattern is preserved in a full-scale stone slab - the essence of the material. The wall or part of it, the fireplace portal, the surface of the floor, in natural stone trim, are a self-contained decorative element of the interior.

In professional terminology, the texture of the stone is divided into monotonous (homogeneous, not requiring adjustment) and texture with a pronounced pattern. In the second case, a careful adjustment of the texture is required, the picture can be located with a “butterfly” or a “book”, the effect produced from such material is much stronger.

Some rocks have additional visual special effects. So, green and pink onyx have a translucent texture, to achieve a decorative effect in the interior, behind the stone slab or at its end set the backlight, turning the wall from stone into an art object.

High-quality imitation

An artificial analogue of natural stone is most often used as a facing material for walls, but it is also used to design the floor and ceiling. This material is made on the basis of concrete. Also, sand, fluxes and other components are added to the composition.

Very popular is porcelain stoneware (ceramic granite) - an artificial decorative material based on clay.

The price of an artificial analog is much lower than the cost of natural stone tiles. This gives most customers the opportunity to design a house or a house territory in a stylish and profitable way.

Such material is not afraid of various chemical compounds with aggressive components. Resistance to various indicators is achieved due to modern processing methods and a special coating composition. The substitute weighs much less than natural raw materials. Due to this, the process of mounting tiles is facilitated.

Manufacturers offer customers a huge variety of textures and colors of artificial alternatives. But even the highest quality product will not replace the finish of natural raw materials. The natural pattern looks much more expressive and colorful than any copy.

Granite

This stone is a standard of practicality and reliability and can have a different color. The floors he designed can often be found in public places. These are theaters, shopping centers, train stations. High traffic does not affect the beauty of the material. Experts say that granite floors are almost eternal.

From an aesthetic point of view, granite attracts the attention of connoisseurs with a huge variety of colors. The most common: green, burgundy, shades of gray, pink. The main color of the coating is decorated with small blotches. Using this material, you can organize a multi-color composition or design a monochrome surface.

Marble

Marble has been used in decorating for a long time. The stone captivates with luxury and sophistication. This is a medium hard rock. Compared with granite, it needs a more accurate attitude. Marble tiles are actively used in the decoration of stylish bathrooms.

Porous material provides comfortable movement on wet floors. Products differ in color, texture and dimensions. Tiles can be plain or decorated with an expressive pattern in white, pink, blue, green and black colors.

Dark veins add particular beauty to the material. They stand out against a lighter background, creating an amazing pattern. Natural marble is replete with a variety of colors.

Travertine

This rock, which is also called calcareous tufa, has a special layered structure. This is a porous stone whose texture resembles natural wood. The most common colors of this breed are beige, brown, ivory. In large specialized stores you can find bright options. They are valued above standard colors and are more expensive.

During operation, noticeable pores become larger. This leads to premature erasure.

The travertine finish needs additional processing and careful polishing. In this case, the stone will delight you with beauty for many years.

Slate

This species is characterized by a layered arrangement of minerals. Due to this, an unusual appearance of the stone and its expressive color, consisting of various shades, are achieved. Standard colors: gray, beige, burgundy, green. Slate is a strong and wear-resistant material that does not absorb waterdue to which it is used when decorating bathrooms, showers, kitchens and other rooms.

For outdoor work, oil shale is also used. Beautiful and neat paths are obtained from it, complementing the territory near the house.

Designers loved the breed due to attractive colors and a special texture.

Sandstone

The stone attracts attention with a huge variety of colors and patterns. He is chosen for interior design with notes of antiquity. As a material for floors it is rarely used. The sandstone is perfect for decorating country kitchens, outdoor terraces and various sites.

One of the shortcomings of the stone is the formation of a pale coating on it. To get rid of this flaw, the stone must be periodically covered with wax and polished surface. This will give the coating a shine and radiance. The standard color of sandstone tiles is beige and its shades.

Onyx

Onyx tile is not accessible to everyone. This is an elite finishing material, the cost of which is high even in comparison with other natural stones. Onyx has an expressive pattern and a combination of different shades on one tile.

Finishing material is difficult to process, and this indicator also played a role in the price. A feature of the breed is a translucent texture. Tiles are often used as flooring in bathrooms. To emphasize the beauty of the material, use a special backlight placed under the tile. As a result, onyx begins to glow from the inside, and the pattern becomes more clear and colorful. Tiles from this material will ideally fit into a refined and expensive classic design.

Shell rock

Derbent stone, also called shell rock, is a type of limestone. The material has a porous structure. The stone consists of small pieces of shells, particles of salt and iodine. Used for interior cladding. The components that make up the stone have a positive effect on the human body.

Tile from shell rock has a high vapor permeability. The material easily passes air, preventing the accumulation of moisture. Its thermal conductivity is low. Also, the tile boasts excellent soundproofing. The standard color is light beige.

Volcanic stone

It is a widely used natural material. There are many varieties of stone related to this breed. Raw materials are used in the construction and decoration of premises.

Volcanic tuff tiles are very popular. This rock was formed after volcanic eruptions. The material can be used as an independent element or in combination with concrete. The stone is not afraid of severe frosts and boasts excellent thermal insulation properties. Buyers have the opportunity to choose such a coating among a huge color palette: from dark to light colors.

The stone is decorated with small multi-colored blotches that give it special expressiveness. Volcanic stone is great for decorating rooms of various types. This material is especially widely used in Italy.

Treatment

In addition to the varieties of rocks used in the manufacture of tiles, various methods of processing raw materials:

  • Polishing. Due to it, a smooth and glossy surface with a slight sheen is achieved. Polished floors look elegant and attractive, but this method has a significant drawback - the material becomes slippery.
  • Buchard. The opposite of the above technique. This is a type of machining that creates a rough and expressive texture. This is the most popular method for preparing floor tiles.
  • Heat treatment. High temperature treatment makes the material more resistant to high humidity and other negative influences. Tiles that have passed this type of processing are often used for laying in bathrooms, steam rooms, saunas.

See all the steps of processing natural stone in the next video.

Also, experts identify two types of porous raw materials:

  • stone with natural open pores (unfilled),
  • stone with pores that are filled with special grout (mastic, resin).

The second type is more expensive, given the cost of additional materials during processing. The cost greatly depends on the quality of the filler. Due to the grout, the stone does not absorb moisture.

Examples in the interior

Exquisite bathroom interior using natural onyx tiles. Decoration material adorned the walls and floor of the room.

The use of granite tiles for exterior decoration of the house area. In the warm season, on this site you can equip a comfortable area for relaxing or receiving guests.

Slate tiles in the decoration of residential premises. Finishing material in perfect harmony with the fireplace, decorated with bricks.

Refined glossy marble tiles adorn the stylish classic décor. Black patterns are especially noticeable on a white background. This option is perfect for decorating various rooms of a residential building.

Wall decoration with natural slate tiles. This is a stylish element for a living room, study or hall.

Acrylic decorative stone

This is a facing material with a diverse color palette, shapes and sizes. It is absolutely safe and suitable even for bathrooms and bedrooms.

The composition includes acrylic resins, aluminum hydroxide, pigments and fillers. This is the most maintainable decorative stone. Glue joints are almost invisible, and the surface is perfectly ground.

It is almost impossible to deform acrylic stone, it does not burn and has the highest refractory properties. It can be used in living rooms, bathrooms, restaurants, medical facilities.

Plaster decorative stone

It is lightweight, inexpensive, practical and affordable. It is pleasant and easy to work with it, and in the interiors it has been used for many years. The texture resembles sandstone, so most often a decorative stone made of gypsum is painted just under it.

Of the shortcomings - it is very sensitive to moisture. It is not recommended for use in the bathroom or in the kitchen, but it is absolutely environmentally friendly and allows air to pass through.

Porcelain Tiles

It contains several types of clay, feldspar, minerals and pigments. The mixture is pressed and fired, so this artificial stone is stronger.

But outwardly, granite looks more like a facing tile than a block of natural granite. But it is resistant to temperature changes and it is used in warm floors.

Quartz decorative stone

You have to pay for the beauty and elegance of quartz: you need to work with it in protection. Do not allow stone dust to enter the respiratory tract.

But the scope is almost unlimited: from internal and external walls to steps, stoves, pools, sinks and bathtubs. Due to its high hygienic qualities, it can be used in public places: restaurants, salons, saunas.

Artificial quartz stone is not afraid of frost and does not fade. For cutting, you need diamond wheels. Thanks to natural breeds, it is a very durable material as a filler.

Conglomerate

At its core, it resembles a quartz stone. Only for creation is used a crumb of natural marble and granite. And also - limestone, quartz sand, pigments.

Outwardly, it is almost impossible to distinguish from a block of natural rock, which was in the composition. But it is much easier. It is the conglomerate that is most often used for countertops and for finishing the working area.

Decorative stone in the hallway

Decoration with decorative stone will decorate even a small and cramped entrance hall. It will immediately look more comfortable and elegant, especially in bright colors.

Forged elements, lamps-lanterns, mirrors in massive old frames complement the stone decoration.

Decorative stone in the living room

In the living room, the properties of decorative stone are revealed in full. It is used for floors, walls, staircases, arches and decorative structures.

Facing artificial stone fireplaces will cost several times cheaper than natural, but it looks no worse.

Decorative stone in the kitchen

A dense homogeneous structure, as well as high mechanical strength, allow the use of decorative stone for facing the working area and even for the manufacture of countertops.

It does not absorb odors and stains, it is enough to wipe the soiled surface with a rag. And on the countertop there are no scratches and damage from the pots.

Decorative stone in the bathroom

A bathroom is primarily humidity and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, resistant stone trim is as common as ceramic tile.

The stone surface is easy to clean and process. Hygiene is the most important requirement for finishing a bathroom.

Some types of artificial stone are used to make the bathtubs and sinks themselves. The material does not absorb moisture, does not mold, does not decay and does not peel off.

Decorative stone in the bedroom

It may seem that the stone texture is too cold for the bedroom. But this is a godsend for any classic interiors.

It is not necessary to clad with decorative stone all the walls and floors. Individual elements look stylish and effective: panels, window sills, tables, design inserts.

Decorative stone in a children's room

Stone fragments of decoration look perfect in themed children's rooms. For example, stylized as a castle or a dungeon.

From small colorful elements, you can lay out frames, mosaics and art panels, like from real pebbles. You can even do it with your child - he will surely like to create something with his own hands.

Decorative stone on the balcony

Resistance to external influences is especially relevant when facing balconies and loggias. The material is not afraid of either frost or heat. It does not crack, does not swell, does not deform, and does not require regular processing, like a tree.

The decorative stone looks especially interesting in improvised conservatories and greenhouses on the balcony.

Classic interiors

Luxurious and elegant stone cladding is the most important attribute of pompous classics, baroque, rococo and empire. Marble of various shades is found on walls, floors, in the form of panels and inserts.

The stone texture is interestingly intertwined with modern trends in neoclassicism. She managed to get rid of excessive decorativeness and a pile of accessories, so the inserts for valuable breeds look even more spectacular.

Decorative stone in the loft

In a rough industrial loft, stone cladding looks like a native. Make it deliberately careless - choose boards with an unprocessed texture, bumps, scuffs. Too neat and elegant stone trim is inappropriate in the loft.

Art Nouveau decorative stone

Art Nouveau means smooth and soft lines, natural textures, natural asymmetry, complex shades. Decorative stone is easy to process, so you can give it any desired shape.

But avoid strict rectangular plates and slabs of the correct angular shape. But the mosaic, round panels, arches look like family.

Decorative stone in minimalism

Minimalism strives for simplicity, conciseness and functionality. Artificial stone is fully consistent with these tasks.

The decor in minimalism is built not on accessories, but on textures and accents - this is the emphasis will be stone inserts. Continuous decoration is rare, but a few elements look spectacular and will help to zone the space.

Hi-tech decorative stone

High-tech gravitates to artificial textures and materials. But decorative stone thoroughly imitates the texture of natural. It may seem that he does not belong in this style, but it is not!

Of all natural materials, cold and hard stone is easiest to fit into modern technological and futuristic styles. Give it an angular irregular shape, choose cool black and white shades.

The decorative stone goes well with metal, glass and acrylic - typical high-tech materials.

How is tile made from natural material?

Over the years, the manufacture of tiles from natural materials has been worked out to be automatic. Modern equipment, which is used in the manufacture of plates, helps to set the desired shape and size. Different treatments will help to achieve this surface:

  • gloss
  • relief
  • matte surface, etc.

So that when laying the tiles, it forms the correct joint, it will not work without high-quality finish of the sides.

For the manufacture of tiles, you can use various natural stones, each of which will differ in certain pluses and minuses, as well as specific properties. The most popular material is:

Varieties of material

Facing with natural stone tiles

Today, stone tiles are made from such rocks:

It is about these rocks that we will talk in more detail.

Granite flooring is most often used for decorating public spaces. Granite flooring has the main advantage, which is that it is not afraid of moisture, and its constant exposure will not change its appearance. Also, a wide variety of colors can be attributed to the pluses, which helps in creating multi-color compositions that harmoniously fit into any interior.

Marble is a medium-density rock, therefore, needs a more careful attitude. Most often, marble is chosen to decorate the wall in the bathroom. Due to the porosity of the material, its surface does not slip. Marble tiles differ in size, pigmentation and texture. Due to the rich color of marble, the floor and walls can be laid out in the form of multi-colored mosaic masonry, and dark veins that form a heterogeneous and fancy pattern will give special beauty to the finish.

Travertine is a natural material that has a layered and cellular structure, which makes it look like wood. Due to the large porosity, the material is quickly wiped away, so this floor often needs to be grouted and grouted. Only with quality care and gentle operation, the travertine floor will serve you for many years.

Self-tiling walls

Slate is characterized by a layered arrangement of materials, and the slate floor almost does not absorb moisture and is considered very durable. Also, the material has proven itself well in the exterior decoration, both of the facade of the building, and as a garden decor.

Sandstone slabs are rich in both color and pattern. Due to the fact that the surface will be covered with a grayish coating all the time, the finish will require constant application of wax.

Onyx is an expensive natural material, choosing which your repair will fly you a pretty penny. Such a tile is difficult to process, but its appearance is mesmerizing. Today it is very popular to beat the translucency of a tile with a backlight, which is installed under the masonry of a stone. This technique allows you to give the glow effect of natural material from the inside.

A more detailed comparative table is given below.

BreedPropertyArea of ​​use
GraniteDurable with a high level of wear resistance, resistant to chemical attack, amenable to polishingFacing inside and outside the building
LabradoriteEasy to polishFacade work outside the building
MarbleHigh level of strength, frost resistance, alkaliInterior decoration, as well as window sills and kitchen worktops
SlateIt can be cracked by layers, easy to processInterior decoration of the floor, exterior works with facade decoration

Masonry made of natural stone for walls or floors can also be made of diabase, basalt, labradorite, etc. If compared with the usual tile, the stone finish is more advantageous, because it looks more elegant and will last much longer.

Slabs made of natural stone have only one drawback - high cost, but even this drawback cannot overshadow the full payback of the coating over many years of operation.

Stone for interior decoration

Tiles made of natural stone in the interior of the apartment

Basically, masonry made of natural stone covers the walls in public buildings, such as theaters, museums, exhibition halls, etc. But, even in a residential building, this design looks no less beautiful, especially when it comes to a country house.

Today, natural masonry can be used for any purpose. You can add charm to the kitchen with a work surface or countertops made of natural materials, the stone floor and walls give the space a unique character.

Masonry will help any interior to add pathos and luxury, in addition, it is very harmonious with other building materials.

Natural material for outdoor decoration

DIY tile installation

At least you can see the natural finish on the outside of the house, usually on the facades. This solution allows you to simulate masonry or create a smooth cladding. Adding various shades to the desired texture, you can get a very effective result.

I would like to note that the design of the facade is not the only option for the exterior design of the building. Finishing steps, a porch, the territory in front of the house, etc. is also profitable and expensive.

How to care for the coating?

Natural stone decorative tile

After completion of all repair work, the tile often remains in cement traces, which can only be removed with special cleaning agents. Please note that sharp objects such as a knife, which can easily scratch the gloss on the stone, should not be used for such work.

Experienced finishers advise using soap as a natural coating care. In no case do not think that this is an ordinary toilet soap. This is a special substance that is designed to clean stone natural surfaces. Such a tool will not only help to remove various impurities, but also preserve the original shade of the finish and its structure.

If the floor is covered with natural stone, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean it. Also, the tile can be covered with a mass that will make the finish even more attractive and cover it with a protective layer that will protect it from external irritants.