In the language of architecture, nothing speaks more of stability than natural stone finishes. Valued from ancient times due to the energy required to quarry it stone was reserved for buildings of civic importance in order to instil reverence. Today, stone is still evocative of the same, and when used on residential projects, a home can in a sense be elevated in a similar way. Below are some types of natural stone finishes for the exterior of your home used in home.
Table of Contents
GRANITE
Granite is one of the hardest substances known to man, and it is no wonder, that it is a favourite among types of natural stone finishes for house exteriors. Its nonreactive durability allows it to resist heat, scratches, and when polished, stains. Granite’s solidity means it can withstand the rough treatment that can be experienced in its transportation and installation. It can be installed in its natural state, but is often polished in which it speckles light in a variety of colours, making it an appealing aesthetic choice. Unfortunately, granite is only available in a limited range of pink, black and brown.
QUARTZITE
Almost similar to granite in strength, quartzite as a type of natural stone finish for the exterior of your house can withstand rough treatment in transportation and installation. Its density makes it non-porous and durable. It is also composed of mosaic quartzite crystals which make it speckle light of different colours. Quartzite requires little to no cleaning and when polished, it is difficult to stain. It is often confused with marble which can be an added advantage if you want the look of marble at a lesser cost.
MARBLE
Marble is arguably the most luxurious type of natural stones you can use for your house exterior and comes in a different shades of pink, purple, grey and brown. It is famous for its mesmerizing signature patterns, and even though it is susceptible to scratching and staining, these blemishes blend well into its innate patterns, adding to its character as it ages.
LIMESTONE
Limestone is an evenly textured, type of natural stone for house exteriors. which occurs in a number of pastel hues of beige and grey. It is soft and easy to sculpt, and as result of this, can be both precision cut in a factory for a sleek modern look or, cut in an organic fashion on site, which also the secondary benefit of reducing the time cost of installation. Different types of limestone, possessing different hues can also be installed together to add to the visual interest of your home. The gift of limestone’s malleability can also be its disadvantage, as it must be handled with care in transportation and installation. Its malleability means that limestone has to be handled with care on transportation and installation. Another benefit of limestone is, it weathers well with time, but it is not an ideal stone chose in areas where acidic rain is prevalent.
TRAVERTINE
Travertine forms in limestone caves and hot springs and as carbon dioxide escapes these locations, it leaves small cavities which show up in the stone as beautiful flower petal like perforations. Even though this makes it incredibly beautiful, it also makes it relatively fragile as well and susceptible to staining. As a precaution, travertine is coated with grout to enhance its strength and ultimately durability. Like limestone, travertine provides an even textured matte finish of different hues of pink, orange and grey.
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone’s appeal as a natural type of stone finish for the exterior of your home is not only in its grey greenish colour, but also, in its malleability. Due to this, it is cheap to install, in both time and energy. Its malleability makes it a versatile option as it can be cut to precision or to organic natural shapes and forms which can add to visual interest. Soapstone often contains white veining which adds to its aesthetic appeal. It insulates heat well and is resistant chemical weathering and as such can be installed in a number of climates. Due to its delicacy however, it requires regular oiling, which helps to keep the particles that make it up compact.
SANDSTONE
Sandstone, is one of the most exciting types of natural stone for the exterior of your home. It comes in a variety of purples, deep blues, pinks, yellows, oranges and whites. What also adds to its appeal is the ability of sandstone to change in surface appearance in relation to the position of the sun in the sky giving various personalities to your home. Unfortunately, sandstone can be susceptible to stains depending on the colour of sandstone you have chosen. Like soapstone, sandstone is easy to chisel and shape and as such, can work on a modern home in which precision is required, or, on a rustic home in which a more natural air require. Its malleability also allows it to be etched into, adding to the character of the house exterior. Unfortunately, sandstone absorbs water and as such needs to be sealed to prevent moisture penetration, which would compromise the structural integrity.
FLINT
Flint, as a natural type of stone finish for the exterior of your home, is arguably the most unique Its appearance is similar to that of stained glass and occurs in shades of grey, tan and blue. It is often smashed on site and fit into place piece by piece, costing a lot of time. That said however, flint is impervious to water and also resists fluctuating temperatures well without cracking. Flint requires little maintenance and does well with stains, which seamlessly blend into it, enhancing its natural look with time.
CONCLUSION
As we’ve seen above, a number of natural types of stone options exist for the outside of your home and if it is an idea of yours to evoke the permanence and stability of stone, it is hoped that this article has highlighted the exact stone that is a truthful reflection of your personality.