Natural stone is not only a very decorative but also functional finishing material. Depending on the selected type, it can be used for an effective finish of floors, walls or stairs. A suitable stone can also be used to make a kitchen counter, fireplace or piece of furniture. Selected species can be successfully used outdoors, including the facade of the building or pavements and terraces.
Stone is a work of nature, with individual properties shaped by the type and bonds of its minerals. Contrary to other building and finishing materials, natural stone is unique and impossible to counterfeit. No other material is available in such a rich color and design, and additionally it can be finished in many ways, or left in its natural shape. Natural stone is completely safe for users. It does not contain ingredients that would negatively affect our health and well-being. That is why, among other things, it can be used in the kitchen or bathroom. In addition, it is a refractory material that does not emit any harmful substances when in contact with fire. Natural stone is obtained in large blocks and then cut to the desired shape. As a result, the size of the plates is only limited by the size of the excavated block and not by the size determined by the production machines.
The shape can be adapted to the requirements of the project. Modern machines used for stone processing allow you to cut arcs and cut elements inside, so you can get any desired format and shape. As a rule, natural stone is a long-lived material, definitely more durable than most finishing products available on the market. An additional advantage of the stone is that it usually ages beautifully. Delicate patina and abrasions give it nobility and character. Due to its durability and low abrasion, stone is the best material for flooring. Floors with granite or similar hard stones, even after decades, show almost no signs of wear. Contrary to appearances, natural stone is an economical finishing material. Independent studies have shown that if the cost of building materials is viewed through the prism of thirty years or more, stone is no more expensive than comparable synthetic materials. The relatively high purchase cost is compensated by the durability of the material and low cleaning and maintenance costs.
Before we define the rules and methods of natural stone care, it is worth identifying its biggest "enemies". The first one is weathering, i.e. the natural process of rock breakdown as a result of sunlight, daily temperature changes, water freezing in the pores and crevices of rocks, and the activity of organisms. The second process that is harmful to natural stone is the so-called deterioration, i.e. direct action of the polluted atmosphere consisting in the reaction with the rock of active, inorganic compounds, including gases or acid rain, as well as changes in rocks caused by microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, algae and lichens. Deterioration affects the technical parameters and the external appearance of the stone, causing its discoloration, the formation of gypsum efflorescence, patina, and in extreme cases gradual disintegration of the stone. The third group of threats is created by direct human activities, which can cause damage, both mechanical and chemical. The extent to which the stone will be resistant to the above external factors depends largely on its parameters, in particular its hardness, porosity and water absorption. Despite the indicated risks, natural stone is one of the most durable and damage-resistant materials used in construction and interior design.
Before we define the rules and methods of natural stone care, it is worth identifying its biggest "enemies". The first one is weathering, i.e. the natural process of rock breakdown as a result of sunlight, daily temperature changes, water freezing in the pores and crevices of rocks, and the activity of organisms. The second process that is harmful to natural stone is the so-called deterioration, i.e. direct action of the polluted atmosphere consisting in the reaction with the rock of active, inorganic compounds, including gases or acid rains, and in order for the stone to enjoy its appearance for many years, simple care activities and basic knowledge about the stone are enough. Daily care activities can be performed using natural methods, using clean water, or with the addition of detergent. For the care of the stone, soft fabrics should be used - microfiber, tetra or paper towels. There is also a wide range of chemicals for specialized stone care on the market, which are used, among others, for washing, polishing, protecting against scratching, removing deposits, creating anti-slip coatings, etc. Before using, it is worth testing a specific preparation on a stone sample, because any negative effects may be irreversible. Also changes caused in rocks by microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, algae and lichens . Deterioration affects the technical parameters and the external appearance of the stone, causing its discoloration, the formation of gypsum efflorescence, patina, and in extreme cases gradual disintegration of the stone. The third group of threats is created by direct human activities, which can cause damage, both mechanical and chemical. The extent to which the stone will be resistant to the above external factors depends largely on its parameters, in particular its hardness, porosity and water absorption. Despite the indicated risks, natural stone is one of the most durable and damage-resistant materials used in construction and interior design.
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