Advantages of Natural Stone Cladding
Stone has been used to beautify buildings both inside and outside since the beginning of time and besides looking terrific stone also has some very real and functional benefits. Over the years new processes have developed and now we see a huge range of man-made products simulating stone. So, how do you choose what is right for you?
Manufactured vs. Natural Stone Cladding
Advantages of Natural Stone.
Natural Stone can improve the value of a home with most architects and designers preferring to use natural stone cladding whether for the interior, or the exterior. People love that it is a natural product from nature and hence its higher perceived value than other products on the market.
It’s been said that when you use natural materials, projects look better and more in tune with nature. It is generally accepted that natural stone is the preferred choice for most experts in construction and/or landscaping who tend, as their first inclination, to choose natural stone however – why?
Natural stone has many things going for it apart from its good looks; having a timeless and unique appearance with colour consistency throughout the piece being also important.
Whether you are looking to improve the look of an area or starting afresh, stone cladding can create a look to suit – whether the style is cottage or castle.
Properly installed stone cladding is very durable and has a high abrasion resistance so it can endure, even outside, many years of use without surface damage. Natural stone wall cladding can also play a part in protection from fire damage, is resistant to sun radiation and strong weather conditions so you can keep your home looking terrific as the years go on.
Natural stone is also the perfect choice for designing and creating that water feature to relax and bring some tranquility into your setting.
Advantages Man-Made Stone.
Man-made stone, which is cast from moulds (usually a mixture of cement, aggregates and iron oxides) can be a much lighter option than natural stone and this has advantages when the decision must be made as to who is going to install the product – it may be that you can now choose to install it yourself and not need a tiler or bricklayer.
New techniques in manufacturing fake stone are coming onto the market all the time and some of these now can ensure that, from a distance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between natural stone and man-made stone.
For an outdoor wall surrounding a pool it can be an inexpensive option though it is not recommended to use manufactured stone with water applications such as fountains and pools because the chemicals and constant moisture can cause it to deteriorate.