Granite is a classy natural stone often used in several home remodeling projects.
Natural stone is a construction material for bathrooms, floors and countertops that may come into consideration when a homeowner upgrades her home. Natural stone refers to any quarried rock, such as granite, slate, marble or limestone. Natural stone has a few benefits and drawbacks as a construction material. Does this Spark an idea?
Maintenance
One of the benefits of natural stone is its incredible durability. Putting in natural stone is a long-term investment because it does not degrade quickly and it is not a material that will need constant maintenance or repair. In addition, it is stain resistant, meaning it will not have to be replaced or steam cleaned when it gets dirty.
Eco-friendly
Because it is mined directly from the earth and does not require chemicals to clean, natural stone products are considered very eco-friendly. Buy the stone locally and you'll be a very green home remodeler.
Timeless Look
Natural stone has a very classy look and rarely goes out of style. It is available in many colors, textures and shapes to allow for individuality in the home. Should homeowners change their mind about the way their stone or house looks, chunks of natural stone can be re-sold, recycled or re-cut for a new look.
Cost
One drawback to natural stone is that it can be quite expensive to install. Prices will depend upon the project, the type of stone, the cut needed and the company selling the stone; however, natural stone can run anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot as of 2010. Granite and marble are especially pricey.
Feel
Another drawback is that stone can be quite cold all year round, especially in the colder winter months. In addition, natural stone floors can be hard on legs and feet due to the hardness of the material.
