Besides the applications areas, stone flooring comes in various types which makes it well-suited for each place. Let’s jump into the detail and get familiar with:

WHAT IS NATURAL STONE FLOORING?

Masonry floors cannot go alone. They always need a coating that acts as a protective cover and makes the area presentable. Likewise, natural stone flooring is a coating of durability, purity, and stiffness that can add a unique charm. Quarried from the lap of nature and dimensional cut as per the demand, natural stones prove a wise flooring choice. Be it a natural stone tile, irregular flagstone saw cut, or chiseled pavers, natural stone stands well at any phase.

Stone flooring is not only becoming a top trending option for residential projects. It is equally growing in the industrial as well as commercial sectors. So, if you are having any project that needs a floor makeover, consider natural stone products for a chic appeal.

TYPES AVAILABLE

It is vital to know about the types available to make your decision an easy process. Talking particularly about real stone flooring, you will get immense options when stepping out into the market. Have a look at the popular stone flooring types that will never let your construction project down:

SANDSTONE: 

Sandstone is a clastic sedimentary rock quarried deep from the earth’s crust. It is composed of clay, silicates, feldspar, and quartz. It is popular among the people because of its distinctive style. Mainly found in the warm & earthen hues. 

Sandy’s textures and mottled striations make it appealing. Sandstone flooring, being hard and stiff serves as an ideal option for laying near the pool decks and patio installations. Soft and calm hues can set a mood when applied to the backyard flooring.

LIMESTONE: 

Limestone is also a popular sedimentary rock with its own characteristics. It is composed of calcium carbonate and mineral calcite. Limestone flooring is a durable, real and beautiful option to develop a sophisticated view. 

Muted to dark tones give birth to a number of design options that creates a presentable environment. Although limestone is porous in texture and would recommend applying sealers for the best results. One can choose limestone flooring for front yard installations to leave a high impact on the viewers. 

TRAVERTINE:

Do you know?

Travertine belongs to the limestone family which came into formation by hot spring water. So, the sandy colors blend nicely with the design wherever applied. 

The only things that one needs to take care of while working with travertine are the use of sealers and mild cleaners. Its unique appearance and texture make it one of the best flooring options for both indoors and outdoors. 

QUARTZITE:

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that becomes hard with the process of excessive heating under the earth’s crust. Each piece of natural stone quartzite is recrystallized in the heat that brings a slight sprinkling touch to its surface. Mainly comes in gold, green and beige tones to enrich the interiors/ exteriors. Good compressive strength makes it an ideal floor covering choice. 

SLATESTONE:

By choosing stone flooring, you will get endless options. Slatestone is one of the other types available in the range of natural stone flooring. It is composed of fine grains, shales, and cleft texture. Slate being a metamorphic rock is well known for its durability, sustainability, and hardness. Slatestone flooring is available in single to multi-color with various design styles. 

GRANITE:

Granite flooring is one of the most popular choices for ages. It is igneous rock mainly composed of the minerals quartz, mica, and feldspar. Granite is a durable choice if you are planning any commercial or a driveway project. 

In fact, it is not only durable but equally appealing as well. Granite was usually supposed to come in blacks and greys. But with the advancement in the stone industry, granite flooring is also now available in Golds. Thus, make your project shine like gold with the application of granite flooring. 

BASALT

Basalt is extrusive igneous rock used for paving the indoor as well as outdoor surfaces. Being a solid rock, basalt flooring is well suited for heavy foot traffic areas. Be it about a pathway design or patio flooring, basalt magnifies everything with its charm. How don’t want the bold and dramatic look? Bring it home with basalt flooring installation and feel the essence of nature.  

PROS OF NATURAL STONE FLOORING

Not one or two, but there are endless benefits of using natural stone flooring for your construction project. From durability to longevity, appearance to functionality, and eco-friendly to sustainability, stone flooring carries everything. 

Durability to longevity

Talking first about the major aspect of the construction project i.e. a hard-wearing framework. It can only be possible if you have a strong base. Thus, nothing can provide a stiff base than natural stone products. 

Thinking of backyard renovation or a pool deck remodeling, stone flooring options by Stone Universe Inc leads to a durable choice. Being a natural stone supplier, SUI picks floor stone with high compressive strength and low bending rate. Not only these two, but flexural strength also plays a vital role in defining the durability factor.

It adds a lot to the physical strength of the construction area. This makes it best suitable for even heavy foot traffic places. If you opt for a durable material at the initial stage, it remains long-lasting for the years to come. 

Appearance to functionality

You cannot go with one when it’s about your dream project. Appearance and functionality both go sides by side – when it’s natural stone! Attractive in appearance and highly functional stone flooring are all that your renovation project demands.

Neutrals carrying rich mineral properties give an exotic appeal to the area. It is equally suitable for both interiors & exteriors in the terms of functionality. It can resist weather conditions, climatic conditions, and normal wear and tear. So, what are you waiting for? Choose natural stone flooring and flow with the latest design trends. 

Eco-Friendly to Sustainability

Coming next to the green attribute, natural stone products fulfill the green attribute principle and become an eco-friendly choice. Comes from the lap of nature, it keeps the environment safe. It does not carry any added chemicals or synthetic sin its formation. Moreover, it brings you closer to nature by spreading natural essence all around. Advanced technology in the stone industry leads to high production at a lower cost which makes it a sustainable choice as well. 

CONS OF NATURAL STONE FLOORING

No doubt that natural stone flooring proves advantageous over other building materials, but it has some cons as no material is entirely perfect. Let’s discuss:

• Water can seep in between the layers of slate where water is subject to freeze/ thaw. Not all slatestones are freeze/thaw resistant. So, it is recommended to apply quality sealers when you want to install them in the frost areas.
• Not all the sandstones are equally harder and dense. Its compressive strength may vary depending upon the presence of calcite in it, which can make it a bit softer.
• Efflorescence can cause on the limestone with the passage of time which can lower its brightness and natural hue. 

Each coin has two sides. Keeping in view a number of natural stone flooring advantages, some of its negative aspects can be overlooked when you are not in the mood to compromise beauty and durability. 

INSPIRING REMODELING IDEAS

We are always there to inspire you in your dream construction project. The floor choice is an important aspect. These floor design ideas will inspire you to attain the best for your place. Whether you want to remodel entire coverings or just want a part renovation, have a look at one of the best picks:

CLASSY SANDSTONE – WITH VEINS

If you are a texture lover, this sandstone paver flooring will surely be going to catch your attention. The deep shades of orange, beige, and tan with violet flecks on the stone surface give an amazing appeal.

See, the way in which this classy sandstone paver brings out its unique characteristics. A multi-colored paver flooring, when paired with a nice seating arrangement gives a wow appeal. The contrast and boldness of rainbow pavers unhide even the muted elements of the scene. 

CHOOSE BOLD CONTRAST FOR YARD FLOORING

Exteriors are all about creating a bold style statement to make it captivating. What goes better than a solid tumbled black flooring? The charcoal and grey neutrals merged so well to bring an eye-catchy antique black. 

Filled with the hardness of limestone and bold in character, this natural stone flooring is the perfect inspiration for your upcoming project. Varied size natural stone pavers are installed in a defined pattern to give more volume to the landscaping design.

GO LIMITLESS WITH SLATESTONE FLOORING

Who doesn’t want to have an outdoor grilling station or patio to meet today’s landscaping style demand? Thus, make it presentable with slatestone flooring installation. 

Here, saw cut pavers of California gold were applied to the exterior flooring to make look smooth and stylish. Dark earthen tones with hints of gold, and blue creates a nice impact. Pavers with the non-tumbled finish and sawn edges adjust on the floor so beautifully completing the entire surroundings. 

CHOOSE BASALT FOR A MAGNIFICANT TOUCH

Opt for basalt stone flooring for a bold character. When you go for basalt, it open ups various rooms for design. It shows a fine contrast of bold and deep look without making it too gloomy. Easy to clean and simple to maintain, basalt flooring is one of the best choices for paving the floors. 

Every piece of basalt tells a story of durability and beauty for a long. Square rectangular pieces of paver jumbo pattern are used on the entire flooring. Thus, making it attractive in appeal and durable in nature.

SANDY BROWNS IN SANDSTONE

Sandstone flooring is well-known for its sandy and deserted tones. This landscaping design idea proves it true. Here, brown paver flooring is used to uplift the traditional backyard into a modern style statement. 

Browns with muted beige, grey, and tan somewhere on the sandstone surface pair up well to create a tempting design scheme. Grab this design idea to renovate your backyard or front yard flooring.

These are just a few inspirations that can make your mind opt for natural stone flooring. A lot more are there in our inspiration project gallery.  

FLOOR CLEANING TIPS

Natural stone flooring is never too tricky to manage. All you need to do is the proper and timely care of the stone. With regular cleaning, the stone floor becomes new, year after year. 

Let’s keep it simple. Routine cleaning with a duster and lukewarm water maintains the original beauty of stone for a long. Use a clean rag mop and a soft cloth for best results

For its makeover and extra preservation, good-quality sealers can be used. Sealers with a medium pH level are a good go option. Highly reactive acids can cause dullness to the floor stone. So, one should be particular while having those foods or drinks that contain acid.  

FINAL WORDS: 

When you are surrounded by a plethora of options to choose from for your dream place, it gives a nice feel. Plus open up various rooms to design the project in the way you want. Natural stone exudes luxury by creating a style statement that stands well to the test of time. Natural stone flooring is a popular choice among architects, contractors, interior designers, and even homeowners. The reason is the availability of good options, visual impact, and high rate of durability. 

Unfolding the pages of history, sandstone flooring symbioses stiffness. Whereas limestone and travertine flooring are the trademark of durability. Granite and basalt flooring set standards of longevity. All you need to do is having regular care of natural stone flooring by following do’s and don’ts. 

The post NATURAL STONE FLOORING – TYPES, PROS, CONS & MUCH MORE! first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY NATURAL STONE FLOORING?

When we provide a permanent covering to our floors and make them smooth for walking, is referred to as flooring. This is like providing carpeting to your rough surfaces and making them easy to walk on.

When this carpeting is done with the help of stones quarried naturally from the lap of nature, size, and finished to form a base product for your buildings, installed in a way that they stand on with a lasting impact is called a Natural Stone Flooring.

WHY NATURAL STONES ARE IN TREND THESE DAYS?

If we unfold the pages of history, we will find Natural Stones were on the trend for ages. To exemplify more, many monuments of historical importance, heritage elegance, and treasures of the world like Machu-Picchu in Peru, The Egyptian Pyramids of Giza (Egypt), The Qutub Minar – Delhi (India), The Taj Mahal – Agra (India), The Colosseum – Rome (Italy), Monument – Washington D.C (USA), are shining with the glace of Natural Stones till date.

These structures echo the ever-lasting qualities of stone and voice their strength and durability. So taking these considerations further, people have also focused on giving the same characteristics to their building projects. To build the architectural quality of our home, it is also important that we should also contribute toward the Green and eco-friendly environment.

Witnessing the past situations where more weightage is given to hygiene and environment-friendly surroundings, Go Green and recycle is the motto of the time. Because of the innate quality of these natural stones of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, they have garnered much interest among the architectures looking forward to building a Green Lifestyle.  As listed above, there are certainly other reasons why Natural stone is the first choice for building a beautiful abode.

TYPES OF NATURAL STONE FLOORING PRODUCTS

We know that derived from the crust of the Earth, these stones are made up of various geological and chemical changes that are taking place for millions of years. Based on their various characteristics, they are categorized as sandstones, Limestone, Travertine, Quartzite, Slate, Granite, etc. which has a vast product line attached to their names.

Let us see what all comes under the Flooring Category:

1.  COBBLESTONES

Popularly known as the Driveway cubes/cobbles/pavers, are typically the cubical stones having irregular dimensions that give an uncanny appeal to your pathways making your landscaping a visual to behold. Usually made up of Basalts or Granites, these are the hard-bearing rocks that lie in between Boulders and pebbles. To give an exquisite look to your driveway besides providing longevity, the product has the endurance to withstand heavy vehicles as well. Newly built parks, malls, and roads make use of this product of modern application. Stone Universe Inc. deals in Granite cobblestones and presents an array of colors

2.  FLAGSTONES

A generic flat kind of stone that is commonly available in rectangular or square shape gives an innovative look to your surface is how flagstones are usually termed as. The popular slate material giving a visual of a jigsaw puzzle gives an interesting look to your floorings. This product can be a really good idea to lay on any sort of surface be it high or low traffic area. It is an affordable and durable rock that stays for long and has a low maintenance cost attached. SUI presents a variety of shades for these flooring options.

3.  PAVER ASHLAR PATTERN

Usually referred to as Mixed-sized patterns, these are the organic stone material quarried naturally and finished in distinct sizes to give again a zigzag interlocked look to our flooring. Used in interiors or exteriors of our projects, these are the 8-sized patterns that have eight different sizes of natural stones that give an elegant finish to our walkways, kitchen floorings, pool areas, and covers specific interiors as well.

Let your creative sense work a bit here! To give a truly random and endless virtual appeal to your surfaces, this idea is unique and looks elegant when it comes to laying your floors with these pattern blocks. Their interlocking techniques provide a sturdy grip to our driveways making them step over with vehicular weights. Take a glance at the SUI collection of Paver Ashlar Patterns.

4.  PEBBLES

Pebbles are small round smooth stones commonly found near water. Larger than granules and smaller than Cobbles, that is how we identify pebbles as. Conventionally used as a decorative stone, pebbles have been used both indoors as well as outdoors when it comes to gracing the desolate areas of your surroundings. Beautifying the water streams, gardens, walkways, or giving grace to your indoors like using them in the Offices is something that Pebbles works for.

Formed both naturally and artificially, pebbles are sedimentary rocks that have become smooth with the test of time and water. Stone Universe deals with Granite Pebbles that are available in different colors that give a visual transformation to your landscaping.

5.  STEPPING STONES

As the name suggests, these are the steppers that are used on your walkways and pathways to tread you indoors or through a garden area. This brings uniqueness to your otherwise flat and dull paths. These geometrical shapes, provide visual appeal to the surroundings.

They can be slate, basalts, limestone, they work the same way if installed properly. To give more gleam and glimmer to these thoughts Stone Universe has some of the finest shapes in the product in its array. The Heart-shaped, Texas-shaped are a few of the examples

6.  STEPS

Used in both the exterior and interior of your project, Steps are cuboidal structures, a solitary piece of solid stone material that is used as a platform and as a staircase riser. Installed as garden steps, walkways, entryways, they enhance the look of your patios. Commonly used in Sandstone, the material is anti-slippery. This item from SUI has an unparalleled elegance of its own

PROS OF NATURAL STONE FLOORING

No doubt that we have other man-made stones available in the market which can serve as a replica for these natural stone products but the real grace and old-world charm is created by these Organic stones only. Besides being aesthetically appealing, this natural stone material has many advantages attached to them.

Sturdiness 

Being a hard material Natural stones are best suitable for every kind of situation in outdoor flooring where most of the wear-tear is expected along with heavy vehicular movement.

Weather Resistant

Most Natural Stones are heat resistant and do not fade early. This means they stand the test of the times and remains cool during summers and relatively hot during winters, giving a good heat retention quality.

Durability 

Because they stand the test of the times in heat and cold weather, and have low wear & tear properties, which makes us believe that they are strong enough that stay for years and years.

Distinctively Diverse

Being quarried stones from the lap of nature, these are unique in their own sense that no stone matches with the other even as far as patterns are concerned. They are so diversified from each other that every stone tells a unique story of its inception. This looks interesting to read when carpeted on the floors.

Aesthetic Appeal

All through we have been discussing how beautiful they look when installed. They give grace to the property, elegance of an era gone by, and a sizzling look of the modern-world designs. Isn’t it what we are looking forward to while building a dream project?

Easy Maintenance

Once we know about the cleaning techniques  for these natural stones, we will realize how cost-effective they are. Installed once, stayed for years is a tag they have been using for ages.

Easily Repairable

Otherwise strong enough to hold the tough weather conditions, still whenever sometimes a wear-tear happens, they are fixed easily. These surfaces are easy to re-polish and rebuild as they are made up of pieces put together.

Hygienic Investment

As comparable to wood or other material that catches bacteria, fungus, these natural stones are free from this kind of unhygienic condition. The dirt doesn’t stay in them for long. Cleaning them is an easy task as compared to other man-made stones or wooden floorings.

Cost-Effective

Relating quarried stones with high cost is a thing of the past. Since they have a low wear-tear of this stone that stays for years so there is only one time cost involved while installing the natural stones. A considerable reduction in the prices because of their common demand has gained them more popularity.

Eco-Friendly

Derived from the crust of the earth, they mingle with it only as they do not have any synthetic material involved in their inception. No chemicals and free from all sorts of synthetic finishing, they are a pure material that is here to sustain in this Green Environment.

Visit Stone Universe Inc. for their range of products and services available.

The post FALL IN LOVE WITH ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE NATURAL STONE FLOORING first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

But do we know that they have the power to change our surroundings, our moods, and even our ambiance? This naturally quarried material from the lap of nature has the biggest impact on our home décor. Yes, that is absolutely correct. Making a wise choice, picking the suitable material, and going for the perfectly blended color for your walls, Patios or flooring enhance the furnishing of your beautiful abode.

However, in recent times, owing to the other replicas that are making the rounds in the market, certain marketing schemes have restricted consumers to use these natural stones in their homes. Users might find them on the fence when they think about building a project including Natural stones but yes, deep inside they cannot restrict themselves in admiring the beauty of these time-honored materials. But due to strong opposition to these timeless masterpieces, people have developed certain myths in their minds regarding these stone materials. They prefer ceramic tiles, wood, and likewise material than these organic stones. Can you ever compare the beauty of a Natural stone with any carved material? There is no need to indulge in such compromises when Stone Universe, the trusted partner of many, has a wonderful guide to offer you on such myths and classics related to different types of Natural stones in the market.

TYPE OF NATURAL STONES

Characterized on the basis of color, texture, composition, and usage along with many intrinsic factors, these stones can be defined as Basalts, Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone, Quartzite, Slatestone, etc.  Let us discuss some layman’s myths and the beliefs attached to each one of them.

1. BASALT

Probably the most common type of rock on the earth’s crust is Basalt. Organically speaking, a dark type of rock that is found from the crust of the earth due to volcanic eruptions, it justifies its name purely. Comprising the shades of charcoal gray and black, the stone is well suited for a wide range of applications. Slit into a dimensional stone, top flamed, textured surface and a thermal finish make this stone an apt choice for any interior or exterior project.

Myths: The stone is prone to weathering and is very delicate to handle.

Classic: In reality, all stones are delicate to handle, so much so that any sort of mishandling can lead to breakage or weathering of the same. But if we talk particularly about Basalts, this is a stone that is known for its hardness. It is a rough but tough rock from which various dimensional stones are made. This stone is 3 times lighter and 2.5 times stronger in tensile strength than steel. Also, the material is rust-free and is resistant to the action of salt ions, chemicals, and the alkalinity inherent in concrete. Stone Universe’s dark color stone often matches well with every other color scheme, it adds to the value of your property and makes your ambiance looks great.

2. GRANITE

Made from all Natural granite material known for its sustainability, these cobblestones are the most ideal material for driveways, walkways, and beautifying the edges. The product has an old-world charm related to it when it comes to beautifying the exteriors of our buildings. Stone Universe offers various colors for these Granite Cobbles.

Myths: They require a lot of maintenance and are prone to breakage.

Classic: Granite is an igneous rock that is hard and durable. Because of these features, this is used for bridge components, retaining walls this stone is undoubtedly the most sought after stone when comes to these cobbles form for decorative purposes. Easy to install and maintain, this has crossed the test of times and is now regarded as an ancient yet classic way to decorate your exteriors.

3. LIMESTONE

A by-product of the natural process of marine life, this Natural Stone has had considerable commercial importance for a long time. Known as a hard-wearing stone, very dense and durable from an architectural point of view, they are aesthetically versatile in their applications. A perfect stone for the wet areas, this is in demand for its installation near pools, hot tubs, and ponds

Myths: Vulnerable to alterations if exposed to acids.

Classics: Being a more porous stone, they need to be sealed properly at the time of their installation. Otherwise, they can etch when exposed to hard cleaning acids. So using the right kind of sealers and cleaners will help to keep your any stone product, and not only the limestones, in a very good condition for a long time. The Upkeep of this stone is very very important.

4. SANDSTONE

A sedimentary rock exhibiting multiple color variations from white to black, and grey to pink is an apt choice for flooring, kitchen countertops, outdoor fireplaces, patios, walls, and whatnot. Choose from a range of Stone Universe color pallets and patterns that suits your house the most.

Myths: The stone shows a lot of variations

Classics: Unlike manufactured stones, these original stone has movement and uniqueness attached to them. Each stone is of its own kind, and you won’t find any two pieces exactly alike. Isn’t it an attractive thing when it comes to flooring? Uniqueness should be the essence of life.

5. TRAVERTINE

Again a sedimentary rock, with a distinctive character of swirls or small cavities that are formed to create its cream color defines a beautiful Travertine tile. The choice of the classes is to install them on floors, walls, hallways, kitchen to give an impression of singularity.

Myths: They require a lot of maintenance because of their holes and are high on cost

Classics: As comparable to other Natural Stones, these travertine are a little high on cost because of the facts of their unique texture, versatility, appearance, and durability. The product has the potential to give any project a timeless look. Being available in different colors and variations, it becomes easy to replace them later on, if need be.

6. QUARTZITE

Sandstone that has undergone a lot of heat pressure forms a quartzite. One of the most physically durable and chemically resistant rocks found on the earth’s crust. It is because of this incredible strength that the material is regarded as one of the choices for countertop materials.

Myths: They are a little difficult to install and is porous

Classics: Installation of any Natural Stone is specifically be taken care of very well. When talking about building materials or stones, obviously they require some peculiar types of tools for doing the job. This is even correct if we use any other material instead of Natural Stones. Correct sealing is very important to keep your material intact for a longer period of time.

Concluding the article, building with stone in an environmentally considerate way requires careful thought and planning and so does its installation and upkeep.

The post UNDERSTANDING NATURAL STONES – MYTHS & CLASSICS first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT NATURAL STONE TYPE?

Whether you’re a first time buyer or you are building your house from scratch, it’s absolutely necessary to select the right stone for your project, and to do that you will need to study stones to the very depth. You need to know what type of stone is suitable and where and how to place it and also how to eventually take care of the application so it gives you better results in the future. The stronger the foundations are, the better the results will be. Stone Universe brings to you various options in Natural Stones:

THIN VENEER – ONE OF THE BEST CLADDING CHOICE

Natural Stone Veneer can be used for both indoors and outdoors. It functions as protective layering and beautifully adds to the aesthetics. Great way of adding texture and a touch of color to an otherwise bland home décor. At Stone Universe, Natural Stone Veneer comes in wide range of colors in different form of flats and corners to cover both the front surface of the wall as well as the corners.

FLAGSTONE – A NATURAL PAVING STONE

Flagstone provides sturdy & durable natural stone material with non-slip surface, therefore great choice for external applications. For landscape decoration, the flagstone paver will create a hand-made feel to your yard that looks timeless.

TREADS

The front few steps give us the first tactile experience of a building as steps grab everyone’s attention, either it’s indoor or outdoor. If used creatively and wisely Natural Stone adds subtle transition from landscape to home-scape, and one elevation to next in odd terrains of your garden.

SLAB

Natural stone slabs are widely used as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops and outdoor BBQs. Natural stone slabs comes with gorgeous grains, veins and shades on a single piece that’s adds to the aesthetic appeal of area concerned.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

When choosing natural stone we often put the aesthetics first. However, considering your needs and how the stone performs first will lead to a superior outcome. We would like to share few considerations you should keep in mind while selecting the right natural stone for your home.

LOCATION AND WEATHER

Primary task while selecting natural stone for your home is where you plan to install it. We need to choose stones that responds well to the climate and context. So selecting the right stone for your walls and floors will not only help you stay comfortable, but it will also help you lower your energy costs at home.

DETERMINE YOUR COLOR PALETTE

Further, determine the color palette that will suit the interior or exterior of your home. For example, darker rooms will give warm and cozy feeling, whereas lighter rooms will feel larger and cooler. And for outdoors, if area gets direct sunlight, a light range stone color is recommended as it will not generate too much glare or absorb too much heat.

DETERMINE THE PATTERN & FINISH

The distinctive veining pattern contributes to the unique character of different natural stones. The naturally appearing pattern on each stone reflects enthralling effects including rustic, earthy, casual, sophisticated and warm among many others.
Another great contributor to appearance is surface finish of a stone. Different stones have different finish- for example:

Limestone– It’s a soft stone but it is ideal if you want to achieve a unique look, due to the fact that it is largely made up of materials such as corals and shells. It is incredibly classic and is available in light, earthy colors.

Sandstone – It’s a rough, textured stone that is made up largely of grains of sand. It provides an attractive surface for flooring and it is available in many different colors and patterns.

Travertine – It’s just like marble but it has a textured surface rather than a highly polished one, due to the natural cavities found in the stone. Either you can choose to fill those cavities to give the travertine a polished appearance or leave it natural.

COST INVOLVED

Rate varies extensively, and it is not always desirable to look for the most affordable products. Lifespan sandstone’s utility have to be taken into account. So preferring quality material that will serve you well for a long time will be cost-efficient.

Finally, for all the creative people out there who are cautious about aesthetics, Stone Universe can help you find value and maximize your project’s budget.

The post HOMEOWNERS GUIDE: HOW TO CHOOSE NATURAL STONES? first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

If you are planning to design a kitchen in your outdoor oasis, this article will be of great help to you. In this, we are going to describe the trendiest ways to flaunt your outdoor kitchen design.

FOCUS ON KITCHEN COUNTERTOP

The countertop is like a jewel for the kitchen whether it is indoor or outdoor. Who doesn’t wish to have a clean, sleek, and trendy cooktop? A natural stone slab is a classy addition to building a modern kitchen design. A hard-wearing and stiff stone base make it well suitable to stand well against normal wear and tear. Whereas, refreshing neutrals and inherent stone textures beautify the entire oasis to the next level.

THINK OF KITCHEN FLOORING MATERIAL

Choice of exterior kitchen flooring can become a tough decision if you didn’t explore the right choice. Talking about the outdoor flooring, nothing can go well than natural stone flooring. Featuring ease of cleanness, comfortable to walk, durable and attractive, stone flooring is becoming today’s top choice. From tiles to pavers (rock face/ saw cut) one can avail anything to garnish the outdoors.

Here, a soothing blue effect to the entire kitchen design idea says everything about its beauty. From the countertop to the floor, natural bluestone is spreading its magical effect. Installation of varied size saw cut pattern flooring stands out in the picturized scene.

IMPORTANCE OF SEATING ARRANGEMENT

When you are outdoors, having a well-planned seating structure is a big challenge. The seating arrangement plan serves as one of the major components of the entire design concept. It sets an impression on the guests and stands out from the design of the neighbors. Kitchen seating should be planned to keep in view the overall space, additional elements, and floor plan.

For a sleek and crisp look, a wooden dining arrangement goes well. To make it more casual, one can add a couch in the scene. Well, the decision of sitting merely depends upon you considering the space available. Always consider having minimal to normal sitting that will not overwhelm existing components.

KITCHEN CABINETS & COVERINGS

Everything can’t be kept open. One needs to have cabinets at a point in time. So, it is convenient to embed it in the design plan from the beginning. There are various options when you work with outdoor cabinet designs. One can go for stainless steel cabinets which are spacious and look good.

Coming next to the coverings, having a small boundary wall covering serves a dual purpose. It separates the area from the entire landscaping by giving it asymmetrical appeal. Installation of a thin veneer or stacked stone panel can give the desired look.

ADDING FIRE FEATURE & LIGHTNING

Breezy evenings cannot spoil your party mood when you have a fire feature at your place. The addition of a fire feature is a great idea to level up the outdoor oasis. It can be a centralized dig fire pit or a wall-mounted fireplace depending upon the space. Lightning adds both visibility and a cheerful mood to the outdoors. It can be hanging lights or the lights embedded in the hardscape structure like stairs underneath.

In nutshell, a perfectly designed outdoor kitchen idea works in multiple ways. On one hand, it serves as the best entertaining area for the guests. On other hand, it complements the home’s architecture. A well-presented grilling station area adds value to the property. Get motivated with the delicious aromas that you can enjoy in outdoor cooking only & style up your kitchen layout with inspiring design ideas.

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Just imagine! After a hard day’s work, you picture yourself relaxing and chilling with your friends, family or perhaps even spend a romantic evening with your spouse under the stars.  What better place there will be than your own and you do not have to have the best hardscape ideas to have a very beautiful outdoor space to enjoy. To help in making your outdoor living area the sweet spot of the neighborhood it’s eminent to find the right product and the right person who can install a custom inlay or unique pattern.

The demand for Natural Stone inspired patio style has grown significantly over the years. New, more saturated colors can create vivid contrasts and the usage of stunning patterns and metamorphic textures give a new life to your patio. At Stone Universe Inc., your search for the perfect materials to build your dream patio comes to an end. Our array of stone collection gives you unending ideas to create your dream space

CREATE YOUR DREAM PATIO WITH NATURAL STONE

Choosing the right material –

Whether you want to choose your own stone or have your contractor do it for you, it is quite important to be involved fully and get properly educated about the right material usage. You should always try to choose a material that fits the style of your home and our ashlar patterns and flagstones are among the most popular that can fit your taste perfectly and give your home the desired classy look while becoming the talk of your neighborhood.

You might want to consider our natural stone collection below –

• The Ashlar Patterns – Different sized patterned pavers entwine together to create a magical layout that stands apart and give your patio a new zing.
•  The flagstones – These natural stone beauties come in their own unique shape that fashions an old-world charm to you outdoor sitting area and will leave your guests mesmerized.

• Cobblestones – Let’s not just leave these beautiful stones for the driveway and bring them in your outdoor seating that will leave your guests awestruck.
• Pavers – We should not sideline our regular natural stone but use them in a way that is unique and retain the strength of their attributes.
• Versailles Pattern – A combination of four different sizes of dimensional pavers arranged to form a pattern which stands out from other patterns due to the unique way of arrangement of each individual paver. These are also known as French patterns that will give your patio that chic Parisian cinematic feel.

Add value to your home

Your investment on revamping your patio will add to the value of your home by manifolds. According to a recent study, for every dollar you spend on landscaping, your home will see a remarkable increase in its value. So, it is important to invest in the right idea and eventually leading to your home getting sold in no time. Natural Stone usage anywhere in your house, be it indoors or outdoors in anyway helps the property stand out to a prospective buyer.

So basically, whatever natural stone you select for your project, it’s going to add appeal to your home and provide lasting beauty and functionality to your outdoors.

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How Limestone Are Formed

This naturally quarried stone is the by-product of the deposition of algae, shells, and coral over the stone surface. Most limestone are produced when marine life comes to work i.e. when marine animals obtain calcium carbonate from the water to create bones and shells. Once they die, their bones and shells fall onto the seabed again where these shells will then accumulate and thus they form limestone over hundreds of years of heat, pressure, and compression.

Their prime consistency being calcium carbonate makes them vulnerable to alterations if exposed to acids. But at the same time, they are known for their durability over the ages. This is the reason this Natural Stone has had considerable commercial importance since Times New Romans.

Early Uses of Limestone

Elegance, beauty, and durability – these three traits make Limestone an apt choice for ornamental and building purposes. This Natural Stone may not be as tough as granite is, but it is far stronger than other landscaping alternatives such as concrete pavers or wood. And if maintained properly these limestone pavers can serve you for years to come. Because of its robustness, it is commonly used as an aggregate for roads. The timeless structures of Egyptian Pyramids are a great example of the permanence of this stone.

Present Day Use of Limestone

This natural stone product comes in distinct variations out of which few serve as a building stone for flooring, countertops in most Outdoor and Indoor Oasis, a great multi-functional stone that you can use around your fireplace or around your outdoor patio to host and charm your guests. The most prominent government and financial institutions worldwide proudly display limestone as their exterior cladding. Generally recognized by the presence of fossils, this natural stone attracts in a variety of neutral colors ranging from beige to yellow, gold to grey, and from blues to black. You may have a look at Stone Universe product guide for your ready references.

The quintessential example of this rugged sophistication is the Stone Universe Antique Black collection. A blend of black and charcoal tones gives an antique look to your surroundings and changes the entire ambiance of the project.

How to Care Your Limestone

Though Limestone are regarded as one of the versatile, eco-friendly, and reliable Natural Stones, the upkeep of this organic rock is highly recommended. Being a more porous stone, they need to be sealed properly at the time of their installation. Otherwise, they can etch when exposed to hard cleaning acids. So using the right kind of sealers and cleaners will help to keep your stone product in a very good condition for a long time.

Choosing the right kind of product for the right kind of functionality is very important. Like for your countertops, a denser variety of this Natural stone can be put to work. So upkeep, cleaning, and maintenance are what keep it going for years and years.

Everyday Use of Limestone

Because of the distinct features of the product, this Natural Stone has a variety of usage. Their non-slip surface makes it an apt product that can be installed in the exteriors near pools, ponds, and hot tubs. Their versatility makes them look attractively decent on patios, courtyards, pathways, and as stepping stones.

For further references, you may have a look at the Stone Universe application images that define the distinct use of a variety of limestone.

The post LIMESTONE – A NATURAL STONE THAT CARRIES THE OLD-WORLD LEGACY AHEAD first appeared on Natural Stone Supplier | Landscape Supply | CA | TX | WA | MD | USA.

A wide collection of natural stone products offer different ways to style your space. Have a look at the top 5 most prominent uses of natural stone that you can easily bring to life.

INDOOR/ OUTDOOR FLOOR COVERINGS

Common but most liked, natural stones are used for covering the floors. Whether indoor or outdoor, natural stone flooring collection suits the best wherever applied. But do you know why?

• Imparts durability to the outdoor floors such as patio, backyard, etc.
• Helps you to embrace the beauty of a construction project
• Offers slip-resistant feature when applied on the pool deck
• Sandstone flooring, limestone flooring, travertine flooring, etc act as a trademark of strength.

PATTERN STONE FLOORING

It’s the time to give your indoors/ outdoors a nice makeover with natural stone flooring. Stone Universe Inc – being a natural stone supplier offers various stone flooring options. One can go for pattern flooring to create a unique effect. Picturized above is the ashlar pattern installed to give a contemporary look to the backyard. Natural hues and texture are highly complementing the existing décor.

FLAGSTONE FLOORING

Here comes another way to add a magnetic touch with natural stone flooring. Irregular flagstone cuts in the random shape are also gaining popularity for indoor/ outdoor floor coverings.

WALL ACCENT

Like floors, the walls of the construction project also gather visitors’ attention. Thus, a quality material that can add a unique charm to the wall claddings and sidings is required. Here, a natural stone wall collection comes in the picture. The featured wall is becoming everyone’s demand. Accent it well with the natural stone installation offering high durability and attractive appeal.

LEDGESTONE/ STACKED STONE

Ledgestone popularly known as stacked stone, is one of the best option to accent the wall claddings. Not only indoor, but it is equally applicable for the outer areas. Ledger panel and corner forming z shape interlocking texture presents a great impression on the viewers.

THIN VENEER

Talking about natural stone wall collection, how can forget about the thin veneer. Natural thin veneer is also a popular choice for covering the masonry walls. A thin strip-like texture upscale an ordinary wall and makes it highly appealing.

COUNTERTOPS

Stone slabs have been used for the grilling tops for since long because of ease of maintenance and high compressive strength. The same trend is repeating nowadays as well. Sandstone countertops are in great demand due to the availability of the exotic color range.

STONE SLAB COUNTERTOP

Whereas, limestone countertops are no way less than others due to their inherent texture. The natural stone slab is one of the affordable alternatives for upraising the grilling tops. Be it’s about an indoor kitchenette or grilling station in the backyard, stone countertops are always good to go option.

SWIMMING POOLS

Do you know, you can create a beautiful swimming pool design scene with the natural stone collection? Whether it’s pool deck flooring, a side pool wall, or pool edges, every component can be accented with natural stone installation. Stone pool tiles are one of the best ways to incorporate a stylish look. It not only offers a smooth walk but also adds a slip-resistant feature. The bullnose pool coping offered by the leading natural stone supplier covers the masonry pool edges with its soft round profile. What left? Swimming pool wall! Thin veneer stone and stacked stone cover the pool wall best. So all in all it is not wrong to say that natural stones are the best choice to opt for the next swimming pool makeover.

DECORATIVE STONES

It is a fact that the beauty of the entire construction depends upon the landscaping design. If your landscaping design is attractive, you can surely win the heart of viewers. Here, natural stone can help. Nothing can beat the positive aspect and essence of nature. Adding a water feature is a great way to explore your landscaping. The application of cobblestones around the water feature completes the wanted look. Besides, working with different shapes of natural stepping stones to lay a garden passage completes the yard look.

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To make your decision-making process easy, here comes some of the top design tips that can help you in designing or redesigning your backyard, front yard, garden, lawn, patio, or other outdoor areas.

DESIGN STYLE #1

Have a look at this beautiful yard design. It looks well managed and presentable. All thanks to the natural stone. The wide range of natural stone products open various design rooms for the architects to showcase their creativity. Here, stone treads are installed to cover the boundary walls and centralized fire pit top. While walls are all covered with the ledgestone panel and corner. The soft and charming shade of ledgestone and tread goes well with the evening mood.

DESIGN STYLE #2

Look at this small yet attractive backyard design style with natural stone. This seems to be the best fit for those who are looking for a quick yard makeover. All you need to do is the installation of natural stone paver flooring. The stone flooring of soothing grey color captures everyone’s attention. The best part is how beautifully varied sizes of stone pavers are used to lay a pattern on the floor. This adds a magnificent charm to the outdoors.

DESIGN STYLE #3

Are you planning to create a comfortable lounge where you can spend time while enjoying the beauty of nature? If so, then nothing could be better than yard construction. Whether big or small, the patio not only enhances the space of living but also adds a lot to the property’s value. Here, a trio of autumn mist paver, ledgestone, and tread all together create a wow appeal. Deep rich tan and brown variants flourish the most with fossils leave impression on the sandstone.

DESIGN STYLE #4

When it comes to designing a narrow passage, nothing can look better than natural stepping stones. These are meant to flaunt the garden passage areas with grace and beauty. In the above-shown design idea, multi classic square shape stepping stones are installed. Square shape stone steppers help in bringing asymmetrical appeal all around. This minimal effort brings a great change in the garden design idea.

DESIGN STYLE #5

Because of the high compressive strength and durability rate, natural stones also become popular for commercial constructions. Granite cobblestones are widely used for laying the streets, parking lots, etc. Have a look at these 8″x4″x2″± gold granite cobblestones installed beautifully on the commercial surface. One can bring this design idea to the life by contacting the nearest natural stone supplier.

DESIGN STYLE #6

Cobblestones are equally popular for residential constructions as well. Another look of granite cobblestones used to make the entryway attractive. Here, black cobblestones are installed all around to create a finite look. Be it an outdoor floor or a centralized planter box, everything is covered nicely with the natural cobblestones. You can choose this design idea if you are planning to revamp the front entrance.

DESIGN STYLE #7

Natural flagstones are considered one of the best stone products for walkways, pathways, and sidewalks. The soft to mellow brown floor stone keep the whole scenery in coordination with the existing components. Think of the elements that can be added to make the space feel more classy and appealing. Make use of green elements on the walkway surrounds like already used in the image. Colorful floral arrangements can make the way more pleasing.

DESIGN STYLE #8

Look at the beauty of this space. If you are a peace lover, then you will surely be going to fall in love with this design idea. The simple approach opted by the architects to design this patio speaks about the beauty of the place. Bold black pavers installed with tumble finish and greenery all around are the two core eye-catchy elements of this design scheme.

DESIGN STYLE #9

Why leave the windows alone when you can beautify them with the grace of nature. Get inspired with this design idea and bring it to life. A natural stone window sill showcasing tan brown variants creates wow appeal. Besides, it is a durable option to protect windows from rainwater damage. Combine it well with the contrasting thin veneer wall stone for a great impact.

DESIGN STYLE #10

Take a look at this inspiring design idea for small spaces. Even if you have a small space in the outdoors, style it beautifully by getting inspiration from this design style. Stone column cap and wall cap is used here to cover the pillar and boundary wall respectively. Do you want to make this look the best? The choice of contrasting color. Variants of black and grey all around develop a bold appeal even in the limited space.

Apart from the above-mentioned top ten design ideas, the leading natural stone suppliers have a lot more to show. Get inspired with the collection of our photo ga

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Stone Universe Inc – being a wholesale supplier of natural stone carry different flooring patterns. When you compare the paver jumbo pattern with all other available flooring options, you will examine the difference in size and visual appeal.

Let’s come to the facts that make paver jumbo flooring one of the topmost choices:

PRIMARY REASON: BIG AND BOLD

As clear from the name, Paver Jumbo Pattern carries a combination of 12”x12”, 12”x24”, 24”x24”, and 24”x36” dimensions. Due to its big size (24”x36”), this pattern becomes popular with the name Paver Jumbo Pattern. The large-format saw cut pavers when applied to the outdoor surroundings give a bold appeal even if your outdoor living space is small.

It is a fact not a myth, that large size flooring stone also enlarges the visual appeal of the space. Look at this outer yard. Isn’t it beautiful? Yes! And the secret behind the beauty is the installation of a paver jumbo pattern. The huge size pavers can make the space look even bigger than its actual size. Looking at the image, the entire attention is drawn to the lime black saw cut paver.

SECONDARY REASON: COLOR PALETTE

Besides the stone dimension, next comes the color palette available in a paver jumbo pattern. The outdoor design depends upon the color you choose. Stone Universe Inc carries not only one or two but a wide assortment of colors in the jumbo flooring pattern. From soft to bold and simple to vibrant choose the color according to your taste. When you get such a wide color palette, who will not like to garnish the outdoor living space? Ever-suiting nature is the specialty of natural stone. It can automatically suit the existing elements and floor decor.

OTHER ASPECTS

Apart from the above-mentioned reasons, there are a few other aspects that form the reason for its popularity. Ease of maintenance & upkeep, easy installation, attention-grabbing visual interest, durability, longevity, etc are there in the row. Now don’t think more and bring this everlasting beauty home to create a grand appeal.

MORE ABOUT PAVER JUMBO PATTERN FLOORING

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