There are many options when it comes to materials to use for building. One of the biggest trends in building right now is green building or using sustainable materials. What materials are considered sustainable though? Are natural stones such as marble sustainable? The good news is that natural stones are some of the most sustainable materials on earth. Natural stones come in a variety of colors, textures, prices, and shapes making them perfect for any home. Let’s look at just some of the reasons that natural stones are such a sustainable building material.
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What is Green Building?
Green building is a design process that puts sustainability at the forefront of the design. Green building uses sustainable materials and focuses on reducing waste during the building process. Another goal of green building is to lessen the long-term impact on both residents and the environment.
What Makes Natural Stone Sustainable?
There are several reasons that natural stone is one of the most sustainable materials out there for building. Here are just a few reasons why natural stone is great for building:
Stone is a natural material free of harmful chemicals and toxins
- Like many all-natural materials, natural stone is free of the harsh chemicals found in heavily processed materials. This makes buildings healthier for the occupants to be in.
Stone is super durable
- Many natural stones are among some of the hardest materials on earth. This makes them last longer, for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Stone is easy to care for
- Most stone can easily be cleaned with mild dish soap and water. There are also finishes that can be added to make the stone even more durable and last longer.
Stone is recyclable
- Over the lifetime of the stone, it can be recycled many times and used to create other sustainable products.
Stone is quarried and manufactured sustainably
- Advancements in technology have led to more sustainable ways to quarry the stones. These advancements have also led to lower costs for consumers. Plus, in most areas of the US, there is a stone quarry within 500 miles. This makes it easy to buy locally sourced materials.
Where can I use Natural Stone in My House?
Natural stone can be used in a variety of ways throughout your home. Here are just some of the uses:
- Kitchen counters
- Bathroom vanities
- Flooring
- Backsplash
- Fireplaces
- Tile for tubs/showers
- Walkways and patios
- Wall accents
- And many more
Natural stone is a great, sustainable resource to use in your home. You can use stone in any space, in or out of your house. The color variety in natural stone means that you will always be able to find the color or pattern that suits your style or project. Next time you are working on a construction project consider using natural stone in your design.
To learn more about natural stones, contact us today and speak to one of our qualified team members. We are always happy to help! You can also visit our blog to learn more about the different kinds of natural stones that you can use in your home.