The Benefits of Lightweight Decorative Stones
In the veneer arena, decorative stone continues to be a strong seller due to its accessibility and low cost installation. Being the hottest trend in both interior and hardscape design, there has never been a better time to incorporate decorative stone wall tiles on your walls, fireplaces, or patios. If you’re still not convinced whether it’s the type of material you need in your property, consider the points below.
1. Ease of Installation
Decorative stone veneers are relatively lighter and thinner than quarried stone, which means they’re easier to cut, handle, and install. Though it’s possible to find thin natural stone veneers that works for DIY projects, these are not available everywhere. If you live in an area that lack a local source for quarrying stones, expect the price of the available materials to be a lot higher. By choosing decorative stone, your installation time is not only reduced, you will also save on application cost.
2. Versatility
There is little — almost indistinguishable — difference between real stone veneers and decorative stone. It can be made to look like any kind of stone and can be applied to different surfaces that other materials cannot. It’s easy to install on drywall's, cement boards, and other concrete surfaces. Since it’s not a structural product, any wall can bear its weight, as long as they meet the National Building Code. It won’t even require ties or screws to support the material.
3. Better Style Selection
It has the natural beauty and durable-look of quarried stones, but it is low maintenance and almost at par in terms of longevity. To add character to your interior, it’s even possible to incorporate custom designs, such as using fragments of painted stones or indigenous stones — try alabaster, limestone, or slate. With the many varieties to choose from, you can definitely find a design that suits your budget. There’s no limit to what style or theme you can achieve with these materials.
4. Durability and Craftsmanship
Each stone is manufactured and molded meticulously so that no two stones are alike — creating the most authentic look and feel of real stones. The specialized technique provides the most consistency in color and texture. Permanent mineral oxides are added to ensure long-lasting color, with little to no signs of fading after many years of weatherization . Because it gives off a tough and durable appeal to any structure, it can add value to any property.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Since decorative stone for interior are moulded using cast cement rather than quarried, the resulting product fits efficiently, thus nothing goes to waste. Manufacturing of decorative stones uses less energy and is less destructive to the environment.
Decorative stones are the perfect alternative to stucco, wood, and other high-maintenance veneers. Because it’s readily available, you’ll get the classic look of stone minus the high cost. As more composite products are being developed over the years, make sure to check if the type of stone you are buying can be applied indoors or outdoors.
