Natural stone is a timeless, elegant choice for home design, offering beauty and durability that few other materials can match. Whether used for flooring, countertops, or decorative accents, natural stone brings a luxurious, earthy feel to any space. However, with so many types of natural stone available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your home. Got Floored West Sound will highlight the most popular types of natural stone used in homes and the unique qualities each brings to the table.
Granite
Granite is one of the most durable and versatile natural stones used in homes, making it a top choice for countertops and flooring. It’s extremely resistant to heat, scratches, and stains, which is why you’ll often find it in kitchens and bathrooms. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors, from neutral tones to vibrant patterns with unique veining, allowing homeowners to find the perfect match for their style.
Marble
Marble, known for its beautiful veining and bright, polished finish, marble adds a sophisticated look to any space. While it’s not as hard as granite, its natural beauty makes it a favorite for more refined applications like bathroom countertops, flooring, and fireplace surrounds. Marble comes in a range of colors, from white Carrara marble to darker, more dramatic varieties like Nero Marquina.
Limestone
Limestone has a soft, natural appearance with earthy tones, making it ideal for creating a warm, rustic look in the home. Its subtle patterns and neutral colors provide a more understated elegance compared to marble. Limestone is softer and more porous than granite or marble, so it’s best suited for low-traffic areas or decorative uses.
Travertine
Travertine is a form of limestone that has a distinctive texture, often featuring pits and voids that give it a rustic, aged look. It comes in warm tones like beige, gold, and brown, making it popular for Mediterranean or Tuscan-inspired interiors. Travertine is commonly used for both indoor and outdoor applications, including patios and bathroom flooring. The stone can be polished for a smooth finish or left in its natural, honed state for a more rustic appeal.
Slate
Slate is a fine-grained natural stone with a unique, layered texture that is perfect for contemporary and rustic designs. It’s highly durable, slip-resistant, and comes in dark, earthy tones like black, gray, green, and even purple. Because of its durability, slate is often used in high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens, as well as outdoors for patios and walkways.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a hard, durable stone that looks similar to marble but offers the durability of granite. It has subtle veining and comes in various shades of white, gray, and soft pastels, giving it a luxurious look. It’s highly resistant to heat and scratches, making it a fantastic choice for kitchen countertops. Since it’s denser and less porous than marble, it doesn’t require as much maintenance, making it a popular alternative.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a soft, dense stone with a smooth, matte finish, often used in older homes or to create a classic, vintage look. Unlike granite or marble, soapstone naturally darkens over time, developing a rich patina that adds character. It’s non-porous, making it highly resistant to stains, and its heat resistance makes it ideal for kitchen countertops and fireplaces.
Natural Stone Tile Installation & More in Poulsbo, WA (Just Minutes from Bremerton, Port Orchard, Silverdale, Bethel & Bainbridge Island, Washington)
Natural stone offers beauty and durability, but selecting the right type for your home depends on the space, the desired look, and how much maintenance you’re willing to invest. When you want to have natural stone installed throughout your home, contact Got Floored West Sound today.
