Articles

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Basalt in Cladding: Properties and Applications

Basalt in cladding is a dense, dark stone of volcanic origin: an extrusive igneous rock in grey, dark grey or almost black with a fine-grained, uniform structure. It is strong, frost-resistant, absorbs almost no water and resists abrasion, so it suits facades, plinths, steps and paving.The key selection criterion is the finish and the uniformity of the batch: basalt colour can vary slightly between slabs, and the surface treatment determines how dark and how slippery the stone will be.Basalt is chosen by architects of contemporary facades that need a strict graphite tone, as well as for plinths and heavily used landscaping. You can compare it with other rocks in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

04.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Onyx in Interiors: Backlighting and Applications

Onyx is a translucent decorative stone; in the trade the name mostly refers to onyx marble, a banded variety of calcite or aragonite formed from mineral spring deposits. Its main feature is the ability to transmit light: when backlit, an onyx slab glows from within, revealing a banded pattern in honey, green, white, pink and amber tones.The key selection criterion is purpose: onyx is an interior stone. It is soft, brittle and sensitive to acids, so it belongs on walls, bar counters, feature panels and in bathrooms, but not outdoors or in high-wear areas.Onyx is chosen by interior designers and architects of hotels, restaurants, and premium residential and public spaces. Other rocks are covered in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

04.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Comparing Facade Stone Types: A Table of Properties

There is no universally best stone for a facade: the choice depends on the building zone, climate and budget. For plinths, steps and regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, granite and basalt are the most reliable. For walls in a temperate climate, dense dolomites, limestones, sandstones and travertine work well. Marble suits details and lower floors, shell limestone (coquina) suits sheltered areas and dry climates, and onyx is for interiors only.The main criterion is not the name of the stone but the properties of the specific batch: water absorption, frost resistance and strength from the test report.This table is useful for architects at the concept stage, developers choosing finishes and private clients comparing cladding options. Each stone is covered in detail in the Natural stone for facades and interiors section.

04.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Stone Finishes: Polishing, Honing, Bush-Hammering

Natural stone finishing means giving the surface of a slab the required texture after sawing: polishing, honing, flaming, bush-hammering, sandblasting, splitting and other methods. The finish determines not only the appearance (colour, shine, how vivid the pattern is) but also performance: slip resistance, resistance to soiling and how fast the stone ages outdoors.The key criterion for choosing a finish is where the stone will work: a vertical wall or a horizontal surface, an interior or a facade, a high-traffic area or a decorative detail. The second criterion is the rock: not every finish can be achieved on every stone.This article will help architects and designers preparing specifications, as well as clients choosing samples. An overview of rocks is in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

03.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Thickness of Stone Cladding Slabs

The thickness of cladding stone depends on the rock, slab format, fixing method and location on the building. Guidelines from practice: for interiors from 10–20 mm, for exterior adhesive cladding usually 20–40 mm, for a ventilated rainscreen facade as a rule 30 mm or more, and for steps, paving and parapets from 30 mm to 60 mm and more.The key criterion is calculation: thickness is determined by the flexural strength of the stone, slab size, wind load and fixing layout. Soft and porous rocks are cut thicker than granite of the same format.This article will be useful to rainscreen facade designers, technical supervisors and clients comparing supplier offers. Rocks and their properties are covered in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

03.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Cladding a Plinth with Natural Stone

Plinth cladding is the protective and decorative layer of the lower part of a facade between the apron and the ground-floor wall. The plinth receives the most moisture, splashes, snow, de-icing salts and mechanical impacts, so the most durable materials are chosen for it: natural stone of dense rocks, porcelain stoneware, clinker, facade panels.The key selection criterion is the water absorption and frost resistance of the cladding, plus correct waterproofing beneath it. The best natural stone options are granite, basalt, dense dolomites and quartz sandstones.This article is for private homeowners, designers and developers who are choosing a plinth finish and want to avoid typical mistakes. More articles on stone are in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

03.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Natural Stone in Landscaping: Paths, Steps, Kerbs

Natural stone for landscaping includes setts, paving slabs, steps, kerbs, flagstone, boulders and crushed stone from natural rocks. It lasts for decades, does not fade, withstands loads and blends naturally into gardens, courtyards and public spaces.The key selection criterion is the frost resistance and water absorption of the rock combined with a proper base: even the strongest granite will subside on a poorly prepared base, and porous stone will break down even on a good one.The material is chosen by private homeowners, landscape architects and developers for landscaping projects. An overview of rocks is in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

03.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Natural Stone Setts

Natural stone setts are a paved surface made of small individual units of natural stone: cubes, bars and tiles with a sawn, split or flamed surface. They are most often made of granite, less often of basalt, sandstone, dense dolomite and limestone. Such paving lasts for decades, withstands vehicle loads and does not lose its colour.The key selection criterion is matching the rock, thickness and base to the expected load: almost any dense stone will do for a footpath, whereas driveways and parking areas need strong rocks of sufficient thickness on a reinforced base.Setts are chosen for private courtyards, driveways, squares, pedestrian streets, and the grounds of public buildings and residential complexes. Other uses of stone are covered in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

02.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Natural Stone Steps and Porches

Natural stone steps are the most durable option for stairs and porches: stone withstands constant foot traffic, frost and rain and needs no regular repairs. For outdoor porches granite and basalt are chosen most often; for indoor stairs, marble, travertine and dense limestone are also used.The key selection criterion is safety and durability: a dense rock with low water absorption, a non-slip finish on the tread and sufficient thickness for the span and load.Stone steps are chosen by private homeowners for porches and terraces, and by developers and architects for the entrances of residential complexes and public buildings. Other rocks and their properties are covered in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

02.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Natural Stone in Interiors

Natural stone in interiors means cladding walls, floors, staircases, bathrooms, window sills and worktops with slabs of marble, granite, travertine, onyx, limestone and other stones. Stone is chosen for a texture no imitation can reproduce, for its durability and because, with proper care, it keeps its appearance for years.The main selection criterion is not colour but the service conditions of a specific area: floor abrasion, humidity, contact with acids (wine, lemon, household chemicals), load on the steps. The stone type, slab thickness and surface finish are chosen to match these conditions. Marble and onyx are decorative, granite is resistant, travertine and limestone give a warm matt texture.The topic is relevant to architects and designers of public interiors (lobbies, halls, hotels), developers of premium residential complexes and owners of private houses. A general overview of stones and applications is in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

02.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Natural Stone Protection: Water Repellents and Impregnators

A natural stone impregnator is a product that penetrates the pores and reduces absorption of water, oils and dirt without forming a film on the surface. Facades are mainly treated with water repellents (hydrophobic impregnators); interiors and paving are treated with combined water- and oil-repellent products, sometimes with a wet-look effect.The main selection criterion is the porosity and mineral composition of the stone. Dense granite needs only light protection, while travertine, limestone, shell limestone and sandstone without impregnation quickly absorb moisture, darken, and develop efflorescence and biological growth. The second criterion is vapour permeability: on a facade the stone must breathe, otherwise moisture is trapped inside and destroys it when it freezes.The topic matters to clients of facades and interiors in porous stones, facility management teams and technical supervisors. An overview of stones and applications is in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

02.10.2026

Natural stone for facades and interiors

Efflorescence on Stone and Concrete: Causes and Removal

Efflorescence on a facade is a white or greyish deposit of salts carried by moisture from inside stone, concrete, masonry or mortar joints to the surface. The water evaporates, the salts crystallise, and stains, streaks and crusts appear on the cladding.The key point is that efflorescence is a symptom of water movement, not a defect of the stone itself. As long as moisture keeps entering and evaporating through the cladding, the deposit will return after any cleaning. So the source of moisture and salts is found first, then the deposit is removed by a method suitable for the stone, and only then is the surface protected.The article will be useful to clients and facility management teams of buildings clad in natural stone, concrete, GFRC (glass fibre reinforced concrete) and brick, and to technical supervisors at handover. A general overview of stones is in the section Natural stone for facades and interiors.

01.10.2026