Natural and artificial stone have big differences.
Among the types of natural decorative stones used as facing stones are granite, marble, basalt, onyx, slate. Unlike artificial stone, natural stone does not have a very large palette of shades. Artificial stone has an impressive variety of colors, shapes and combinations. You can always order a product in the shape or color you like, whereas when choosing artificial stone, you can only choose a product based on the samples available from the supplier
Cheaper types of natural stone are limestone, sandstone, tuff, which are most often used for exterior finishing of facades, door and window openings.
Marble, onyx, granite corner for cladding interior spaces or interior elements. These types of cladding are suitable for finishing living rooms, fireplaces, bathrooms, window sills, door niches, kitchen aprons.
Natural stone is beautiful, durable, and resistant to destruction. As a facing material, it is suitable for a “forever” design. This expensive material is not suitable for every budget, and its heavy weight creates the necessary load on the wall. Therefore, artificial decorative stone is often used for finishing French houses and apartments.
Artificial facing stone is produced on the basis of painted gypsum or “lightweight” concrete. Specialized stores offer a huge selection of bricks that successfully imitate various types of natural materials (marble, granite, limestone or boulder).
It is easier to process. Since it is made on the basis of cement or gypsum, it is recommended to use a hacksaw for cutting. Facade planks have different textures, they can be long, square or figured.
Planks based on cement or gypsum mortar can be selected in the desired size and shape. The solution is laid in a special form. It is advisable to add pigment to get the desired color and dry the planks in the right conditions. The lower the indoor air temperature, the more days it will take to dry.
Stone in construction, renovation, reconstruction
Natural stone has been used as a building and finishing material for many centuries. Thanks to it, architectural masterpieces and unique interiors were created. Decorative stone is still one of the most common finishing materials.
Stone is widely used:
• in primary construction;
• during the renovation of modern houses, cottages, modern apartments;
• during the reconstruction of old buildings;
• for renovations and facades;
• decoration of window and door openings.
Decorative stone in the form of bricks is combined with other floor coverings. It is used to decorate brick ovens, living rooms, kitchens, balconies.
The advantages of artificial stone over natural stone include: light weight, high frost resistance, absence of background radiation, and others.
Artificial stone has a number of advantages over natural stone:
1) Lighter weight. Artificial stone weighs 1.5 times less than natural stone. Due to this, decorative stone is easier to transport and store, it can be laid on various surfaces, including those that cannot withstand the weight of natural stone (for example, on plasterboard).
2) Increased frost resistance. High-quality artificial stone can withstand about 150 freeze-thaw cycles. For example, the frost resistance of natural slate is 100 cycles.
3) Quick and easy restoration of the surface in case of damage. The restored surface of artificial stone is no different from a new one. Restoring natural stone is a labor-intensive process that requires the involvement of specialists.
4) A virtually unlimited choice of colors and sizes of artificial stone. Natural analogues do not have such diversity.
5) No radioactive background. Natural stone may contain radiation, but artificial stone does not.