Just about everyone working in the stone business has been asked about the value and benefits of natural stone at one time or another. When your sales people are asked this question, will they have the answer or will they struggle with their response? Coming up with the right stone and its useful application may be one answer, and it starts with basic knowledge and understanding. Whether the project is large or small, materials are often influenced by trade professionals like designers and architects who seek true value and benefit for their clients in their selections. It’s important for trade professionals to explain the facts about stone so they can dispel myths to their clients, while highlighting natural stone’s greatness. It shouldn’t be about choosing between stone and a manmade substitute, but rather choosing the appropriate stone for the application.
For interior projects, stone leads the way in options. Whether it is marble, onyx, travertine, quartzite or slate, a suitable stone exists to enhance any interior surface. It’s often the first choice when it comes to bathrooms and kitchens, or as a stone facing around a fireplace where it looks beautiful but also meets fire code requirements for a noncombustible surface. Ornate marbles have been featured in churches and cathedrals for centuries. The elite sought stone for their palaces and villas for its opulence. Once only available to the wealthy, natural stone is now affordable and accessible. Selecting the best stone may seem like a daunting task, but with the help of a skilled stone professional or online tools offered by organizations like the Natural Stone Institute, the process is simplified.