Small Budget, Big Impact: Natural Stone

With City Home Center’s amazing 50% off deal on all stone in-stock this month, we thought this might be a great time to introduce you to the benefits of stone, as well as give you some ideas on how to best use it. Using stone tile in your bathroom, kitchen or living area remodel, as beautiful new flooring or even a backsplash, can make a BIG visual impact. And this month, you can do it on a SMALL budget!

If you take a scroll through social media or do a search on Google, you will see more uses for stone in home renovations that you can imagine. There is a stone to fit your style and budget, and we want to help you find it. Natural stone gives a look that is both earthy and neutral, while still being elegant in the right setting.

Stone is extremely versatile and looks great in almost any space – not to mention it gives a timeless look. Flooring, fireplaces and feature walls look great with marble or travertine. Stone is also a great option because of its durability. Our favorite uses for stone are for flooring and fireplace focal points. 

A BORING FLOOR NO MORE
Natural stone is water resistant, meaning spills can be quickly cleaned up with soap and water, leaving no stains behind. This quality of natural stone also makes it an excellent choice for that patio update you’ve had in mind. 

IF THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL, A FIRE IS SO DELIGHTFUL
One of our favorite makeovers using stone is to give your fireplace an update. In most cases, a fireplace is a centerpiece in a living or entertaining area. It’s here where stories are shared and memories are made. Why not let your fireplace in on the conversation by giving it a facelift? 

You’ll want to consider the style of your room when selecting the color of stone you want to use, and, depending on the current surface of the fireplace that you are trying to update, you may need to call in some reinforcements. We’ll be happy to come to your aid!

“THE LOOK” – DECISION TIME!
Two of the most popular looks of natural stone are marble and travertine. Are you going for a smoother look, typically made of mostly one color, with streaks of another color throughout? You’ll want to choose marble. Or maybe your look calls for a more textured appearance. In this case, travertine may be just right for you! 

As far as colors go, travertine tends to be available in warmer shades of beiges and tans, whereas most marble looks lean grey, white or black. If you have your heart set on a specific shade, this may help you determine which stone is going to be a perfect fit for you.

Marble is a harder, more “solid” stone. We love the look of marble tile for floors and countertops, and it is an elegant choice for bathroom walls. It’s highly durable, and will keep its best look with proper maintenance.

Travertine has a more textured appearance, and is a “softer” stone, making it absorbent in a way that marble is not. Because of travertine’s porous nature, you may want to use it in areas of low moisture.

SEAL THE DEAL
Sealing your stone after installation is a necessity, and we can help you choose the right type of sealer for your project. For instance, choosing textured travertine means that you will need to apply several coats of sealant after installation, regardless of where you will be using it. While travertine will take more than one coat of sealer, the sealing job will typically last you several years. Marble will need to be sealed once per year to help protect it from scratching. 

EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD SALE!
With our 50% off sale, now is the time to buy, and tackle the renovation of your dreams! Get all in-stock stone (including travertine and marble) for 50% off! Drop by and see us today, and we’ll send you home with the right products and tools (and assistance) to achieve the look you have in mind.