Why natural stone?
What are the benefits of natural stone vs. man-made products?
We get asked this... a LOT. Why do we prefer to work with natural stone rather than use less expensive man-made products? Simple. Rocks, well... rock.
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One of the main reasons we prefer natural stone over man-made materials is durability. It took millions of years of earth's strongest forces to create the various stone we use. It's strong and dense and will last for generations. Just think, humans have used stone to build since the Neolithic period, roughly 9,000 years ago. We know this, because some of these ancient sites still exist. Picture slightly less ancient sites like Machu Picchu or the Pyramids at Giza, and the durability of natural stone becomes apparent.
Strength goes hand in hand with the durability of natural stone. Its superior density makes it significantly stronger than concrete. According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an independent organization that develops standards for construction materials, typical granites can withstand 16,000-25,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure; sandstones upwards of 15,000 PSI; and limestones in the range of 8,000 PSI. The regular concrete used for projects like patios and sidewalks support in the neighborhood of 2,500 PSI. This means, we can often use a thinner natural stone tile on a well-prepared base and achieve equal or greater strength compared to a manufactured paver or slab. And this resilience translates into money saved over time on repairs, maintenance, and the need to replace materials when compared to concrete pavers, which are prone to chips, cracking, and fading. Natural stone is just that, natural. It doesn't require any chemical sealant or dyes. It won't fade in the sun and the natural weathering process only enhances its beauty.
Speaking of beauty, in our (maybe slightly biased) opinion, natural stone is absolutely beautiful! The natural colors and variations of stone make landscapes infinitely more interesting than molded and uniform manufactured pavers and wall block. Through strong relationships with rock quarries and suppliers, we are able to offer a variety of granite, marble, and limestone products and Michigan boulders to our clients, including natural edge and dimensionally cut patio stone, steps, and wall stone. So, whether you're looking for a sleek travertine patio or a casual Canadian outcropping seat wall, we're always ready to "rock."
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