Stone cladding for interior and exterior walls: how to choose?

Stone continues to be one of the most popular materials used in today's buildings, and its beauty and functionality are appreciated in both interiors and exteriors. Granite, limestone, marble, quartz, sandstone – there are various types of stone, but which ones will work best as exterior stone cladding and which should be installed inside? Let’s look more closely at this issue.

How to choose interior stone cladding? This beautiful and timeless material is commonly used in both private and commercial buildings. The good news is that stone installed inside won’t be exposed to as many damaging factors as exterior stone cladding, and it doesn’t need to possess exceptional qualities to stay in top shape for many years to come. The main dangers to interior stone cladding will be moisture and heat, especially if the cladding is installed in the kitchen, bathroom or around the fireplace. You can choose almost any type of stone for interiors but be sure to seal it to keep it in good condition. Why is it so crucial? We need to remember that stone has a quite porous texture, which means it can absorb liquids, stains and salts. In order to avoid staining, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, seal the surface regularly, and you'll avoid trouble.

What about stone cladding for exterior walls? What does it need to have to perform adequately over the years? It’s worth noting that materials used outdoors should be way more resistant than those installed inside the building. After all, they have to deal with a variety of factors that could damage them. Among the most destructive ones, we can highlight rain, snow, hail, wind and intense UV rays. Humidity and severe temperature changes are other factors that could damage the exterior stone cladding if it’s not chosen wisely. That is why you should pay particular attention when selecting materials for use outside your building and go for the ones that are well-known for their longevity and resistance. Which are those? Granite, sandstone, limestone, quartz, marble and slate are considered the most durable types of stone, and they can handle extreme weather conditions without losing their beauty. The use of these kinds of materials provides you with some additional benefits. You will gain an extra layer of insulation and reduce the noises coming from the outside. Of course, you should remember to regularly cover the stone with the sealant so it will gain extra protection against outside factors.

Both exterior and interior stone wall cladding offer a wide selection of colours, textures, sizes and styles. It means you will definitely find something that fits your space perfectly and can elevate the design you want to implement. You will gain a truly timeless and resistant feature, no matter if you decide to install stone inside or outside of your home.