The cost of finishing with natural stone: what affects the price and how to save money
Natural stone is one of the most popular and beautiful materials for finishing facades, plinths, terraces, stairs, fireplaces, walls and other elements of a house or apartment. Stone has many advantages, such as strength, durability, environmental friendliness, aesthetics and versatility. Stone can create a variety of styles and moods, from classic to modern, from rustic to glamorous.
But how much does it cost to finish with natural stone? What factors affect the price? How can I save money on Stone decoration? In this article, we will try to answer these and other questions, as well as give you tips on how to choose and apply natural stone for your project.
Factors affecting the cost of finishing with natural stone
The cost of finishing with natural stone depends on many factors, such as:
Type of stone. There are many types of natural stone on the market that differ in their characteristics, quality, color, texture, shape and size. The most common types of stone for finishing are granite, marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone, slate, onyx, quartzite, basalt, dolomite and others. Each type of Stone has its own price, which depends on its rarity, demand, complexity of mining and processing. Marble, onyx, and quartzite are usually the most expensive, while sandstone, slate, and limestone are the cheapest.
Finishing area. The larger the finishing area, the higher the cost of work will be. The finishing area depends on the size and shape of the object to be faced with Stone, as well as on the method of laying the stone. For example, to finish the facade of a house, you need more stone than to finish a fireplace or stairs. Also, finishing curved or complex shapes requires more stone than finishing rectangular or simple shapes. Finally, finishing with stone in a row or in a staggered order requires more stone than finishing with stone in dry masonry or mosaic.
Complexity of work. The more complex the work, the higher the cost of finishing will be. The complexity of the work depends on factors such as: the height of the object, the presence of windows, doors, ventilation holes, corners, protrusions, niches, arches, columns, balconies and other elements that require additional stone processing; the quality and evenness of the surface on which the stone is applied, the presence of cracks, deformations, moisture, dust and other defects that require preliminary surface preparation; the choice of the method of mounting the stone, glue, cement, anchors, dowels, metal mesh or wooden crate; choose the method of joining the stone, on the seam, without the seam, on the edge, on the spoon, on the end face, on the lock or on the screw; choose the method of processing the stone, cutting, grinding, polishing, patination, varnishing, impregnation or painting.
Qualification of Masters. The higher the qualification of the craftsmen, the higher the cost of finishing will be. The qualification of Masters depends on their experience, skills, reputation, portfolio, reviews and recommendations. Qualified craftsmen are able to perform work efficiently, quickly, accurately and without errors, as well as give a guarantee for their work. Unskilled craftsmen can perform their work poorly, slowly, carelessly and with errors, as well as not give a guarantee for their work.
If you want to decorate your house or apartment with natural stone, but do not want to overpay for the material and work, you can use some tips on how to save on finishing with stone:
Choose a stone according to the place of application. Not all types of Stone are suitable for all surfaces. For facades and plinths, you need a stone that is resistant to atmospheric influences, mechanical damage and biological contamination. For interior walls and fireplaces, you need a stone that has a beautiful appearance, is easy to process and does not emit harmful substances. For floors and stairs, you need a stone that has high strength, wear resistance and is not slippery. By choosing a stone in accordance with the place of application, you can ensure its durability, functionality and safety, as well as avoid unnecessary processing and maintenance costs.
Choose a stone according to your budget. There are stones of various price categories on the market, from the cheapest to the most expensive. Usually, the price of a stone depends on its rarity, demand, complexity of mining and processing, color, texture, shape and size. You can choose a stone that fits your budget, but don't sacrifice quality and aesthetics. For example, you can choose sandstone, which is cheap but has different colors and textures, or you can choose marble, which is expensive but has a luxurious and sophisticated look. You can also choose a stone that has an average price but is of high quality and versatility, such as granite, travertine or quartzite.
Choose a stone according to your style and design. Natural stone can create a variety of styles and moods, from classic to modern, from rustic to glamorous. Choosing a stone in accordance with the style and design, you can emphasize the overall concept of your home or apartment, as well as reflect your personality and taste. For example, you can choose a stone that has a rectangular or square shape to create a geometric and modern style, or you can choose a stone that has an irregular or diamond shape to create a dynamic and ethnic style. You can also choose a stone that is light or dark in color to create contrast or harmony with other materials and colors.
Choose a stone according to its size and shape. The size and shape of the stone affect the way it is laid and joined, as well as the overall appearance of the surface. By choosing a stone according to its size and shape, you can optimize the use of the material, reduce waste, and save time and money on work. For example, you can choose a stone that is large in size and even in shape for quick and easy laying on a large area, or you can choose a stone that is small in size and uneven in shape for precise and creative laying on a small or complex area.
Choose a stone according to the quality and guarantee. The quality and warranty of the stone depends on its manufacturer, supplier, master and service. By choosing a stone in accordance with the quality and guarantee, you can get a reliable, flawless and long-lasting material, as well as protect yourself from possible problems, risks and losses. For example, you can choose a stone that has quality, environmental and safety certificates to guarantee its compliance with standards and regulations, or you can choose a stone that has a warranty period to guarantee its repair or replacement if necessary.
