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Gone are the days when people thought using expensive marble was the only way to achieve richness of space. The era of Indian stones replacing the age-old obsessions with international trends is here, and it is here to stay!
Indian stones possess an intrinsic, irresistibly alluring appeal. As people navigate the challenges of city life, they are increasingly turning to organic and natural materials for their home interiors, seeking a distinctive texture that brings life to their spaces.
From exquisite yellow Jaisalmer stone and stunning Tandoor to the timeless beauty of Carrara, interior designers are now seamlessly blending these remarkable stones.
Stone wall cladding is the perfect way to incorporate natural stones if you have always admired their raw and untamed beauty.
Natural stone cladding adds depth to a room, creating a fresh and elegant look with minimal effort. With the assurance that the final result will be both stunning and durable, it’s time to elevate your home’s aesthetic today!
01. Yellow Jaisalmer Stone
India’s architectural tradition has long embraced Jaisalmer stone—a stunning yellow limestone. It is available in various forms, including slabs, tiles, and handicrafts. The exquisite Jaisalmer limestone is exported to numerous nations, and its widespread use in Indian cultural sites is admired across the globe.
The limestone from Jaisalmer is dense, firm, and has low porosity, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. It is commonly used for countertops, wall cladding, floor tiles, and most notably, as an ornamental stone for interiors and exteriors. The brilliant colour complements white walls, brown tones and almost any colour, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
02. Onyx
Do you know that onyx can last up to 100 years? Yes! if it is well-maintained! Limestone dissolves and redeposits to create a stone with stunning veining and swirling patterns. This stone is onyx, which makes a uniquely beautiful addition to home interiors.
Unlike natural stones like marble, and granite, onyx is soft and brittle, due to which it is rarely used in kitchens. But it is widely used in bathrooms for vanity counters and wall cladding.
If you are looking for some dramatic lighting effects, then onyx is perfect for you. Its distinctive translucency accomplishes a unique lighting effect. Designers use them for embellishing the fireplace, islands, walls, and bar tops. Furthermore, they can also be used for exterior and interior flooring as well as cladding, finding use in both architecture and interiors.
03. Granite
We all know this one! Granite is one of the oldest and toughest natural stones. It suits almost any application in homes. Sturdy, easy to maintain, and resistant to heat and water, granite is widely used in kitchens whether large or small, traditional or modern.
Additionally, granite enhances the appearance of a home, as it comes in a variety of designs, including streaks, waves, and swirls. However, it is important to note that when granite is cut, the edges are sharp, necessitating the expensive process of chamfering and softening.
Some of the Common Types of Granites are:
- Black Pearl Granite
- Bengal Black Granite
- Cincinnati Granite Exotic Series
- Midnight Blue Granite
- New Imperial Red Granite
Also Read: How to Use Granite in Home Design
04. Slate
It’s no surprise that slate has been used as a building material for ages. People have been incorporating it into walls, roofing, paving, and aggregates to give a chic and modern look to their homes. Its sturdiness, dependability, and excellent damage resistance make it a fantastic addition to any home.
In addition, slate is commonly installed in high-traffic areas due to its non-slip properties, making it ideal for outdoor use. Natural slate provides a solid grip because it remains unpolished, maintaining its textured surface rather than a smooth finish.
05. Tandoor
This one is for all sustainable design lovers! These materials are environment-friendly, sturdy, and not easily broken, making them a popular choice for both homes and public structures. Although they are vulnerable to scratches from sharp objects, a few protective layers can make them suitable for all environments, including outdoor spaces and kitchens.
They are impervious to water and perform well even during heavy rain. Beyond functionality, they feature a beautiful tint with unusual veins that do not fade, maintaining a fresh and vibrant appearance. Additionally, they boast an impressive lifespan of 100 years.
06. Sandstone
Sandstone is one of the most widely used natural stones in historical monuments. Many of these sandstone structures still stand today, proving the durability and strength of the material. Additionally, it has a high level of salinity, acid, and alkali resistance, making it a good option for your vanity tops.
Sandstone comes in an array of various colours, shades, textures, and finishes, unlike other natural stones. Homeowners have plenty of options to choose from. They are also an ideal canvas for other decorative elements if you have an eye for design. Every sandstone variation, whether you choose a darker or a lighter colour or texture, has a distinctive appearance.
07. Cuddapah Stone
Courtesy - IndiaMart
Cuddapah stones are known to be remarkably compact, impermeable, and long-lasting while requiring very minimal upkeep. Due to their high resistance to abrasion, heat, and moisture, they are well-suited for heavy-traffic areas, damp regions, and exterior applications. Although frequently used for flooring, this versatile stone can also be used for wall cladding, shelves, cabinet and cupboard shelves, skirting, and much more.
Its deep black colour lends interiors a striking appearance, complementing a variety of design styles. One of the best qualities of Cuddapah stones is their easy availability; they can be sourced from most stone dealers. Similarly, it is easy to find skilled labour for installation, making both procurement and installation simple and cost-effective.
08. Kota Stone
Kota stone is an economic choice as it is less expensive than its counterparts. Named after the Kota district of Rajasthan, this stone blends beautifully with most interiors and exterior spaces. For a long time, Kota flooring remained a secondary option. However, people are gradually recognising the benefits of using Kota stones in their homes.
You may polish the stone or leave it unpolished, depending on your taste and requirement. You can easily repolish it over time for a refreshed appearance.
Also Read: Unveiling Kota Stone Flooring: Designs, Benefits, and Limitations
6 Benefits for Opting for Indian Stones
- Weather-Resistant: One of the main benefits of using stone is that it is strong, long-lasting, and weather-resistant. Normal occurrences that might affect or degrade other materials have little to no impact on stones.
- Sustainable: The production of natural stone does not require direct energy, resulting in lower pollution and energy consumption compared to other building materials.
- Insulation: The stones’ thermal mass acts as a natural insulator, maintaining indoor comfort and reducing the energy needed to cool the house.
- Durable: They are more resilient than manufactured tiles and marbles in terms of durability. Additionally, it resists stains and scratches.
- Chemical-free: Since natural stone is free from chemicals and synthetic substances, it is a safer choice for spaces frequented by children and the elderly, contributing to overall well-being.
- Affordable: Since natural stone is widely available in most regions, transportation costs are lower, making it a cost-effective building material.
Disadvantages of Other Stones
- Time-consuming: It takes a long time to lay stones like Italian marble and other international marble. Once laid, the stones require multiple rounds of polishing. Hence, some international stones require a lot of upkeep and routine care.
- Fragile: Some international stones are particularly prone to breaking, cracking, and chipping because they are soft and fragile. Italian marble and travertine are a few examples of stones that shatter quite quickly. This is precisely why they are filled with resins after being cut into slabs and strengthened.
- Expensive: The high cost of acquisition and installation is one of the main reasons many homeowners choose to forgo them.
- Skilled labour: International stones are quite heavy and need professional installation, which can significantly impact the budget.
Facts on Indian Stones
- With its quarries accounting to 29% of the world’s total stone production, India is one of the leading producers of natural stones. Each year, India exports natural stone products worth $300 million.
- Natural stone was first used in construction around 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
- Sandstone has a chemical composition similar to limestone. The entire structure of Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cambodia, is made of sandstone.
- The state of Andhra Pradesh holds approximately 32% of the nation’s total limestone reserves.
Also Read: Top Sustainable Building Materials for Modern Homes
Conclusion
Nothing truly compares to Indian stones in terms of pure elegance. With their distinctive colours, refined finishes and rich textures, they add a touch of sophistication to any space. India is a vast nation with diverse geological features, making it a rich source of natural stones like sandstone, kota stone, limestone, slate, and granite. Each quarry, depending on its geological location, has its unique colour variations.
These stone types and hues can also be shaped and processed to create a variety of forms and textures. Whether for traditional or modern landscaping designs, India stones can seamlessly complement any aesthetic.
FAQs Regarding Indian Stones
01. What is Stone Cladding?
Stone cladding is a decorative covering made of natural or artificial stone. It can be used to overlay cement, steel, or concrete walls. Genuine stones such as granite, sandstone, and slate are commonly used for cladding.
02. What are the Benefits of Using Stones?
Stone is an elegant way to add a sense of heritage to your home and is available in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns. Beyond aesthetics, it also serves as a protective layer for walls, floors, and other surfaces while providing insulation and helping to regulate indoor temperature.
03. Where Can I Use Stones?
Indian stone is steadily gaining popularity in Indian houses as an affordable décor trend. It can enhance the visual appeal of any space, whether large or small. Here are some common applications:
- Accent wall
- Flooring
- Roof
- Foundations
- Columns
- Window Sill
- Door frames
- Skirting
- Countertops
04. Is India Stone Right for Me?
Indian stones come in various types, including marble, slate, granite, travertine, limestone, and sandstone. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each stone while selection oone for your home. Each stone has some unique characteristics.
It is important to consider factors such as moisture absorption and fire safety ratings. The best stones are those with a low permeability rating, as they are more resistant to water damage.
05. How to Use Stones for Home?
To ensure the stone complements your space, consider aesthetic factors such as colour and style. Also, check for the presence of iron specks in the stone tiles, as iron can rust over time, causing reddish stains that are difficult, if not impossible, to remove.
Also Read: Benefits of Wall Cladding for Home Interiors
Author Bio
Saili Sawantt – She is an Architect and Interior Designer by profession. Writing is what she treats as her passion. She has worked as an Architectural Writer, Editor, and Journalist for various design as well as digital portals, both national and international. Formerly she has also worked with Godrej Properties Limited (GPL) Design Studio, Mumbai, due to her keen interested in learning about Sustainability and Green buildings. Apart from this, she runs her blog ‘The Reader’s Express’ and is a practicing Architect & Interior Designer.