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Natural stone is typically sold as a single piece and requires processing by the supplier before it can be installed. According to sales representatives, when customers purchase natural stone, it's priced per square meter. After the merchant measures the space, the stone is sent to a processing plant for cutting, chamfering, or shaping into special patterns before being delivered to the customer. For large-scale installations like flooring, professional contractors usually handle the on-site laying.
Since natural stone and tiles look similar in appearance, price, and function, many people assume they are nearly identical. However, experts have clarified the differences between the two materials. In general, any rock that has been mined or processed is considered "stone." Natural stone is more of a natural product—its composition remains unchanged even after cutting and polishing. Tiles, on the Other hand, are man-made products made from materials like clay, quartz sand, and metal oxides. These are mixed, pressed, glazed, and fired to create a durable, acid-resistant material. Unlike natural stone, tiles undergo chemical changes during production, making them artificial stones.
After purchasing tiles, homeowners can easily hire workers to lay them at home. But natural stone requires prior processing before installation, which often leads customers to believe that it’s more expensive than ceramic tiles. During a visit to a natural stone store, I saw an African beige stone that cost around 700 yuan per square meter after processing. A similar-colored domestic tile was priced at about 620 yuan per square meter.
Some people, including certain designers, believe that natural stone may change color over time due to its porous nature, making it unsuitable for interior use. However, both natural and artificial stones have tiny capillary pores. In most living rooms, discoloration isn't a major concern. If the room is on a ground floor without a basement, applying waterproof paint on the stone and concrete walls can help prevent moisture-related issues.
**Expert Advice**
**Not Recommended for Large-Scale Use at Home**
Although natural stone offers unique textures and is popular among designers for its natural beauty, it contains many uncontrollable elements. While it can be used in home decoration, it's not advisable for large areas due to the difficulty in matching colors and patterns consistently.
**Stone vs. Tile**
- **Material**
Natural stone is a natural material, while tiles are man-made, typically made from clay and other minerals.
- **Texture**
Natural stone has a less uniform texture and may contain surface cracks or oil stains. Tiles, on the other hand, are denser and less prone to staining.
- **Color Variation**
Natural stone exhibits noticeable color differences due to its natural formation, which cannot be fully corrected during post-processing. This gives it a more organic and natural look. Tiles, however, are produced with more consistent color through manual adjustments.
- **Shape Flexibility**
Natural stone can be shaped according to specific design needs. Tiles, however, have limitations in shape due to manufacturing standards.
- **Production Process**
Natural stone comes in categories such as sedimentary, metamorphic, igneous, and artificial types. Common building stones include granite, marble, and pebbles. The production process varies depending on the type and quality of the stone. Tiles are created through a series of steps, including grinding, mixing, pressing, glazing, and firing.
- **Installation**
Stone is typically installed using dry-hanging techniques, which involve attaching the stone to a framework rather than using cement mortar. This method is more complex compared to tiling, which only requires adhesive.