In creating interiors, designers use modern developments and natural materials that combine with the style of the premises. Wanting to diversify the interior of private houses, to make it exclusive, experts include stone steps in the design of stairs in the design. Such a direction in the decoration of steps has been known for many centuries and is in demand in our time. This is explained not only by environmental cleanliness and attractive appearance, but also by the operational qualities of the material.
Features of stone facing stairs
It is customary to use steps made of natural stone to form stairs in private houses, cottages, where there is a need to emphasize the status of the owner. The look of natural stone evokes a feeling of luxury, exclusivity, it goes well with absolutely any stylistic trends.
Of course, the appearance plays an important role, but still often the owners have a question regarding the practicality of the material. Like any other type of decoration, stone steps for stairs have advantages and disadvantages, which are primarily determined by the characteristics of the stone used.
Benefits
Benefits of stone finishes:
- High strength and reliability of the material. Natural stone is characterized by wear resistance and resistance to mechanical stress. With heavy physical exertion or a strong impact, a defect in the form of a crack, a chip may form on the surface of the product, but this risk is minimal.
- Exquisite appearance allows you to set the right accents in classic interiors. As a complementary touch, you can set the backlight.
- A wide color palette of natural and artificial stones, so you can not worry about the combination of diverse decors.
- Performance at a high level. The stone is easy to clean and wet, does not deform when temperature conditions and humidity levels change.
Disadvantages
A large number of advantages of this material does not exclude the presence of some disadvantages. Only having decided on the purpose of the steps, you can draw up selection criteria in which the pros and cons will be optimally combined.
The disadvantages of stone stairs and their solutions:
- High prices for products made of natural stones. If you want to use stone, but the budget does not allow the use of expensive natural materials, then the use of artificial stone steps in the staircase decoration will be a worthy solution.
- Heat absorption. Natural materials do not have high heat transfer, on the contrary, the stone only absorbs the heat received, while its surface does not heat up. Such a disadvantage can be offset by laying a carpet on the steps.
- Heavy weight stone structures. It is worth considering this at the initial stages of building a house in order to correctly calculate the load on the foundation. If the structure has already been built, then it is advisable to make a partial stone cladding. That is, the basis may be a tree on which stone overlays will be laid.
The use of natural materials
The use of stone steps in the interior indicates the taste and status of the owner of the house. But it is worthwhile to understand that all other elements of decoration and decor should be appropriate. The stairs located inside the house can be made of different stones, the main thing is to choose the right combination.
Granite and marble
Granite is characterized by extraordinary hardness obtained due to volcanic origin. The popularity of granite steps is due to their reliability, durability, safety of appearance. Designers prefer to work with granite because of its unique pattern. Another advantage is the strength, so chips and other defects never form on the surface of the steps.
The use of marble for stairs is the most common solution. Despite the fact that it is less durable in comparison with granite, it is easier to process, due to which it is possible to construct steps of different shapes. In addition, staircases can be supplemented with marble balusters and supporting pillars.
Onyx and Travertine
Onyx has an original pattern, as well as a variety of colors. For steps, there is the possibility of choosing a small or medium-grained structure, as well as different textures: wavy, banded, rectilinear.
Travertine is a type of marble rock and is mainly used for interior decoration. Its porous structure is easy to polish. If we talk about colors and patterns, this material is considered the most diverse. First of all, it is distinguished by its decorative properties (wood-like patterns, spotty patterns, plain with splashes, etc.).
Sandstone
Street decoration of stone steps is represented by sandstone. This material is characterized by affordable cost, as well as high strength and ease of maintenance. The color palette is dominated by brown and gray shades.
The use of artificial materials
The high cost of natural stone is the main reason in the search for alternative materials that would not be inferior in appearance and characteristics to it. The solution to this problem was the use of artificial materials in the installation of stairs. Ready-made product options are presented in whole form or overlays on the existing base.
Porcelain Tiles
The material is characterized by high strength and ease of installation. Porcelain steps do not require additional processing and can be used for external use as an alternative to paving slabs. The surface of the product may be smooth or rough depending on where the installation will take place (inside the house or on the street).
Clinker
Clinker is the best option for outdoor use. It is resistant to environmental influences, has a classic structure and a relatively small color palette. Its surface lends itself to all kinds of processing. Despite its strength, clinker has a porous structure, which, under strong mechanical stress, can be deformed.
Agglomerate
This is an artificial material that allows you to accurately simulate the appearance of almost any natural analogue. Agglomerate stairs have an attractive appearance, but nevertheless, operational properties are an important point. Agglomerate does not absorb water, has a low degree of abrasion.
DIY stone steps installation
When proceeding with the installation of street sandstone steps, you must make sure that you have building tools and materials.
Stages of installation using natural stone:
- Material preparation. Sandstone is a natural stone with a thick layer of dust on its surface. It must be cleaned. Otherwise, the risk of peeling from the base increases after a minimum amount of time. The washing procedure is performed under water pressure, then a post-cleaning with a stiff brush takes place. When all exfoliating particles are removed, it is necessary to wait until the material dries.
- Pulling the thread level. Sandstone pieces have different thicknesses, so evenness of the steps will be achieved by leveling the layer of tile glue. A stretched thread will serve as a guideline to the horizontal plane.
- Stone file. Initially, several elements are filed, which are laid out on the surface in such a way that the corners coincide. You can achieve a beautiful picture using paper stencils that are cut in advance. The blanks are applied to the stone and inscribed. Then you can start sawing. The size of the chamfer, which is removed from the edges of the stone, can vary from 3 to 5 mm.
- Laying a stone. The masonry process can occur using three mortars: glue, cement mortar (1: 3) or a mixture of glue and cement mortar (1: 1). The consistency of the glue should not be too liquid, more plastic. The solution is applied to the base with a layer of 1-2 cm, as well as a thin layer on the back of the stone. Then the element is laid on a step according to the scheme and is nailed with a mallet.
A prerequisite is wedging stones. To do this, use large wedges used when laying tiles. After the solution has set, the wedges are removed, and all the seams are carefully filled with glue. If the seams are not completely sealed, water can accumulate in them, which, when frozen, will cause the individual elements to break off.
Excess glue is removed with a small spatula so that the edges of the sandstone remain clean. Installation work can take place in dry weather at a temperature of at least +5 degrees.
Stone steps in the garden
Stone stairs are a common decor item not only inside, but also outside the house. To diversify the landscape design of the garden, the designers also apply this kind of design on the site. Due to this, it is possible to zone the area.
Of course, garden steps are not so neat in appearance and structure, as other varieties of natural stones are used to form.
Most often they are solid blocks, if you want to save money, you can choose flat and wide rocks of various shapes.