How to Choose the Right Natural Stone for Your Project

Start With the Application, Not the Aesthetic

The most common mistake buyers make when specifying natural stone is choosing based on appearance first and then discovering, too late, that the stone is technically unsuitable.

Flooring: Hardness, Slip Resistance, Traffic Volume

• Granite (Mohs 6–7) — the industry workhorse. The default choice for commercial high-traffic floors.
• Quartzite (Mohs 7) — premium alternative to marble with superior durability.
• Marble (Mohs 3–4) — best limited to residential bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Travertine (Mohs 3–4) — great for spa environments when properly filled and sealed.
• Sandstone (Mohs 6–7) — ideal for exterior terracing and pool surrounds.

Exterior Cladding: Weather Resistance Is Non-Negotiable

For exterior cladding, specify stone with water absorption below 0.4% and ask your supplier for EN 12371 freeze-thaw test results if specifying for cold climates.

Countertops: Porosity and Chemical Resistance

Granite is non-porous, hard, and chemically resistant — the practical gold standard for kitchen counters. Marble stains and etches from acids — treat it as a living material that develops patina.

Always Request Technical Data Sheets

Before finalising any specification, ask your vendor for water absorption test results (EN 13755), flexural strength data, and slip resistance ratings. Verified LithoPrime vendors provide these on request.