Guide to Selecting the Perfect Natural Stone for your Interiors | Best Natural Stones for Homes

Is there such a thing as the best natural rock for your home? If you’re leaning towards natural rock for your house, today’s post is right up your alley!

In the first of this two-part series. We explore the types of natural rock media commonly used for interior surfacing and how they stand up against one another.

Introduction | Best Natural Stones for Homes

Thanks to how they form. Melting, churning, and solidifying just beneath the Earth’s crust. Rocks have a characteristic and unique look to them.

However, based on the conditions of formation and what they’re made of, rocks tend to have varying properties. Some are harder and more scratch-resistant, while others have more outstanding grain and colours.

Criteria | Best Natural Stones for Homes

Our criteria for judging today’s selection of natural rock media is usual. Common hazards in a house include physical trauma, spilt beverages or food, bacteria or mould growth, and harsh cleaning chemicals.

Without further ado, let’s dive right into these three common rock surfaces!

Quartz | Best Natural Stones for Homes

Quartz is a catch-all term for rocks and crystals composed of silicon and oxygen. It is the second most common mineral in Earth’s crust and comes in many forms such as translucent crystals and opaque rocks.

The varieties of quartz used in floor tiles are generally the harder and purer variants of the material. While some tiles are cut out of quartz, others are made of a resin binder and quartz flakes or powder.

Physical Resistance: 6/10

Quartz has a hardness of up to 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It is scratch resistant but is still vulnerable to chips and cracks from falling objects.

Stain Resistance: 5/10

Quartz though made with resin binders, they are still mildly porous. This means its stain resistance is moderate.

It generally defies most culprits such as tea, coffee, or wine, BUT only if cleaned up quickly. However, if coffee on a cup-bottom is left to sit on a quartz countertop, it will surely leave a stain.

Not forgetting, grouts are used to seal gaps between your tiles, you can expect to see hideous marks in between through general usage.

Biological Resistance: 4/10

The same concern we had for stain resistance regarding the mildly porous surface is present here as well. It traps a certain degree of bacteria-feeding organic debris on floors and countertops. Not forgetting the grouts.

Porous surface & grouts will shelter bacteria and mould. To make matters worse, if poorly applied, grout leaves a recess between tiles that will trap dirt and prevent efficient cleaning.

Chemical Resistance: 4-6/10

The lower rating applies to synthesised quartz tiles. While the higher rating applies to natural quartz tiles.

Synthesised quartz is a combination of quartz powder and flakes with a resin binder. Commonly made of petroleum by-products. Such resin binders are known to react with chemicals such as alkaline cleaners and some inks, resulting in very stubborn stains.

Natural quartz is more chemically stable. Much like its common cousin, silicon dioxide, commonly known as sand.

Granite | Best Natural Stones for Homes

This classic rock is one of the toughest ones used for interior surfacing. You may think of it as a ‘rock-alloy’ of quartz and feldspar. Composition of the two most common minerals in the Earth’s crust.

Not surprisingly. It’s the most common magma-formed rock on Earth’s surface and has been used in buildings for centuries thanks to its abundance. It is commonly installed in whole slabs or tiles.

Physical Resistance: 8/10

Granite is 2 steps up from quartz. It rates 8 on the Mohs scale, granite is denser and more resistant to chips and cracks from impacts. Great for floors.

Stain Resistance: 5/10

Granite enjoys a stain resistance on par with quartz. However, without a synthetic option, granite’s highly porous surface is vulnerable to stains from oils and viscous liquids like inks.

While water may leave a dark stain for a while, evaporation will eventually clear it. Not oils and inks, however.

Biological Resistance: 3/10

The many pores on the surface of granite mean it will trap organic debris that feeds bacteria, as well as sheltering bacteria and mould.

Without regular and thorough cleaning, granite surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. It can quickly allow for a disgusting layer of scum or discolour from bacteria growth.

Chemical Resistance: 3/10

Granite has a high content of reactive minerals, making it a nightmare to clean without specialised cleansers. Your only options, besides the former, are pH-neutral gentle soaps and a soft brush or sponge.

Ceramic/Porcelain | Best Natural Stones for Homes

Ceramic and porcelain are two types of man-made tiles using natural rock media. A wet mix of clay, feldspar, silica sand and other raw materials are shaped into tiles and fired in a kiln. Producing strong and hard tiles.

Porcelain is an upgrade on ceramic. The material is fired at a higher temperature for a longer duration, producing a denser and less porous tile. As expected, porcelain is usually a fair bit more expensive.

Physical Resistance: 4-6/10

Ceramic tiles rank a low 4 with their middling scratch and impact resistance making them prone to scratches and chips.

Denser porcelain performs better at a 6, but can still be chipped or cracked by dropping heavy objects. Ceramic typically ranks up to 5 on the Mohs scale, while porcelain can go as high as 7.

Stain Resistance: 2-4/10

Ceramic and porcelain have a few strengths, but stain resistance is not one of them. To seal off pores on tiles, a ceramic glaze is often used on tiles.

However, the glaze applied varies widely in composition across different manufacturers. While some see more success than others in resisting stains, others are discoloured by simple substances like lemon juice or animal urine.

If you decline the option of a glaze, the raw tile itself still stains easily thanks to its porous nature. Raw porcelain (3/10) typically fares much better than raw ceramic (1/10).

Biological Resistance: 5.5/10

Porcelain and glazed ceramic (5.5/10) are non-porous and do not trap debris or bacteria, but suffer the same drawback as all tiles – grout.

In other news, raw ceramic (3) is terrible, again. Its many tiny pores trap debris, grow bacteria and mould, and make cleaning difficult.

Chemical Resistance: 3-6/10

Glazes (3/10) may stain easily and badly thanks to their poor chemical resistance. While raw ceramic and porcelain (6/10) may fare better.

This is a gamble you may wish to reconsider, since it depends heavily on the tile’s specific composition. A higher percentage of reactive material like chalk will certainly reduce the tile’s chemical resistance.

Conclusion | Best Natural Stones for Homes

The main selling point for natural rock media is first and foremost the variety of unique appearances and character available.

Each may fare well in their own sets of category. However do note, they are all made of natural stones and age through time. Therefore constant upkeep or maintenance will still be required from time to time.

Alternative Solution | Best Natural Stones for Homes

If your decision isn’t written in stone yet. You may wish to consider Metallic Epoxy, the Dwayne Johnson of interior surfacing materials.

Besides rating incredibly highly in EVERY category, the material offers a vast expanse of design options. Limited only by your imagination.

Head over to the rest of our blog for more on what Metallic Epoxy is, how it is installed, and how it ranks against other materials.

If you have not already seen our previous posts on marble, hardwood, laminate or vinyl. Check them out for a more informed decision on home refurbishment or interior surface material choices!

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More Metallic Epoxy Stone Designs – Click Here

Benefits of Metallic Epoxy – Click Here

The Three Best Materials For Your Bathroom – Click Here

The Three Best Materials For Your Kitchen – Click Here

Best Natural Stones for Home (Part 2) – Click Here

More information which you may find useful

1) Metallic Epoxy Stress Test – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

Most Practical Flooring for your Homes | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

A durable premium material or an expendable low-cost material?

Introduction | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

In today’s post, we will explore the most common materials used for floorings and the options you have for repairing or replacing them. While each of these materials has many specific pros and cons. The focus of this post will simply be their durability and ease of repair.

The four key things to consider are; The frequency with which you have to replace or repair the material. The cost in time, money, and convenience. The ease of acquiring the material for replacement, and the environmental impact of upkeep.

Vinyl | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Vinyl comes in large, whole sheets and small tiles. It is a synthetic material that is rubbery and softer than most flooring.

Cost

Prices can range from $4 to over $8 per square foot, depending on quality.

Durability

Thanks to its pliable nature, vinyl is highly resistant to impacts that could chip or crack other materials. However, depending on its quality, it can be very prone to scratches or tears from sandy grit or sharp objects, and dents from heavy objects.

Vinyl can get damaged by standing water if it is not sealed with a waterproof layer that adds significantly to the cost of installation and maintenance. It is also infamous for producing ugly chemical stains when it meets rubber from shoe heels or rubber protectors on furniture legs. Not forgetting it is susceptible to yellowing over time.

These vulnerabilities mean it must be replaced relatively frequently.

Replaceability/Repairability

Vinyl cannot be repaired. The affected tile or sheet must be replaced entirely. As such, unless you have a strong reason otherwise, we strongly recommend getting vinyl tiles over large sheets to reduce the cost of these inevitable and frequent replacements.

Replacing lower quality vinyl tiles is cheap, but terrible for the environment. Since vinyl is rarely recycled or reused and goes straight to incinerators or landfills. You should also consider stocking up on your desired pattern of vinyl tiles in advance since stores might no longer stock them when newer designs become more popular.

Linoleum | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Linoleum is almost identical to vinyl. It is a relatively soft, rubbery material that is made using natural ingredients such as linseed oil and cork powder, and comes in tiles or sheets.

Cost 

It is generally more expensive than vinyl. Between $6 to $10 per square foot.

Durability

Unlike vinyl, linoleum is resistant to scratches and abrasive wear but is weak to chipping. It is also easily damaged by water unless an additional waterproofing layer is applied.

While it does not get stained by rubber like vinyl, linoleum tends to dry up and crack over time as its natural oils degrade. Expect to replace it frequently, though not as frequently as vinyl.

Replaceability/Repairability

Again, like vinyl, linoleum is best installed in tiles. However, homeowners bear less of a moral burden for replacements, since linoleum biodegrades more readily and harmlessly than vinyl.

Hence, they aren’t as bad for the environment. Replacement is generally cheap, depending on the quality of your tiles, but more expensive than vinyl.

Wood Laminate | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Wood Laminate is composed of a compressed wood fibreboard sandwiched between a coated, printed layer on top and a waterproof layer below. It comes in tiles that mimic the pattern of hardwood.

Cost

It is priced from $4 to $10 per square foot.

Durability

Laminate tiles are only as durable as the topmost wear layer. While higher quality tiles have thicker and stronger wear layers. Once the printed layer is exposed, the tiles are prone to unsightly scratches and catastrophic water damage.

Expect to replace relatively often, especially in areas with high foot traffic.

Replaceability/Repairability

Laminate tiles cannot be repaired but are cheap to replace. However, homeowners will run into the same problem of availability if they don’t stock up on replacement tiles beforehand.

Thanks to a special overlapping mechanism in laminate tiles. Replacements are best left to contractors, which will cost you time, money, and the inconvenience of having installers over.

While laminate tiles are largely wood, their synthetic layers contribute to waste in landfills and incinerators.

Ceramic Tiles | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Ceramic tiles are among the most common interior surfacing materials in Singaporean homes. They come in a large variety of colours, patterns, and sizes.

Cost

Most ceramic tiles will set you back $12 to $18 per square foot.

Durability

Glazed ceramic tiles are waterproof while raw ceramic tiles are porous and absorb liquids. This means the former is only stained by strong chemicals such as concentrated bleach or pet urine, while the latter can be stained quite easily.

Ceramic tiles are highly susceptible to chips and cracks from falling objects, both blunt and sharp, but are resistant to light abrasive wear from foot traffic.

Replaceability/Repairability

Chipped or cracked ceramic tiles can be a hazard. Stray shards and splinters will pierce the skin, while broken tiles can result in serious cuts. Hence, replacement of damaged tiles is often more urgent than with other materials.

Replacement is relatively expensive and homeowners who choose fancier designs may run into availability issues without an advanced stocking up of tiles.

Hardwood/Parquet | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Hardwood Floors generally consist of large planks of hardwood while parquet floors consist of small strips of hardwood arranged in a repeating pattern. Both types are almost always protected by a topcoat of varnish for waterproofing and wear resistance.

Cost

Expect to spend between $30 to $50 per square foot.

Durability

While some hardwoods are more water-resistant than others. The protective topcoat is necessary for most wood flooring since exposure to moisture will result in warping.

Depending on the thickness of the topcoat, hardwood floors have varying degrees of chip and scratch resistance. Recoating of the protective layer must be done at least twice a year, failing which expensive replacements costs may be incurred.

Replaceability/Repairability

Damage to the topcoat can be easily repaired if spotted early. Deeper gouges or chips to hardwood can sometimes be rectified by sanding and resurfacing the wood.

However, water damage always requires the replacement of the affected tiles and will incur greater costs. Unless you have the right tools and extensive experience, all these repairs will require the services of a professional.

As you may well know by now, stock up on hardwood tiles in advance in case retailers no longer carry your design.

Marble/Granite | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

These two stones, marble and granite, are a premium option for homeowners. They can come in small tiles or large slabs.

Costs

Costs can range from $30 to $80 per square foot.

Durability

Granite is much harder than marble, but both stones are prone to chips and cracks. Both stones are porous and have low chemical resistance, thus they stain easily and permanently.

Replaceability/Repairability

Floors can be refinished if the scratches or chips are not too deep, but would otherwise cost an incredible amount of money to replace.

Similar to ceramic tiles, repair/replacement is often an urgent matter. Another downside is that marble or granite tiles usually come from a unique slab, to get a small replacement may rather be more tricky than other materials. This may very well result in you living with it or having to replace the entire floor.

Metallic Epoxy | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Metallic Epoxy, is a synthetic material that is poured over a surface and allowed to harden.

Costs

Metallic Epoxy can range from $24 to $50 per square foot depending on the size of the area. We would also strongly recommend the services of an experienced and reputable contractor.

While this will cost more, the quality of the design and installation will be drastically better than with an amateur independent installer. To find out what can go wrong with slipshod epoxy installations, visit our post here.

Durability

Metallic Epoxy surfaces are seamless, waterproof, highly resistant to scratches and chips, and chemical proof to household items.

They are also frequently accompanied by a polyurethane topcoat that provides additional resistance to scratches and impacts. It also helps to greatly increases the material’s durability in the face of daily wear and tear.

Replaceability/Repairability

For shallow scratches and typical wear, the repair is as simple as a re-coating of the polyurethane topcoat.

For deeper gouges that penetrate the epoxy body. Installers can simply refinish* the material and fill in the cuts before applying a new polyurethane topcoat.

To Each Their Own 

Different circumstances call for different flooring solutions, there is no one answer for every problem.

For one individual, an affordable, easily replaceable vinyl floor may be the best option. Whereas a sturdy wood flooring that only requires biannual coatings could be another person’s dream floor.

Conclusion | Best Flooring Guide in Singapore

Those who are in it for the long haul could easily see the hassle and cumulative costs of frequent repairs and replacements. Not forgetting the regular maintenance and the occasional servicing.

The one material that stands out in this list is undoubtedly Metallic Epoxy. At a reasonable price of flooring installation. You could have a flooring that is extremely durable, requires little special care and allows for hassle-free repair options.

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Find out more about how Metallic Epoxy holds up against these conventional materials in other aspects. Head over to this post for a detailed comparison.

If you need more detailed and personal information about getting your Metallic Epoxy Flooring. Our experts will be happy to provide a free, non-obligatory consultation to answer all your questions.

Check out our other posts on the Best Floor Maintenance Tips or the Best Bathroom Floor Maintenance Tips

More information which you may find useful

1) View our Past Works – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Stress Test – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

6) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here

Introduction | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

As durable as concrete whilst still being picturesque. A Metallic Epoxy Interior combines beauty and function for the most well-used parts of any home or office.

Fortunately for fans of this wonder material, the isn’t exclusive to the floor. They can be applied to many work surfaces such as countertops and various interior surfaces.

But just how well does Metallic Epoxy stand up to other conventional interior design materials?

The Contenders | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Here, we explore the characteristics of modern interior design materials.

Almost every work surface in the modern building is made of wood, stone, or composite material. A parquet floor in the living room, a quartz counter in the kitchen, or a vinyl floor in a barbershop.

While these materials have long been used for their aesthetic appeal or widespread availability, they do have some very major shortcomings.

Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Vinyl is a rubber-like material that has many qualities as a flooring material. It’s inexpensive and easy to install, is soft underfoot, and is durable.

However, it has many cons that outweigh its utility for most homeowners. Vinyl is manufactured from chemicals that cause it to emit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). This can cause serious health problems.

Homeowners looking for long-term flooring solutions should note that besides yellowing over time. Damaged vinyl cannot be resurfaced and has to be entirely replaced.

Vinyl is also sensitive to corrosive chemicals, and cannot be cleaned with stronger cleaning agents. While it is stain-resistant, any contact with rubber, such as shoe soles or non-slip surfaces, results in permanent marks on the vinyl.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Vinyl

Parquet (Wood, Varnish) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Parquet has innumerable varieties but generally entails laying sections of wood to form elegant patterns.

The surface is varnished to protect it from moisture or physical damage. As flooring, its appeal is largely aesthetic, and it requires careful maintenance to be long-lasting.

Its sole protection is a layer of varnish, which is prone to cracks and chips from sharp or heavy objects. Such damage exposes the underlying wood to moisture from spills or the atmosphere. Resulting in warping of the tile.

Repair costs vary, depending on the extent of the damage. This is generally expensive since it requires removing the old sections, acquiring and installing the new sections in the correct shades, and re-varnishing.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Parquet

Laminate (Melamine Resin and Fibreboard Material) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Laminate is a cheaper, popular alternative to wooden parquet flooring. It consists of a top layer made of wood chips or printed graphics, compressed beneath a melamine protective layer.

This gives the appearance of hardwood or stone tile. While relatively unremarkable, it is more water-resistant than parquet, better looking than vinyl, and ages well without fading.

However, it is still prone to warping when exposed to standing water, and vulnerable to dents or scratches from falling objects.

Notably, homeowners with a more refined palate generally feel it falls short of hardwood or ceramic tiles in terms of visual appeal.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Laminates

Stone/Ceramic Tiles | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stone and ceramic tiles are amazingly versatile. They come in myriad shapes of varying ceramic types.

Non-porous tiles are generally stain-resistant. However, tiles are notorious for two things, chips and cracks.

They are extremely vulnerable to physical damage from falling objects, or scratches from sharp items. Damaged tiles are a chore to repair since they are firmly mounted in cement.

Furthermore, they are always accompanied by grout to seal gaps between sections of stone or tile. Grout is highly porous and provides an ideal environment for mould or bacteria.

This results in black scum forming in humid locations like bathrooms or kitchen counters.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Stones

Quartz | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Quartz is a man-made stone used for many parts of interior design. They include from countertops to floor tiles.

While stain-resistant, it is certainly not stain-proof. Quartz is commonly treated with a petroleum-based resin to obtain its colour. This resin can react with chemicals from spillage. Examples include sauces or wine which results in permanent discolouration.

Quartz, like other stones, is also prone to chips and scratches from sharp objects or physical impact. Most notably, wet quartz is highly slippery and may cause accidents.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Quartz & Man Made Stones

Marble/Granite | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Marble is one of the most expensive and premium materials used for building interiors.

While it is highly treasured for its aesthetic appeal, it is undoubtedly the least practical material on this list. Marble is a much softer stone than granite or quartz, meaning it gets chipped or scratched easily.

It is also highly porous, so it stains readily and traps dirt and bacteria. Clean it often, you say. Unfortunately, marble is also sensitive to corrosive chemicals, which rules out many effective cleansers like bleach.

While granite is not as esteemed as marble, it is marginally tougher.

Click here to read more about the Pros & Cons of Marble

Metallic Epoxy 

Metallic Epoxy is a wonder material that is spearheading the new age of modern interior design.

It is non-porous and chemically inert. Allowing it to be entirely stain-proof and suitable for efficient cleaning, even with strong cleaning agents.

It has high resistance to impact and scratches, as well as heat tolerance up to 200°C, make it very robust.

When properly installed and cared for, a Metallic Epoxy finishing provides greater protection than any other material. Therefore, it’s no surprise, as it becomes more readily available. It is soaring in popularity with homeowners.

Click here to read more about how Metallic Epoxy is Installed 

Putting all Contenders to the Test 

We now examine how each material performs in the flooring, countertop, and interior surface categories.

Floors | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stains:
Metallic Epoxy’s stain-proofing is a no-contest win for flooring, where spills often land. Porous surfaces like marble and ceramic tiles stain easily, while other non-porous surfaces like quartz and vinyl are only stain-resistant

Physical Resistance: Metallic Epoxy and vinyl come out on top for their ability to absorb physical impacts and resist scratches. A critical property for flooring to survive foot traffic, furniture movement, and accidents.

Hygiene:
Metallic Epoxy comes out ahead of other non-porous surfaces (like vinyl and parquet) for its resistance to strong cleaning agents, while sharing their low viability for mould and bacteria. Especially crucial for bathroom and kitchen floors.

Durability:
Metallic Epoxy doesn’t discolour or denature over time in an indoor setting. This is unlike other materials like quartz, which gradually fade in colour.

Countertops | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stains: Metallic Epoxy wins again. Which is a good thing since counters take everything from pen ink to hot sauce

Physical Resistance: Metallic Epoxy. While countertops generally do not receive the abuse that floors do, they are still subjected to sharp objects like knives or tools.

Hygiene: Metallic Epoxy. Especially crucial for wet work like meat prep in kitchens.

Durability: Metallic Epoxy’s dominance here is debatable. While it doesn’t degrade over time, its heat resistance comes in front of quartz or ceramic tiles. Especially relevant in kitchens where hot pans or pots might make contact

Other Interior Surfaces (Tables, Vanities, Work Desks) | Metallic Epoxy vs Conventional Materials

Stains: Metallic Epoxy. Most relevant with dining tables.

Physical Resistance: Metallic Epoxy. The only option for protecting discrete pieces of furniture are either some form of varnish or an epoxy finish.

Hygiene: Metallic Epoxy keeps work surfaces clean and enables convenient cleanups.

Durability: Metallic Epoxy. Indisputably the best option.

More information which you may find useful

1) View our Past Works – Click Here

2) Metallic Epoxy Stress Test – Click Here

3) Metallic Epoxy Floorings – Click Here

4) Metallic Epoxy Art Panels – Click Here

5) Metallic Epoxy Countertops – Click Here

6) Metallic Epoxy Bathroom – Click Here