5 Reasons to Go for Limestone for Your Next Building Project

Homeowners all across Columbus and Cincinnati are discovering the appeal of building with limestone. This attractive natural stone has so many uses - walls, floors, coping stones, patios, and even as blocks in the structure itself. And it lasts for centuries – the Great Sphinx of Giza was made of limestone and is still standing all these many years later.

Limestone is durable, less expensive than marble and granite, and gives a luxurious look to any space. It’s easy to work with, and its light tones brighten rooms. Read on to discover five reasons why Indiana limestone is ideal for your next project.

#1. Limestone Is a Great Material for Tiles and Pavers

Limestone forms when sediments compress over time, making it a rugged surface that’s just perfect underfoot. Limestone pavers and tiles can be used for any floor or walkway surface whether it be a bathroom, a patio, or around the pool. And it holds up well outdoors in different temperature zones.

#2. Cladding Panels Can Be Made from Limestone

Architects love to use limestone for buildings, including siding. Limestone panels give any structure a classy look and they offer great protection against the elements, especially in warm-weather regions. The stone absorbs heat, keeping the interior cool. Cladding comes in a variety of tiles and panels and with an array of finishes, from brushed to polished.

#3. Limestone Is Extremely Durable

One of the many limestone benefits is its strength and durability. It is among the most resilient of all-natural stones thanks to its density. Though it is softer than marble and granite, it wears well over time, making it a good option even in high-traffic areas.  

People have been using limestone as a building material for centuries, largely because of how long it lasts. Because it’s stone, it’s particularly weather-resistant and erosion doesn’t weaken its structural integrity. Many contractors recommend using a sealant on the surface, which makes it hold up well against stains and dirt, too.  

#4. Limestone Is a Universal Building Stone

Architects and builders also use limestone in construction because of its versatility. The stone is durable enough to be underfoot, making great pavers, but can also be used in tiling, paneling, coping stones, and a myriad of other applications. Limestone’s pale hues complement just about any color scheme and it can look both luxurious and rural chic.

Limestone is easily worked, as well. It can be made into dense blocks, medium-sized bricks, and thin tiles. Sculptors have used it for centuries because it’s easy to cut, carve, and make designs in. It also uses less energy to produce than other building materials.

#5. Limestone Is Temperature Efficient

Another benefit of limestone used in construction is that it absorbs heat, preventing that warmth from spreading inside. This makes it a natural way to keep a building cool and is one of the many reasons limestone has been used in hot areas for centuries. Limestone flooring in your home, for example, will stay comfortable even on very hot days.

Limestone has been shown to reduce air conditioning bills in hot climates. In some regions, lime-based paint is used to help keep temperatures down on the interior of buildings. In cities, limestone’s ability to thermoregulate helps fight the urban island heat effect.

Famous Limestone Buildings Around the Globe

Some of the world’s best-known and most-beloved structures were constructed from limestone. It was commonly used as an alternative to marble and granite in municipal buildings, bridges, colleges, and churches. The stone’s hardy nature has allowed many of these buildings to last for centuries.

Notable buildings made of limestone include:

• The Great Sphinx
• The Great Pyramid
• The Parthenon
• The Roman Colosseum
• The Empire State Building
• The Arc de Triomphe in Paris
• The Lincoln Memorial
• The Washington National Cathedral
• The Pentagon
• United States Holocaust Memorial
• The Biltmore Estate
• Chicago Art Museum
• Courthouses and Capitol buildings across the country

Conclusion

Why use limestone? Hopefully, it’s clear by now. Limestone is among the best natural stone products for building projects due to its affordability compared to other stones, its remarkable durability, its myriad applications, and its thermoregulation capabilities. And simply because it’s a beautiful building block that complements any décor.

If you have questions about the properties of limestone as a building material stop by Stone Center. We have facilities in both Columbus and Cincinnati, and our expert staff would be happy to assist you in planning, designing, cutting, and installing this outstanding natural stone. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional, we’re here to help.