The famous tourist destinations above represent the best in human creativity, vision, and ingenuity. What’s more, they have stood the test of time—weathering changing climates and enduring millenniums of use while remaining architecturally beautiful.

As you might suspect, another similarity makes those landmarks timeless and monumental. They are all constructed from natural stone.

Stone is among society’s oldest building materials, and ancient builders appreciated its strength, durability, and vibrant beauty. As a natural material, stone was readily abundant in marble, sandstone, limestone, and granite. However, early builders recognized and respected its connection with the Earth and the cave-dwelling dawn of human existence.

Imagine the possibilities.

Thinking of breathtaking historical sites certainly conjures images of days gone by, but natural stone remains the most prevalent building material chosen to create and beautify our homes and workspaces. Its construction uses include building:

• Facades and interior accents
• Patios
• Walkways and driveways
• Swimming pool decks
• Retaining walls
• Countertops
• Flooring
• Fireplaces
• Steps and stairways
• Signage
• Showrooms and exhibit halls
• Dramatic corridors

Decorative stone materials come in various colors and an ever-broadening array of patterns, textures, and finishes. Used alone or combined, they can create a look and feel to match a homeowner’s personality or project a desired architectural style. Adding stone to interior spaces brings nature indoors and complements wood and other natural materials, giving a welcoming rustic ambiance.

Still readily available.

You will find stone in many of the most attractive homes and buildings worldwide, with looks from traditional to trendy. Decorative stone is an excellent choice for new construction or replacing existing surfaces, indoor and outdoor projects, and flat or upright applications. And nothing compares to the overall beauty of natural stone.

Once installed, stone requires very little maintenance or upkeep, which makes caring for it easy. Even decades-old stone can look new with cleaning and polishing.

Stone may be more expensive than other options to incorporate into an undertaking, but its durability makes it worth any added cost. After all, if those ancient wonders of the world are still standing, you won’t have to redo your project any time soon. Talk to a building products expert—such as the highly experienced team at Kuhlman Corporation—for professional recommendations on colors, patterns, and applications and answers to frequently asked questions.

Built for eternity, ancient habitations, temples, pyramids, and tombs were constructed from stone. That those structures have withstood the ravages of time—across geographical areas, periods, and civilizations—attests to stone’s durability.

Natural stone is a sustainable and durable building material that ages gracefully. Indeed, stone often looks better with time. When designing your next project, consider using stone to bring out the best in your space and create a tourist-worthy destination.