Masonry Stone is getting thinner and thinner as it finds itself used on everything from cladding to flooring. Expertly cut sheets of thin stone are growing more popular at stone retailers and wholesalers such as Knowlton, Quebec's Stone Haven Inc. According to proprietor and 30 year stone laying professional Mike Stone, this is more than a trend. It reflects how technology and changes in the way we live have allowed us to get a wider range of use out of a traditional material.

"Back when Europeans built castles and fortresses you needed an exterior natural stone thickness of three or four to even a dozen feet thick," said Mr. Stone. "You can see many examples around Quebec in old colonial walls and buildings. Fortunately, we don't have to think of the possibility of cannon or catapult attack, so we don't need to make our supporting structures quite so thick! More to the point, however, older buildings needed strong stone foundations to support several stories, and even buttressing to make sure there was enough thick stone to hold their sheer weight up.

"Before the modern era, you had to build big with natural stone! Advanced wood and steel framing weren't there to hold buildings up, and if you wanted to work with natural stone at all, it needed to be thick. Masons didn't have the technology to cut in thin, precise measurements. Even in the modern age it's taken some time for saws to reach the point where they can make these thin, accurate cuts cost effective."

Since that point, thin natural stone has exploded in popularity, particularly in roles where stone used to be uncommon. That includes interior flooring in bathrooms, where thin stone provides a non-slip grip and can be heated from underneath. Irregular and patterned thin natural stone is also popular in kitchens and living rooms Thin stone such as slate and granite are available in so many colours they can complement virtually any interior or exterior design.

Architects increasingly recommend the use of thin natural stone products for both interior and exterior use, taking advantage of its range of textures and colours and toughness to provide an alternative to bare concrete.

These factors have driven increased demand, so stone wholesalers and retailers like Stone Haven have increased their inventory of thin natural stone, both for standard slate and granite varieties as well as less common types such as Penn Blue sandstone. Richly coloured slate, granite, limestone, sandstone, travertine and marble should be available from any quality natural stone merchant. When selecting a source for your natural stone, make sure the staff has the expertise to advise you as to which natural stone varieties and cuts would best suit your project. Natural stone can be cost effective in the long run but you should still make sure you spend your money wisely, with the help of good advice. Professionals like Mr. Stone, who know natural stone from both a suppliers' and craftsman's point of view, can be an invaluable help.