You might not associate stonework with the interiors of schools and universities. However, incorporating materials like marble, granite or quartz into a learning environment has a lot of benefits… when used in the right locations.

Read on to find out where stonework would work best in your institution and why.

Do: Entrances

First impressions do matter – especially if you are a school. Wow potential students and their parents with a natural-looking stone entrance. Not only will it look neat and tidy, but it can also handle the throng of students coming in and out nearly every day.

Quartz, for example, is highly durable and won’t trap moisture brought in by soggy shoes on a wet day. This makes it perfect for schools and universities alike. But using stone flooring under the doormat isn’t the only way to add an affluent look to your front entryway. Why not add stone archways and seating areas where guests can sit, relax and enjoy the view of the school grounds?

Do: Bathrooms

There’s a reason why so many hotels, restaurants and shopping centres have stone bathrooms. They’re easy to clean, and they look and feel modern and bright. So, if these businesses have them, why not schools?

Marble and granite bathrooms might be more suited to universities, however, as they need resealing every few years to keep them at their best. With universities typically having a larger budget, and with students usually having more time off annually than their younger counterparts, caring for the stone in this way will be easier.

Do: Stair banisters

Nothing says grandeur like marble steps. But are they safe for the everyday use of children? Certain marble stonework can become quite slippery, so it might not be the right material for a school. However, stone stair banisters can add an element of that elegance.

Having stone banisters will also make your stairs safer, as the weight from them will make the whole structure stronger and sturdier. This adds another layer of health and safety, without compromising on beauty.

Don’t: Canteens

Canteens aren’t the best place to use stone to its full potential. With the presence of food and drink, as well as chairs being scraped along its surface, natural stone flooring will undoubtedly be stained, chipped and scratched. Stonework in canteens will also require a lot of upkeep to make it safe. Any materials with porous qualities will need to be resealed every few years, and with the amount of wear and tear that happens in a canteen, this might have to be upped to a few months.

If you are seriously contemplating installing stone flooring into your canteen, porcelain slabs with added slip-resistance built-in, like Lapitec, will be the safest bet.

Don’t: Classrooms

Classrooms are also not generally a popular application for stone. Again, with chairs and desks constantly being moved about, stone flooring may scratch and dent. This could make the flooring uneven.

Instead, try a natural stone feature wall. You could hang artwork from it and incorporate downlights. Perhaps even bring an organic element to a geography class with slate. After all, sometimes less is more.

Don’t: Hallways

Hallways are the most used space within a school. With teachers and students rushing around trying to get to where they’re meant to be, the flooring can take a hard hit. The usual wear and tear that comes with student life will leave its mark, so stone might not be the best materials for the job.

However, like the canteen, non-porous and slip-resistant alternatives will be more cost-effective in the long run, and may last longer too.

If you are still not sure about where to incorporate stonework in your school, contact a member of our team today.