Markham stone tiles, whether in a bathroom or kitchen, have a history that can be traced back thousands of years, evidence of which can be found in The Flintstones. Scientific inaccuracies aside, the show and its "modern stone age family” went above and beyond in depicting how important stone was to our ancestors, with the material cropping up in almost every facet of their lives.

 

Returning to pure facts, early man was found to have set up camp in caves primarily made up of limestone, and this uncompromising material ensured that they were kept safe from the harsh elements and other dangers. It’s within these caves that we find some of the earliest examples of art in paintings on the rock walls. All of the tools at that time were also found to be made of stone, proving how essential it was for mankind’s survival.

 

While caves are a far cry from the brownstones you can find in New York City, both are evidence that we have always relied on stone as a strong, practical substance.

 

 

The mighty Roman Empire wanted the best in everything, and as a result they chose marble as their primary building material. Mined from quarries hundreds of miles away it showed that they spared no expense. Once they began to rely on concrete, the polished stone continued to be used in thin panels to cover their buildings, with architects recognizing its simple splendour.

 

Used less for massive structures, marble became a favourite medium for artists. Admiring the material for its beauty artists began to search for the figure within the stone itself, drawing inspiration from it. Many Roman sculptors took to replicating Greek bronze statues, guaranteeing that these figures would last for centuries to come.

 

No longer used for simple tools, stone began to be a symbol of both status and wealth. Instead of being a necessity it was now a luxury to have a floor and walls made of this natural material. Instead of being rough and unrefined, it was now handled by professionals and treated with the utmost respect. Mankind began by needing stone and transitioned into desiring it.

 

 

There is no denying the aesthetics of a marble countertop, whether it be in Carrera, Italy or in a  suburb of Ontario. While a stone statue may not be within your price range it would be difficult for you to ignore the value that can be found in the simplicity of stone tiles.

 

A limestone tiled wall in your bathroom or granite flooring in the kitchen acknowledges not only the timelessness of stone’s natural beauty, but also its long-lastingness and durability. The reasons that it was recognized as a worthy building material centuries past ring true today, stating that your choice isn’t simply rooted in extravagance, but utility as well.

 

While taking huge slabs of marble and granite are no longer an option for most, stone tiles can accomplish the same thing that their larger counterparts can: exhibiting an enduring standard of beauty in your home.