Many different types of stone flooring can bring natural beauty to the inside and outside of your home.
If you’ve been thinking about new floors, you’ve probably considered hardwood and ceramic tile because of their widespread positive reputations.
However, stone tiles are a practical yet luxurious flooring option that will add value and beauty to your home for those willing to spend a little more than average.
Natural Stone tiles are sourced directly from the soil, making each unique and subject to natural variations.
Because of its durability and richness, stone tile is an excellent choice for flooring. They offer a high-end aesthetic at a low cost and are simple to maintain.
In addition, they’re simple to clean, and most variations merely require resealing regularly. Their strength and beauty make them excellent for high-traffic areas.
1. Marble Flooring
Marble flooring is known for its luxurious aesthetic, dramatic veining, smooth texture, and high-gloss sheen. It is available in various colors, with white Marble being the most common.
Marble tiles are also available in various sizes, ranging from large format to little mosaic tile. Square, rectangular, round, triangular, hexagonal, and nearly all other shapes are also available.
Furthermore, Marble is the most popular natural stone flooring choice for bathrooms to achieve a spa-like atmosphere.
Given the variety of floor tile options, Marble is an excellent choice for flooring and countertops in many homes. However, it would be best to think twice about using Marble in your kitchen.
Advantages of Marble flooring;
- It has fantastic designs, stunning hues, and individuality because no two tiles are alike.
- Marble is a high-end material in terms of price and appearance; thus, it’s the finest choice for showcasing in the living room.
- Marble stone tiles are environmentally friendly suitable for environmentally conscious homes.
Disadvantages of Marble Flooring;
- Before using Marble, it is necessary to apply a protective sealer.
- Because Marble is not stain-resistant, spills must be cleaned up as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining.
- Acid-based items, such as tomato, fruit juices, coffee, etc., cause rapid wear.
2. Granite Flooring
Granite is one of the most different types of stone flooring since it can be used on both floors and worktops.
It occurs in various natural colors, with black, white, red-brown, and beige being the most popular. As a result, it’s a stone that may be used in various styles.
Granite is one of the most challenging natural stones on the planet in terms of durability, and as a result, it is exceptionally resistant to scratches and heat damage.
Last but not least, Granite is a non-porous rock that resists acidic stains almost wholly. In addition, Granite comes in a variety of colors, including black, green, pearl, and galaxy.
Advantages of granite flooring;
- You can use granite on heavily laden floors because of its firm texture.
- Granite floors can tolerate normal wear and tear.
- The property’s worth is increased by its exceptional properties and endurance.
Disadvantages of granite flooring;
- Granite flooring necessitates adequate support. Granite tiles can quickly shatter if there are any small lanes or bumps on the subflooring.
3. Slate Flooring
Slate is a lovely porous stone with a lot of character. These types of slate flooring are easier to cut and mold into flat flooring sheets.
Slate is available in three colors: black, gray, and gold. In addition, Its surface is stain-resistant or impermeable, making it ideal for use in kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, corridors, and living spaces.
Slate is a versatile material that may be used in both humid and dry regions of the home. In addition, Slate can also be used to make a lovely mosaic pattern on the walls of a bedroom.
Also, It is an excellent or appropriate substance to employ in the home to create a warm atmosphere.
Advantages of slate flooring;
- Slate is more stain-resistant, highly durable, and water-resistant than other types of stone flooring materials.
- Slate flooring is slip-resistant and has a contemporary or rustic look and feel.
- Bathrooms and water closets with dark brown Slate have a tidy and earthy appearance.
Disadvantages of slate flooring;
- Because of the quality of tile laying, slate tiles may be inconsistent.
- Slate can be broken if the subfloor is uneven, and essential things falling on the tiles can also produce tiny fissures on the surface.
4. Travertine Stone flooring
Travertine is formed when hot spring water bubbles through Limestone. It is a desired flooring option due to its distinct personality and appearance.
Travertine tile flooring is ideal for bathrooms, shower stalls, corridors, living areas, and laundry rooms. Keep in mind.
However, that travertine is related to Marble and Limestone. All three have the exact performance characteristics and maintenance requirements virtually.
All three stones have in common that they can all be scraped and carved (damage to the finish from acids and harsh cleaners).
It is critical to completely clean and care for your furniture.
Advantages;
- They provide a warm, inviting atmosphere and go with any decor.
- Earthy, deep tones are provided by travertine.
- Because of the gentler natural development, it has a softer feel.
Disadvantages;
- It is more easily scratched and stained if not treated.
- Travertine stone is porous and contains many holes, allowing it to absorb water and show indications of wear and tear over time.
- Before grouting and after installation, a protective sealer is required.
- Travertine is susceptible to stains caused by a variety of acidic foods.
5. Limestone Flooring
This is one of the different types of stone flooring that is naturally soft and porous.
These stone flooring options are suitable for a wide range of decorating styles, from traditional to contemporary. It’s simple to keep clean and maintain.
The earthy appeal of the limestone floor adds to the house’s charm. Furthermore, unlike Marble, pottery, and other materials, Limestone is not glassy or slippery, making it a safe choice for families with children or dogs.
In addition, Limestone is available in a wide range of colors, from milk to charcoal.
Advantages;
- Durability: It can withstand a lot of foot traffic.
- Creates a natural, beautiful aesthetic that other materials can’t match.
- It’s pretty simple to clean.
Disadvantages;
- To avoid damage during the monsoon season, several types of stone must be regularly in seal.
- Some stones are more fragile and susceptible to chipping.
6. Quartzite
Quartzite is well-known as a material for decorative tiles and wall veneers, but it has recently gained popularity as a countertop material.
It can resemble Marble in appearance yet has the durability, performance, and low-maintenance characteristics of Granite.
Quartzite is used by people who find the busy patterns of Granite and the upkeep of Marble a little too much.
Furthermore, A quartzite floor can greatly benefit areas of the house or structure that experience a lot of foot traffic. The stone also holds up well outdoors.
7. Sandstone
Sandstone is a warm, earthy stone with a sandy ridged texture, and rich red, tan, and brown colors conjure the beach and desert. However, these are the most popular colors—pink, gray, gold, black, and white.
Sandstone has a simple design and is frequently a single color. However, it can show variegated tints and striations of different colors.
Furthermore, Cemented silicates, quartz, feldspar, clays, and silt make up the majority of this sedimentary rock.
Because sandstone tile is soft and porous, it is easy to scratch and stain, weighing the benefits and drawbacks. It is not as long-lasting as Granite, but it is durable enough.
The appearance will alter slightly when put outdoors due to weather.
