Top 5 Types Of Stone Flooring & Natural Stone Flooring

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What Is Stone Flooring?

Stone flooring is a type of flooring material that is made from natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone, travertine, and others.

It is a durable and long-lasting option for flooring, and is often used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

Stone flooring can be finished in a variety of ways, including polished, honed, and tumbled, to create different textures and finishes.

Stone flooring offers several advantages, including its durability, resistance to wear and tear, and its ability to withstand moisture and spills.

It also adds aesthetic appeal and value to a home, and can be customized to match any decor style.

However, stone flooring can be more expensive than other flooring materials, and it may require professional installation.

It can also be slippery when wet, and some stones may be more porous and prone to staining than others.

Overall, stone flooring is a good choice for those looking for a durable and long-lasting flooring option that adds both aesthetic appeal and value to a home.

Types of Stone Flooring

List of 5 stone flooring types best suited for homes

Marble Flooring
Granite Flooring
Slate Flooring
Travertine Tile Flooring
Limestone Flooring

1. Marble Flooring

Marble Flooring is one of the most popular and recognizable flooring materials. Marble is resilient and comes in a wide range of patterns and colors.

Marble’s organic surface, resists dust and allergenic organisms makes it capable to being safe and durable.

Marble is manufactured by limestone crystallizing from high temperatures and pressure while under the ground. During this process, it becomes denser and harder.

These tiles also provide a reasonable amount of insulation, also helping keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer season.

Pros of Marble Flooring

It has amazing patterns, beautiful colors, and uniqueness as two tiles are never the same.
Marble is premium material in terms of pricing and looks so, it is the best material to show it off in the living room.
Marble stone tiles are eco-friendly, making them ideal for homeowners who are concerned about the environment.

Cons of Marble Flooring

Marble requires protective sealant application before use.
Marble is not stain-resistant so spills must be quickly cleaned up to avoid the possibility of stain damages.
It shows quick-wear from acid-based products like tomato, fruit juices, coffee, etc.

2. Granite Flooring

Granite gets created as magma cools underground. It is generated from various minerals, like feldspar & quartz, which giving it a granular texture and composition.

Granite flooring is a hard-edged material with an attractive natural grain. Its resilience power makes it available for both indoor and outdoor use.

Granite is known for being one of the hardest types of stone, a common factor for it being used within kitchens.

Granites strength also provides its weakness as granite being extremely hard so when it is installed as stone flooring, it requires the subflooring to be leveled completely.

Granite can be available in different colors like black, green, pearl, and galaxy.

Pros of Granite Flooring

As granite is hard in texture it can be used on heavily loaded flooring.
Granite flooring can be withstanding normal wear and tear.
Its excellent property and durability increase the value of the property.

Cons of Granite Flooring

Granite flooring requires proper support. If any tinny alleys or bumps present on subflooring, it can cause granite tiles to easily crack.

Read More: Resilient Flooring & its Types with Benefits

3. Slate Flooring

Slate is a beautiful porous stone. These types of stone flooring materials are easier to cut and mold into flat flooring sheets. Slate is available in black, grey, and gold colors.

It has a stain-resistant or impenetrable surface which makes it suitable for installation in the kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and living rooms.

Slate works well in both wet and dry areas of the homes. Slate may also be used to create a beautiful mosaic pattern for bedroom walls.

It is a desirable or suitable material to use for creating a warm atmosphere in the home.

Pros of Slate Flooring

Compare to other types of stone flooring materials, slate is more stain-resistant, highly durable, and handles water well.
Slate flooring provides slip-resistant and gives a modern or rustic appearance and feel.
Dark brown slate gives a neat and earthy look to bathrooms and water-closet.

Cons of Slate Flooring

Slate tiles may be uneven from the quality of tile layering.
If subflooring is uneven slate can be cracked or heavy objects dropping on the tiles also cause minor cracks to the surface of it.

4. Travertine Tile Flooring

Travertine stone is often compared with marble or limestone, as it is created similarly. It is composed of calcite, a sedimentary rock.

The matte form of travertine is widely applied outdoors on pool surrounds, paving, and walkways. These floors are highly porous and do not heat up easily.

Travertine is commonly available in gold, ivory, and cream colors. Travertine can be sharpened or edged to be used in modern decors.

The cost of travertine is cheaper when compared with other types of stone flooring materials.

Pros of Travertine Tile Flooring

They give a warm, pleasant ambiance and look good with any style of decor.
Travertine provides earthy, rich tones.
It feels softer due to the softer natural formation.

Cons of Travertine Tile Flooring:

It scratches easier and stains without treatment.
Travertine stone is very permeable and has a lot of holes which leads to absorb water and show signs of wear and tear after a while.
It requires a protective sealant before grouting, and after the installation as well.
Travertine is vulnerable to stains from different acidic food.

5. Limestone Flooring

Limestone is naturally porous and soft. These types of stone flooring make a good variety for all kinds of decoration styles from traditional to contemporary.

It is easy to clean and maintain. The elegance of the house is enhanced by the earthy appeal of the limestone floor.

Limestone is not glassy or slippery like marble, ceramic, and, other materials, making it a safe option for homeowners with kids or pets.

Limestone can be found in a variety of colors from creams to charcoal.

Pros of Limestone Flooring

Durability: It can tolerate heavy foot traffic.
Creates a natural, elegant look that we can’t get with other materials.
It can be cleaning easily.

Cons of Limestone Flooring

Some types of stone need to be treated with a sealing agent regularly to prevent damage in the monsoon season.
Some stones are more brittle and can chip easily.

Maintainance of Stone Flooring

Proper maintenance and care are essential for keeping stone flooring looking its best and preserving its durability and longevity. Here are some steps for maintaining and caring for stone flooring:

Cleaning:

Regular cleaning is important to remove dirt and debris and keep the stone flooring looking clean. A mild detergent or pH-neutral cleaner is recommended for cleaning stone flooring. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface of the stone.

Sealing:

Depending on the type of stone flooring, it may need to be sealed to protect it from moisture and stains. A quality stone sealer should be used to seal the stone, and it should be reapplied as needed.

Polishing:

Polishing can help to restore the shine and luster of the stone. A professional polisher should be used to polish the stone, and it should be done on a regular basis to maintain the appearance of the stone.

Avoiding Scratches:

Stone flooring can be scratched by sharp or abrasive objects. To avoid scratches, it’s important to place mats or rugs in high-traffic areas and to use protective pads under furniture.

Protecting from Moisture:

Stone flooring can be damaged by exposure to moisture, so it’s important to wipe up spills and to avoid exposing the stone to water and other liquids.

Regular Inspection:

Regular inspection is important to catch any problems with the stone flooring early, such as cracks, chips, or scratches. Any problems should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Professional Cleaning and Maintenance:

Professional cleaning and maintenance services can help to keep stone flooring looking its best. These services should be scheduled regularly to ensure that the stone flooring is well-maintained and that any problems are addressed promptly.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the stone flooring offers a diverse range of options for homeowners and designers seeking natural and durable material for their spaces, from granite and marble to slate and limestone, each types of stone flooring possesses unique characteristics which contribute to its aesthetic appeal and functionality.

The different types of stone flooring vary in terms of colour, pattern, hardness and texture, granite with its speckled appearance and exceptional durability, is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.

FAQs:

What are the different types of stone flooring available?

The different types of stone flooring include granite, marble, slate, limestone, travertine, sandstone, and more. Each type offers unique characteristics in terms of color, pattern, texture, and hardness.

Are natural stone floors slippery?

The slipperiness of natural stone floors can vary depending on the type of stone and its finish. Polished stones like marble can be more slippery, especially when wet. However, there are various finishes available that can enhance traction and reduce slipperiness.

How do I maintain stone flooring?

Stone flooring requires regular cleaning with mild, pH-neutral cleaners and periodic sealing to protect against stains and moisture. It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the stone’s surface.

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