Natural stones for your floor are a timeless investment, one that is durable, easy to maintain, and aesthetically pleasing.
Natural stones have been used as flooring material for over 5000 years with the Egyptians being the first civilization to implement natural stones on their floors. The pyramids of Giza are indeed the oldest structures still standing that have natural stone flooring in them, demonstrating the impressive resilience of these natural stone investments to withstand the testament of time.
They are suitable for every modern lifestyle space, adding refined sophistication from one slab to another. Besides their sturdiness and durability, they also present the space with comfort and convenience. However, every natural stone is integrated with its very own strength and virtues, showcasing distinct characteristics displayed under varied contexts.
With so many options to choose from, this article will thoroughly explore which natural stones are most appropriate for your flooring needs.
Travertine
Travertine is a form of limestone that forms around mineral spring deposits. Tiles made from this stone are a moderately priced choice that can be used as material for flooring and vertical surfaces, most suitable for use in bathrooms, and showers. They can also be used in outdoor flooring areas such as baths, fountain spaces, and swimming pools, providing durability and slip resistance.
Much like other natural stones, travertine also displays similar porosity, through which spilled liquids can seep in and cause stains. Having said that, the travertine stone can be made less porous by treating it with a penetrating sealer and then followed through with a coat of barrier surface sealer. Periodic maintenance of the travertine flooring tiles would involve regular resealing and consistent cleaning with a damp mop and mild soap solution.
Travertine surfaces are available in a soft palette of colors such as tan, beige, grays, and speckled off-white hues, providing a warm illuminating hue to the space they are installed into. Besides its soul-soothing appearance, travertine is a sought-after flooring material for its excellent ability to retain and regulate heat in the ambiance to maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
Granite
Granite, a quartz-based stone whose reputation precedes itself, is often deemed the undisputed queen of stones for flooring needs. The stone is, in fact, durable enough to withstand high amounts of footfall in areas such as the living rooms, kitchen, and bathroom. It has proven to be a flexible choice as it can be adapted to most home aesthetics. It is incredibly durable so it will work great in high-traffic areas like a hallway or a kitchen.
Available in an array of colors ranging from shades of grays, blacks, pinks, blues, and browns, Granites can be made to tackle wet conditions when they are treated with a moisture-resistant sealant.
While other natural stones degrade, fade, and lose their shimmer over constant exposure to the sun, granite stones can withstand use-related deterioration even when being exposed to the sun and frequently walked on.
A granite flooring will not mandate a rigorous maintenance routine. Since they are not as porous as the other stones, granite flooring tiles can easily withstand water spills. However, spillages such as oils, acids, alcohol, or coffee should be wiped down with soap and hot water to prevent etching.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a strong and durable stone renowned for its unique sparkle, that provides a fashionable choice for walls, roofing tiles, stairsteps, and flooring. Quartzite flooring surfaces are available in a varied range of exotic colors and can be used in bathrooms, Living spaces, hallways, and kitchens.
It is noteworthy that Quartzite is the only natural stone that does not display porous characteristics. That being said, quartz is also the only stone that does not require sealing. Naturally, when it comes to flooring tiles, this poses a risk as the surface can become slippery. Therefore, it is recommended to use a textured finish for quartzite flooring to render the surface with grip and slip resistance.
Quartzite surpasses the strength of granite, ranking as high as 7 on the Mohs Scale of hardness. This quality makes quartzite invincible against heavy foot traffic, making it a perfect material to use for flooring.
Marble
Marble is formed when a sedimentary stone such as limestone is morphed into a harder stone. They come in rich and exuberant colors and veined patterns.
Mabel flooring tiles are perfect for areas with a low amount of footfall like bathrooms and kitchens. They have a distinct ability to transform the appearance of a space by giving it an aristocratic demeanor.
Although Marble floors are esteemed for their glistening shimmer and silky smooth exterior, polished marble flooring tiles can be dangerously slippery when they are wet.
Furthermore, Marble flooring tiles boast incredible durability, they remain susceptible to scratches, scrapes, and chips if exposed to adverse conditions.
Marble floors are a luxurious asset. There is no other flooring option that can recreate the regal elegance that the Marble stone imparts to a space.
Each natural stone for flooring presents a unique and prolific perk that surpasses the other. The best way to pick out the best stone is to weigh out the prerequisites that your space demands. Which one will you choose?