Are you looking for the best flooring material that also gives your home the elegance and quality that you see in home renovation shows or pictures? Then natural stone must be at the top of your priority list. Natural stone flooring is known for its timeless beauty, durability, and long-term value. Stone tile flooring is ideal for kitchens, baths, entrances, corridors, living rooms, and paved outdoor areas. This blog will explain what natural stone flooring is, its finishes, cleaning suggestions, properties, benefits and downsides, and anything else you should know before purchasing stone tile.
What is Nature Stone Flooring?
Natural stone flooring is carved from stone blocks created by nature over billions of years. It is entirely different from man-made tiles manufactured by mixing various minerals with chemicals. These natural stones have served mankind as flooring materials for several centuries. Marble, travertine, limestone, granite, quartzite, slate, and sandstone are the most common types of natural stone flooring.
One of its numerous advantages is its timeless charm. Natural stone houses and structures never go out of style, and tiling increases the value of a residence. Natural stone flooring adds depth to a room. Due to its intrinsic properties, it might capture or reflect light, giving the impression of being breezy and light.
Finishes of Natural Stone Floor Tiles
The “finish” of the natural stone surface refers to its overall appearance and feel. Countertops, wall tile, and floor tile can be polished, honed, tumbled, leathered, antiqued, brushed, or flamed, among other options.
Natural stone floor tile, on the other hand, is often available in two major finish options (polished and honed). Tumbled is a third type that has a weathered and rustic appearance. The fourth form (flamed) is used when traction is required.
Polished
- Polished stone tile has a glossy or mirror-like reflective surface. The material’s colour and pattern are intense and vivid (see photographs in the marble and granite sections).
- This type is prone to showing dust, smudges, imperfections, and wear. It could also be quite slippery.
- Utilizing an Anti-Slip Floor Cleaner on glossy surfaces will enhance traction.
- It necessitates the highest possible level of upkeep, periodic refinishing, and polishing of dull patches and wear.
- For a polished floor on which every flaw is visible, you’ll want to engage an experienced tile installer.
Honed
- The satin-smooth matte surface indicates a honed finish. It will have a sheen, but will not be shiny or reflective. Colours are more delicate and earthier.
- The honed finish suits the kitchen and bathroom floors, thresholds, and stair treads, as well as other areas with heavy foot traffic or damp areas where grip is critical.
It lasts longer than a polished finish and will rarely, if ever, need to be refinished.
Tumbled
- A tumbled finish is rougher and more textured than a honed finish. The edges of the tiles can be rounded or chiseled, rather than completely smooth and flat as in a honed finish.
- Stone tile flooring with a non-slip flamed surface can have a pebbled texture or a rough ridged texture and a striking appearance. This polish is commonly used on granite flooring. Mopping can be difficult, and it is best suited for outdoor use.
Cleaning Natural Stone Tile Do’s and Don’ts
Every surface requires specific cleaning protocols. Once you learn how to clean natural stone tiles and avoid damage, it’s easy. Here are the main dos and don’ts:
Do…
- If necessary, apply a high-quality stone sealer. If necessary, use a high-quality stone sealer and clean up spills immediately.
- Sweep or mop floors frequently.
- When cleaning floor tile, use a non-damaging natural stone cleanser.
- Rinse with clean water (if necessary) and completely dry the surface.
Don’t…
- Avoid the use of lemon juice and vinegar or any other acidic cleaning product.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners.
- Do not use vacuum cleaners, as they may harm the stone.
Properties of Natural Stone Floor Tiles
When looking for tile, it is helpful to understand the performance attributes and grades of natural stone.
Absorption Rating
- An absorbency grade indicates how porous a substance is; the higher the value, the more absorbent and stain-prone the stone tile. When exposed to cold temperatures, a porous stone with such a high absorption rate is prone to breaking.
- The absorption rates of natural stones vary, with sandstone being the most porous and dense granite tile variants being the most impermeable to water.
- Simply run this absorption test to determine how likely is it that the stone you desire will stain, without getting all scientific with actual ratings.
- A stone sealer can limit the rate of absorption as well as staining. Sealers also protect the grout.
Grade
There is a grading system to grade the natural stone slabs/tiles. It is a catch-all term for the shape, size, and thickness, plus surface condition. Without a regulating authority or stringent grading rules, the levels mostly pertain to the aesthetic (colour and pattern consistency, anomalies, flaws, pits, mineral inclusions, etc.) rather than the suitability of a slab or tile for house installation.
Most Natural Stone Grading Systems have Three Categories of Quality:
Grade 1: The best quality
Grade 2: Small problems such as scratches, chipping, or an uneven surface
Grade 3: Substantial defects in the shape, size, or surface of the stone These stones are only utilised as accent pieces, wall cladding, or rustic decor.
Coefficient of Friction
- A stone’s friction coefficient describes how slippery natural stone tile flooring becomes when wet. The higher the value of the friction coefficient, the better the stone tile’s grip, which prevents slipping.
- This is one of the variables that interior designers and contractors consider when selecting bathroom tile or even natural stone flooring for kitchens, as well as other sections of the house or building where foot traffic is heavy and safety is a concern.
- A polished finish is smooth like a honed finish and smoother than a tumbled finish.
Oxidation
- For millions of years, natural stones have developed beneath the earth.
- This signifies that they contain several components that respond differently to surface air.
- Stones containing iron tend to corrode with time due to the oxidation process known as rust.
- Stones with red or amber tints are better suited for indoor use in dry places than outside, where the atmosphere might hasten degradation or generate rust stains.
- Oxidation as well as rust stains on white marble tiles may arise due to microscopic iron deposits that get embedded in the tile.
- This can be an issue when installed in showers because continual exposure to water will oxidize the iron deposits.
- This is not usually an issue with marble tile flooring, especially in the bathroom. Again, a sealer may nearly solve the issue by reducing water absorption.
Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Flooring
Some construction materials have advantages or benefits over others, but no material is flawless. Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks of natural stone flooring.
Advantages of Natural Stone Floors
Natural stone flooring is a wonderful choice for your home due to its beauty, durability, and value. It is a versatile material that works indoors and outdoors. Among the benefits of using natural stone are:
Durability
Natural stone is strong and long-lasting. It can survive for decades if properly cared for and maintained. Many antique houses with natural stone floors still exist today. Natural stone makers around the world are using modern sealers to reduce the stone’s vulnerability to water damage as well as staining. Hence, they are a great choice for bathroom floors.
Heat Retention
Stone flooring, in addition to being exceptional at withstanding heat, can also be put over radiant heat due to its high heat retention. These stones can go on heated flooring. Granite, limestone, sandstone, or even travertine are excellent heat conductors. Even in the thick of winter, walking barefoot on natural stone flooring may be incredibly toasty and comfortable.
Beauty
The beauty of a natural stone is one of the main reasons why people choose it. The naturalistic hues and patterns of these stones make them an excellent way to add a natural sense to a building. Natural stone’s one-of-a-kind beauty exudes elegance and luxury. Natural stone has always been a great alternative for architects looking to create a premium atmosphere on their property.
Easy Maintenance
No substance is completely maintenance-free. However, after you’ve mastered the techniques for not only protecting but also cleaning natural stone, you’ll notice it doesn’t take much effort. Perhaps no more than the alternatives. It only requires daily sweeping as well as mopping with a decent floor tile cleaner.
Repairable
One significant advantage of natural stone flooring is that it can be repaired. Stains, etching, and scratches are all easily removable. The surface can be re-polished to make it look new all over again. This is not possible with ceramic, porcelain, or any other man-made tile.
Disadvantages of Natural Stone Floors
Every flooring material has some disadvantages. When choosing natural stone goods, contractors, decorators, and homeowners, must be aware of their strengths and disadvantages.
Expensive
- Natural stones are expensive due to their eternal beauty, adaptability, and durability. Hence, natural stone flooring costs more compared to man-made tiles. Not every homeowner can afford to splurge on a marble bathroom and granite kitchen floor.
- A genuine stone floor is going to be expensive, but it can be fitted at a reasonable price. Furthermore, it will retain its worth in comparison to other man-made materials.
Prone to Damage and Wear
- Some varieties are more resistant to harm than others. However, natural stone can suffer damages like stains, scratches, etches, chipping, and cracking in general.
- Fortunately, the damages are repairable even with Do-It-Yourself techniques. If neglected, natural stones will not last long.
Time-consuming Installation
- Natural stones are not only expensive but laying them takes time and skilled hands. Once they are placed, they may require multiple rounds of finishing and periodic refinishing.
On a final note, natural stones offer several benefits that make them an ideal choice for creating a pleasant environment in your home and office. They are not only pleasing to the eyes and mind, but they are also long-lasting, making them a cost-effective solution. It will always be a good idea to purchase some extra tiles than you need in case some break during installation, or you want to replace some later. Pay attention to the details mentioned in this blog and to the inputs from qualified salespersons while deciding upon or purchasing flooring for your home. Go ahead and implement these natural stone flooring ideas and add timeless elegance to your home.
Author Bio
Mira –