A lot of time, the dominant chatter about natural stone used in homes centers around countertops. But natural stone is also a great choice for stone flooring! More and more homeowners are choosing natural stone floors to boost their property value, comfort, and the beauty of their common spaces. 5 Best Stones
From marble to granite, there are many natural stones that are conducive to use on floors. The one you select will depend on your interior décor preferences, cost, and anticipated foot traffic. Here are the top five stones to use for flooring.
1. Marble
Considered the king of natural-stone flooring, marble is a go-to choice for homeowners looking for class and beauty. It’s on the expensive side, especially when you need so much of it, but the elegant statement it makes may be well worth the cost for you. You’ll have to care for them properly, which involves wiping up spills right away and cleaning them regularly with hot water and a pH-neutral detergent. Never use acidic or alkaline products like vinegar and baking soda.
2. Granite
Most often used for kitchen and bathroom countertops, granite also makes a superb flooring material, especially in areas where you will expect a lot of foot traffic. Heavier and more durable than marble, granite is also less porous so it won’t stain as much. Granite comes in many tones, but darker tones seem to be more popular for flooring, especially if you choose ones with red and green veining.
3. Sandstone
The ancient Romans used sandstone for decorative interior wall applications. If they did use it for their floors, they only did it for ceremonial spaces that didn’t receive a lot of foot traffic. A more delicate stone than granite, soapstone needs more care and maintenance than other stones, even over marble. If you have a Southwestern and Spanish Colonial style in your home, this is the perfect complement.
4. Flagstone
Flagstone has traditionally been used for outdoor flooring applications, such as for garden paths, walkways, patios, and swimming pool areas. More and more homeowners are embracing the rustic look of flagstone and are choosing to make it a dominant part of their interior decoration, namely flooring. It’s great for use in the kitchen, bedroom, living room, and den. Many people like this stone for the uneven and random placement of the tiles, with the ability to be arranged in mosaic styles. Best with an unpolished look, flagstone is affordable and quite easy to maintain.
5. Limestone
Egyptian pyramid builders used limestone to cover their impressive structures. But without a sealant, the damage and erosion seen thousands of years later is evident. Durable yet porous, you’ll have to frequently clean and seal your limestone floors to keep them looking great and stain-free.
Contact Granite Guy
Do you like the idea of using natural stone for your floors? Our stone fabricators in Southborough can go over the pros and cons of each material and help you decide on the best one for your needs. Simply contact us at 508-460-7900 today for a free quote.