Bringing the colors and textures of nature into your home with stone tile flooring can instantly transform the space. But there are some things to consider before selecting this style of flooring.
Like other floor tiles, stone tile comes in a variety of finishes. Each finish affects the material’s appearance, texture, appropriate use and cost.
Location
Tile and natural stone are durable flooring materials that withstand years of wear and tear and are suitable for various rooms. They add a sense of luxury and timeless quality to your home, enhancing its resale value.
Some popular stone tile flooring options include granite, slate, travertine, limestone and marble. These mountain-born natural stone materials provide your home with a unique, layered look that is beautiful and durable.
Because of their natural porous characteristics, many types of stone need to be sealed to reduce staining. The type of sealer used will dictate how long it lasts. Sealers may need to be reapplied as part of your regular maintenance routine.
If you’re searching for that high-end luxurious style you see on TV home improvement shows, consider stone tile for your kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, hallways or paved outdoor areas. There are countless color and texture variations for both natural and ceramic tiles. Work with a reputable tile dealer to select the best materials for your project.
Durability
When shopping for flooring, focusing on color, patterns and style can be easy. However, you also need to consider the durability of your chosen material and what it will be subjected to in your home. The level of durability you need may depend on how busy your household is and whether there are young children or pets in the house.
Stone tile is one of the most durable floors available, but it must still be properly sealed to resist stains and moisture. The sealer covers the pores in the natural stone, making it less susceptible to absorbing liquids and staining. It would help to reseal your stone floor yearly to ensure it remains durable.
Non-vitreous stones like slate, granite and quartzite are suitable for areas exposed to a lot of moisture, while semi-vitreous rocks such as travertine and limestone need to be sealed. Limestone, banded and striated with different shades of brown, has an earthy, wood-like appearance and is very durable. Travertine, filled with specks that give it a distinctive textured look, is more porous than other natural stone tiles and requires regular sealing.
Style
If those DIY home improvement has inspired your shows, trying your hand at tile installation might be tempting. However, this is a project best left to professionals. Stone flooring is heavy, so you must ensure your home can handle the weight. Older homes may need to have their joists reinforced to support this new type of floor covering.
Choosing the right style is also important. Stone tiles come in various colors, textures and finishes to fit your design preferences. Choosing the perfect fit for your space can be challenging, but working with a trusted, experienced tile retailer can help narrow your options.
No two stone tiles are the same because they’re made from natural materials. You can expect a little variance from one piece to the next, but this is usually minimal. It’s a good idea to purchase a few extra tiles to have replacements in case of damage or wear over time. This will ensure that your finished product is consistent and matches perfectly with the other elements in your home.
Maintenance
When making major aesthetic changes to your home, you must choose a material that will look beautiful in the short term and hold up over time. A stone floor is a serious investment, and the decision to install one should be made carefully.
All stone floors can be installed in various locations, but it’s important to understand the conditions they’re likely to encounter and what sort of care is required. For instance, some types of stone are more prone to staining than others, and some are better adapted to wet environments than others.
It’s also worth knowing that acidic cleaner should be avoided on stone floors as it will etch the surface. Having your floors regularly cleaned and restored by a home flooring restoration company is best. Their products and cleaning techniques can help your stone floors stay beautiful for many years. They can also fix problems, such as cracks, holes and chipping.
Budget
If you spend the money on a stone floor, it’s best to go with the highest quality you can afford. You don’t want to have a beautiful floor that wears easily. The low-cost tiles may be able to fit into your budget, but you will likely find that they will need to be replaced more often.
Many stone tile floors are finished with a glossy polished finish. This brings out the beauty of the stone and is a good option for higher-traffic areas in the home. However, it can be slippery when wet and prone to staining.
Some stones can also be brushed to achieve a matte finish. This can create a casual, worn look ideal for those who prefer a more rustic style. In general, most stone flooring is fairly heavy and may require reinforcement of undersized floor joists in older homes. This is something to consider before making your final decision. A professional can help you weigh all of your options.
