Buying Stone Flooring Part 2

In the first part of stone flooring, you learned that natural stone is not perfect. In fact, the imperfections seen with natural stone is just one factor making this an incredible investment for your home's flooring. In this second part, we wanted to provide you with information regarding other benefits you would enjoy by choosing natural stone.

Remember as mentioned, in addition to variances to color, texture, patterns, and even imperfections, natural stone will also vary in size, length, and thickness. After having your new stone flooring installed, you should expect to see some differences in appearance, something to enjoy since this is a part of the character offered by natural stone. In fact, these imperfections are the very reason many people choose this material.

Hardness

Another benefit to natural stone is the hardness. Although some types of stone are softer than others are, most are extremely hard and strong. Therefore, even if you were to drop a dish or something else on the floor, it would not be damaged. Of course, as with any type of flooring, it is important that you choose the type of stone for the traffic it will see. In other words, if your flooring will be in hallways, foyers, or kitchens, which are areas with high traffic, then you need the strongest option possible.

Porous Stone

Obviously, installing a porous or soft natural stone in these areas would lead to damage and early wear and tear. On the other hand, a softer, porous type of natural stone could be used in a bedroom or dining room. If you are unsure, you can always do some additional research online or talk to various manufacturers to ask for their recommendations. Many times, installers will come to your home to give you suggestions and free estimates. To help you with your decision, we have provided reference information for you.

Granite

Hardest and densest of all natural stones, comprised of feldspar, mica, and quartz, this natural stone is highly scratch and stain resistance. Because of this, granite is ideal for bathrooms, hallways, foyers, and kitchens.

Marble

This natural stone is actually limestone that has crystallized. You will find marble in a wide range of colors and color variations with beautiful veining. Although slightly more porous than granite, marble is still superb in bathrooms, dens, foyers, and even used around fireplaces and countertops.

Limestone

This natural stone is made from several organic materials such as coral and seashells. Although a great flooring material, limestone does require some special care and preventative maintenance. Remember that limestone is not stain resistant so it is not suited for all rooms of the home.

Travertine

This natural stone is without doubt one of the most interesting. Initially, travertine has thousands of holes but with a special fill process, it becomes a beautiful material great for flooring. This stone is strong and durable but also requires some special care and preventative maintenance since it is somewhat porous.

Slate

Of all natural stone types, slate has the most rugged look. Even so, its popularity has increased over the past few years due to the many color and shade tones. In fact, you will find that floors made from slate have a dramatic appearance since each piece is so unique. Typically, slate is seen in green, blue, lavender, gold, mauve, red, orange, rust, brown, and even black. Due to such a huge selection, people love decorating with slate.

Tumbled Stone

The final natural stone used for flooring is tumbled stone, which is unique and available in various sizes. Although you could use tumbled stone as the main flooring, it also makes an excellent accent or border to other natural stone material. The combined rugged and elegant look of tumbled stone makes this an ideal solution regardless of style.