Natural stone flooring has a classic beauty that exudes luxury and can withstand the test of time and durability, far outlasting carpet, wood, or tile options.
But, with so many different stone tiles on the market, choosing the right one for your home can be challenging. Here are some essential things to consider before making your decision.
Color
When choosing the right natural stone tile for your home, color is one of the most critical decisions. The vast array of hues you can choose from makes it easy to find the perfect look for any decor.
While deciding on the color of your tiles, consider the overall look and feel you want to create. For example, if you’re a traditional decor lover who prefers a more classic or formal design, choose tiles with a more neutral color.
Likewise, if you’re a contemporary design lover who wants to make a bold statement, you may opt for tiles with more vibrant colors. For those looking for a more subtle approach to their interior design, consider choosing a tile with an earthy or rustic look.
Talk to an expert showroom near you if you need clarification on the type of tile best for your home. They can help you determine the right style for your home and recommend the perfect natural stone tiles.
When it comes to stone tiles, they’re an excellent choice for many areas of your home, including floors and walls. They’re also durable and long-lasting, withstanding years of wear and tear. They’re also straightforward to maintain and add an element of class to any space.
Texture
Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating an existing home, choosing suitable natural stone tiles can be a critical factor in defining the overall design of your space. From earthy to elegant, stone tile can help you create a plan that’s both timeless and unique.
Various stone types — slate, marble, granite, limestone, and travertine — can be used in flooring, walls, and countertops. They’re also easy to care for and add value to your home.
While they can be used anywhere, knowing which stone best suits your location is essential. For example, slate is an excellent choice for indoor floors and can also be used outdoors on a patio or roof.
Limestone is another popular choice for internal projects and is available in various colors. It’s softer than slate and can be used in bathrooms and other areas of the house that don’t see a lot of traffic.
If you need help determining what type of stone to use, it’s a good idea to get estimates from multiple installers and consider their recommendations. You’ll want to make sure you choose a material that can stand up to the traffic and moisture your home experiences.
You’ll also need to take the level of experience you have into account when deciding to do it yourself or hire a professional. A professional can recommend the right tools for your job and give tips on how to do it safely.
Durability
There are many factors to consider when choosing suitable natural stone tiles for your home. You need to consider the type of use you want the tile for, how much traffic it will receive, and what kind of look you want to achieve.
Durability is one of the most important things to consider when selecting a natural stone. Choosing a rugged rock will stand up to frequent use better than less durable options.
An excellent way to assess how durable a particular natural stone is is to see how it stands up to abrasion, especially with a lot of use. It should be hard enough to resist scratches and marks but not so hard that it would chip or break easily.
Another factor is porosity, which is the ability of a stone to absorb and soak up liquids. Porous materials must be treated with a sealer if they’re in contact with water regularly, or they could become a safety hazard.
While less durable than porcelain tile, there are many advantages to using natural stone in your home. For starters, it’s a renewable resource and can help you save on your energy bill. Additionally, it’s a beautiful, long-lasting flooring option that looks good for years.
Maintenance
Whether you choose ceramic or natural stone tiles for your home, they are both high-quality materials that require proper maintenance to keep them looking new. Keeping your tile clean and free of stains is essential for maintaining its appearance.
Efflorescence (a white powder that may appear on the surface of your tile) is caused by mineral salts that water deposits as it evaporates. This can be removed by dust mopping or vacuuming the area.
If your natural stone tiles have become porous, you may need to apply a sealant to help fill the pores and make the stones more resistant to water and stains. It would help if you resealed your natural stone tiles every 12 to 24 months to maintain their look and durability.
Stains are one of the most common problems homeowners who use natural stone in their homes face. They occur due to spills and other liquids that need to be cleaned up quickly.
Oil-based stains, such as cooking oils and cosmetics, can darken your tile or grout if not adequately cleaned. It is also essential to wipe up acid-based stains, such as toothpaste, alcohol, and citrus drinks.
Scratches, cuts, and dents are other issues that can happen to natural stone tiles. Avoid using harsh abrasives or chemicals to remove these scratches.