If you are looking for a way to redo your home, you might find yourself looking at all the different flooring options there are. One of the most popular ones are stone tiles, and they are very common when it comes to renovating kitchens and bathrooms. At first, stone floors might be intimidating, but they are more manageable than you think. If you are thinking about installing them, here are some pros and cons that will help you make the decision.
Is Natural Stone Right for You?
First and foremost, you need to see if natural stone is the right fit for your needs. There are so many different types of natural stone such as slate, marble, granite, limestone, sandstone and travertine. Every single stone has its own unique qualities, so looking at the pros and cons of each one is the best way to see if it will be the right fit for your home.
Something that you should also take into consideration is the overall aesthetic of it, meaning that its style and colour has to look good and work with the room where you will be placing it at. Make sure that the one you choose doesn’t have any markings on it that don’t work well with your space or your vision. At the same time, you have to take into consideration things like its overall safety as well as how it reacts to moisture. Stone tiles are a great investment as they are durable yet beautiful, but some will not be able to fight water damage or have other issues. Therefore, you will have to check their grade level to ensure that you are getting the best quality ones. The best ones are grade one, but ones that are second grade are a great option if you have a limited budget and you don’t mind minor imperfections.
Something that only you can decide is if natural stone flooring is the right fit for your lifestyle and your home. Even though these types of floors are very popular and there are so many options that you can choose from, having stone tiles has some drawbacks and you need to know that they require maintenance. Before you make a decision, make sure that you know that you can afford the good quality ones and that you can properly take care of them.
Marble
One of the most popular and most common selections people make is marble. It is a type of stone that is produced by limestone when high temperature crystallizes. As it crystallizes it will become more dense and very hard which makes it a great flooring option as it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It is such a popular option because it has a majestic atmosphere and it makes any room feel larger. But just like any natural stone, it needs to have a good protective seal over it before you use it. Even though marble is very durable, it is not stain-resistant, so if you have children or you are prone to dropping and spilling things this is not the option for you.
Granite
The most ideal material for kitchen and bathroom floors is granite, as it is one of the hardest stones known to man. That is because it is made from magma that was slowly cooling underground. As it is such a lengthy process of cooling, during that time it becomes very durable and hard. Something that makes it so special and popular is its beautiful colour that works with almost any setting. They are the best option you can go for if you are looking to add value to your home. But as it is so heavy, in most cases in order to install it you will need to redo your whole subfloor to be able to support it.
Slate
If you are interested in having something that is super durable and good quality but you don’t really care to have fancy looking floors, slate is something to look into. That is because it offers very little visually, but it makes up for its practicality. If you are looking for a non-slip floor as well as durability this is the way to go. The thing that people choose not to have is that it is formed in multiple layers and it can often be uneven. People usually op for having different patterns and fun colours so it is not as visible.
Travertine
Something that is often looked over and compared to marble is travertine, that is because they are created in very similar ways. Travertine is made of sedimentary rock which hardens by being exposed to a lot of heat and pressure. The most famous place it has been used is in the Colosseum in Rome, and it has been a favourite for many centuries. Why most people opt for marble instead of travertine is because it needs very special care. Another thing is that as it is naturally porous you will need to hire professionals such as at to seal it for you Stone & Tile Projects. If you are prone to dropping and spilling things this is not the flooring for you as it will soak up everything that you spill. It is not as hard as marble which is why it has a lot of unique cracks in it.
Stone Tiles Will Last You Forever
As you probably are aware stone is an incredibly hard and strong material, which is why it has been used when creating ancient structures as well as new ones. If you are designing your floors to last you a lifetime, stone tiles are the best choice. Unlike hardwood floors that need to be refinished and even replaced after a while, stone tile floors require less maintenance and additional investments.
The Initial Cost Is Big
What people often forget is that the initial cost of getting stone tiles can be quite pricey. Depending on what grade of stone you decide to go with it can range anywhere from $8 to $20 per square foot.
Consider The Hardness Factor Of It
Even though walking across smooth stone tiles can be very pleasing, if you are standing in once place for a long time it can become uncomfortable and hurt your legs and back very quickly. That is why if you are struggling with joint issues opt for more soft standing surfaces rather than stone tiles.
Stone Tiles Can Help With Allergies
If you or your family member is struggling with allergies, one of the best flooring options for your home will be stone tiles. That is because they will help keep any allergens as well as dust out of your home. Unlike cork, wood and carpets, the stone tiles are very easy to clean and there isn’t a place where allergens can get stuck.
Wet Stone Tiles Can Be Very Slippery
Something that you should always keep in mind is that the sealant that is used on top of stone tiles can make them really slippery. Even if you get a honed finish to make it less slippery, it will become very slippery, so if you have kids or elderly in your household, stray away from stone tiles.
Stone Tiles Are Heavy
As it’s such a unique material, you will need to have a skilled professional installing it along with a flooring structure that can withhold the weight of stone tiles. Before installing and buying the product make sure that you consult with a professional.
Stone Tiles Create a Seamless Flow
If you are looking to create a really aesthetically pleasing home and bring some of that outdoor nature feeling into your home, stone tiles are perfect for you. It is one of the best ways to bring more luxury without being over the top.
Stone Tiles Are Naturally Cooler In Warm Weather
For those who live in very warm climates, there is nothing better than choosing stone tiles for your home as they have a natural ability to stay cool to the touch even when it’s hot outside. Walking barefoot across stone tiles while it’s boiling hot outside is one of the best feelings you can experience.
Stone Tiles Can Become Really Cold
As we have mentioned above, stone tiles are naturally cold, so when you live in a colder climate, they can become really chilly underfoot. Of course, you can make them warmer when you add rugs and wear slippers but any areas that aren’t covered will be super cold on your bare feet.
Choosing the perfect kind of floor for your home is not something that is easy. As there are so many different options to choose from it can get quite overwhelming. This is especially the case if you are thinking about installing stone tiles. Keep in mind that every type of stone tile is great and does the job, it’s all about what you want and what you need. It is all about finding the ideal fit for your home.
