If you’re looking for tough and stylish flooring material, you might want to consider natural stone tiles. They may not be as pocket-friendly as their ceramic counterparts, but they make up for it by lasting for longer without needing replacement. More importantly, natural stone tiles are unique – you can’t find a piece that resembles another.
When choosing natural stone tiles, you need to consider several factors. These include the amount of traffic, your budget, intended use, how it fits in with your existing décor.
Here are the different types of stone tiles you can use around your home.
Marble
Marble is arguably the most beautiful natural stone tile. It’s versatile, as you can use it on walls as well as for flooring. Wherever it’s used, this stone exudes elegance, and it’s not a coincidence that it’s the most expensive.
Because it’s available in a wide range of colours, marble works well with all types of décor. The colours usually form a streak beneath the stone’s translucent surface that’s stunning to look at.
On the downside, marble is susceptible to staining and scratching. This makes it unsuitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. Instead, you can use it on countertops.
Granite
Granite is hugely popular because of its versatility – you can use it on countertops, walls, and floors. It’s also available in many colours, including beige, black, brown, and white.
Moreover, granite has incredible durability. Its natural hardness makes it heat and scratch-resistant. Even better, its non-porous characteristic makes it immune to acid stains.
Over time, however, granite might become susceptible to staining. This particularly applies to tiles installed in high-traffic areas. The solution to this challenge is using a sealant at least once yearly.
Flagstone
Flagstone was largely used for outdoor applications like swimming pools and pavements in the past. Having realised that its rustic look can vastly improve the visual appeal of interior spaces, homeowners are now using it indoors. You’re likely to find it in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.
The standout quality of flagstone is its availability in uneven shapes. This means that you can use the tiles to create a mosaic pattern.
It’s worth noting that flagstone is most attractive when left unpolished. The material is relatively cheap and easy to maintain.
Limestone
Limestone is different from other natural stones in that its tiles have consistent patterns. When polished, it becomes so smooth that a person might mistake it for a ceramic tile.
Despite being durable, limestone is highly porous. You must clean it regularly to prevent damage caused by moisture. You should also apply a sealant to protect its appearance. Keep it away from areas with a lot of water, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Travertine
Travertine is a kind of limestone with a crystalline structure and a rustic look. Like limestone, it’s fairly porous, making it unsuitable for kitchens, pools, and bathrooms. For the best appearance, ensure that you polish your travertine tile.
Sandstone
Lately, sandstone has been gaining popularity among homeowners. Its delicate nature means that it’s unsuitable for areas that experience high traffic. It also requires sealing and a lot of maintenance to protect its appearance.
Final Words
Natural stone tiles are significantly better than ceramic tiles, as they’re durable, versatile, and unique. With proper care, they can last for generations.
