People have used stone tiles as flooring for millennia. The stone can be metamorphic, which means that eons ago, it started out as one type and evolved into another. Metamorphic stones used for flooring include marble, quartzite, and slate. Other types of flooring stone are sedimentary, which means they developed when layers of sediment hardened into rock over countless years. These include stones such as limestone and travertine. Igneous stones are formed in and around volcanoes. The most popular igneous stone used for flooring is granite. There are many benefits to using natural stone as flooring, and here are four of them.
Beauty
Few natural objects rival the beauty of natural stone. Though granite is often thought of as a stone with a “salt and pepper” pattern, it can come in all kinds of colors thanks to the kinds of minerals found in the stone. Granite can be pink, gray, blue, cream or white, black or gold. The stone can also be full of clouds, veins, and other patterns that make it resemble marble. As for marble, this stone is believed to gather light into itself and give it out, which gives it a special, sought-after beauty. Better yet, the colors and patterns of stone floors won’t fade when exposed to sunlight, unlike the colors and patterns of rugs or carpets.
Ease of Care
Natural stones are easy to take care of. All natural stones need to be broom-swept and gone over with a damp mop now and then. It doesn’t collect dust, mold, mildew, or other debris and the bad smells that come with them. Most types of stone have to be sealed to protect them from stains. This is initially done at the fabricator’s, and the homeowner can hire a professional to reseal the floors every few years.
Strength and Durability
Stone, even the stone tiles that go into flooring, has been around for millions of years. It is clearly strong and durable. However, stone floors should be protected from high heels, golf shoes, and heavy furniture. A homeowner might want to protect a stone floor with area rugs or mats. These rugs aren’t just protective but can contrast beautifully with the color and texture of the stone.
Natural Stone is Environmentally Friendly
Save the protective sealant; natural stone does not out gas or have any hazardous chemicals to worry about. Natural stone tiles are also recyclable.
Another advantage of using natural stone is that it adds a feeling of warmth to any room, even as the stone might not be warm to the touch. If a homeowner does want their stone floor to feel warm to their bare feet, they have the option of installing radiant heating beneath it. As they’ve been enjoyed for thousands of years, stone floors don’t go out of style and won’t detract from the value of the home if the homeowner wishes to sell it. Indeed, a beautiful, well-kept natural stone floor may add to the home’s value.
Published by: Khy Talara
