Stone is an elegant construction material that has captivated humans since ages. The beauty of natural stone with their innate imperfections is unmatched by any other synthetic man-made construction material.
Available in a wide array of styles, colours, sizes, textures – stone is a versatile material that is used in a variety of ways. And, when it comes to stone flooring, there are a wide range of options. Here, we show you the amazing ways to use stone in your homes.
Before, we take a look at the various ways in which you can use stones at your home, let’s take a look at the reasons why you should consider stone floors for your home.
Natural stone floors are seeing a huge surge in popularity. Whether your home style is – rustic, colonial, minimalist, contemporary or any other style – stone floors are a great option for you. With marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and travertine – you can show your unique style via your floors.
The number one reason is that stone is extremely long-lasting. It can easily last for as long as your home. Stone floors endure wear and tear and are easier to maintain than wooden floors and carpeting. Since, natural stone tiles are available in a wide range of hues, textures, and types, you can use your creativity to create personalized stone floors, that reflect your personality.
While stone floors have higher initial costs, they add value to your property. This is particularly helpful if you are looking to sell your home in the future. Stone floors are hypo-allergenic and are safe for family members with allergies.
Stone floor tiles are robust, long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. The maintenance depends on the finish of the stone. For example, matt finish tiles are more porous compared to a glossy finish.
Finally, stone floors are an eco-friendly choice and are sustainable, helping you do your bit for the planet.
With so many different styles of stones, finding the right one that suits your home is a tricky choice. The porosity and hardness of the stone are a few aspects to consider while picking a stone. Less porous stones are stain resistant and work well for areas that attract heavy footfall.
Granite or slate work well for halls and entryways as they are durable and not very porous. On the other hand, marble is a softer stone and works well for bathrooms.
Stones are available in both dark and light hues. So, when choosing stone flooring for a small room, choose lighter hues to make the space feel bigger.
If you want a truly luxurious material, then you cannot go wrong with marble. It’s highly glossy, polished, thereby making it a truly spectacular sight. Marble is also a bit translucent, making them look all the more stunning under the right lighting.
Where to use – living rooms, grand entryways, bedrooms
Limestone is a sedimentary rock and is obtained from the seafloor. They are durable (but not as much as marble) and can be easily cut into different sizes to suit your specific requirements. Limestone is available in several patterns, colours, and textures, making it a great option for both rustic and contemporary interiors.
Where to use – hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms
The dissolving of minerals in groundwater and transportation of this water by springs and rivers causes the formation of travertine. Due to the high iron content, the common hues of travertine are – reddish brown, gold, ivory and beige. It’s available in a wide array of finishes like tumbled, brushed, polished and matte.
It’s easy to cut and so can be used for even small and oddly shaped nooks and corners. The one drawback of travertine is that has a higher porosity compared to marble and limestone. This means stains can damage the stone’s surface if you don’t mop it up immediately.
Where to use – living rooms, bedrooms
It’s a type of metamorphic rock and contains traces of calcite, quartz, mica, and chlorite. It’s highly waterproof and stain resistant making it an ideal choice for spaces that attract moisture. It’s also highly fire-resistant, and the maintenance is low and is extremely durable. This means slate is perfect for households that see plenty of activity as a home with children and pets.
The common shades of slate are grey and black. It gets a bit chilly during the winter, but that can be rectified by proper insulation on the bed of the tiles. Also, it’s prone to scratching. Make sure that you pad your furniture to avoid this.
Where to use – kitchens, bathroom, driveways and pool areas
Get in touch with our sales representatives here at Décor Luxury Stones, who help you find the right stone that best suits your specific requirements.
