All You Need To Know About The Different Types Of Stone Flooring

Stone floors not only add a unique charm to your space, but they can also help increase the market value of your property – be it commercial or residential. Stone is a long-lasting material and if proper care is taken, it will last you for years. If you are considering renovating your floors you should really consider natural stone tiles and all the benefits they offer.

Yes, natural stone is a little more expensive than some of the more popular flooring options, but the luxurious look and the practicality more than makeup for the initial high cost. If you consider the durability and longevity of stone tiles, the investment does prove to be beneficial long term.

Stone floor tiles have a look that is slightly different than the stones that you see outdoors. This is because stone slabs are polished before cutting them into manageable sizes. Regardless of the polished look, stone tiles have the ability to instantly transform any space that they are added to, providing an inviting and luxurious aura to the space.

The possibilities of decorating with stone tiles are endless!

What Are The Different Types Of Stone Flooring?

While looking for stone floors you will surely come across a plethora of different styles, making it difficult to zero in on one. Stone is an extremely versatile material that is available in various colors, sizes, shapes, and finishes for you to choose from. If you’re aiming for a distinctive touch, consider stone floors that can cut through anything with water jet machines, adding a unique element to your space.

The different types of stone flooring available in the market come with their own set of pros and cons. To work out which type of stone flooring will work best in your space, it is best to consider all possible types before you choose one.

Here is a brief of some of the most popular stone flooring materials available:

1. Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is available in a vast variety of colours – from the softest of creams to the darkest of charcoal. Limestone is a pretty versatile material and can be used in various interior styles, ranging from old school traditional to chic contemporary.

Limestone is very easy to clean and does not have a slippery surface, making it a great flooring choice for homes with elderly, kids and pets. The stone is available in a polished finish as well as with a machine-tumbled edgy look.

Black limestone, also commonly referred to as “Cuddapah”, is impervious and hard and is often used in places with high traffic due to its ability to withstand wear and tear. This stone is usually mined in Andhra Pradesh.

Kota stone is another popular variety of limestone available in colours such as blue, brown and green, that are often quarried in Rajasthan. The stone is non-slip and non-porous making it a popular choice for outdoor and high-traffic areas. Green Kota stone flooring is often seen used in spaces like railway stations, metro stations and on staircases.

Pros of Limestone Flooring:

1. High durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic
2. Easy to clean and does not require a lot of maintenance
3. Has unmatched elegance and gives the space a very natural look

Cons of Limestone Flooring:

1. There are certain types of limestone that are porous and require regular sealing to prevent water-related damage, especially during monsoons
2. Some varieties of limestone can be very soft and chip away easily.

2. Marble

Marble is one of those timeless materials that add a touch of splendour and opulence to your space. This strong and durable stone is available in a wide variety of colours and patterns for you to choose from.

Marble is formed when limestone crystallises due to high pressure and temperature, with various impurities in the stone giving it its unique colour. The process of crystallisation makes the stone denser and harder.

There are various advantages of marble flooring. From giving the space a grand look, to insulating your floors – marble is a great choice for your space.

Pros of Marble Flooring:

1. Marble has a very vivid look with unique colours and patterns, with no two natural marble tiles looking the exact same.
2. Marble stones are naturally made, hence are more eco friendly than some of the other flooring materials.
3. Marble has a surface that is resistant to organisms and dust, making it a great choice for homes with those who have allergies
4. Marble has insulation properties and can keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter
5. Marble is hard wearing and can last you for years and years

Cons of Marble Flooring:

1. Marble requires the application of protective sealants immediately after installation
2. Marble can easily get stained, so all spills need to be immediately mopped up
3. Marble can be easily damaged by acidic substances such as vinegar, lime juice, tomato, other fruit juices, etc.

3. Granite

Granite is a stone that has a beautiful grain and a hard edge. The stone is robust and is apt for use both indoors as well as outdoors. It is available in a variety of colours, such as pearl, green, galaxy and black.

Granite is an igneous rock that is formed when the magma present underground cools. It consists of materials such as microcline, mica and quartz, giving it a distinct coarse grained look. It is one of the hardest stones available and is often used as a kitchen countertop due to its durability.

Pros of Granite Flooring:

1. Since granite has a very hard texture it can be used in spaces that witness heavy foot traffic
2. Granite has the ability to increase the value of your property
3. Requires minimal maintenance
4. Properly sealed granite is moisture resistant and will not stain easily

Cons of Granite Flooring:

1. Since granite is very hard, it requires a level subfloor. Even the tiniest rivets and bumps can cause granite to crack easily
2. Granite is a heavy stone and can be difficult to install

4. Slate

Slate is a striking stone that can give your space a warm and inviting feel. Available in colours such as gold, black and grey, this soft stone is easy to mould and cut into flat sheets. It has an impenetrable surface that is stain resistant, making it a great choice for residential as well as commercial spaces.

Pros of Slate Flooring:

1. As compared to other stone flooring, slate is more durable, stain resistant and impervious to water.
2. Slate is slip resistant, making it an ideal choice for homes with elderly, children, and pets
3. Slate has a distinct look that can be styled to look rustic or modern depending upon the rest of your space
4. Darker shades of slate can give a very earthy feel to your space.

Cons of Slate Flooring:

1. Depending upon the quality of the tile layering, slate tiles may be uneven
2. Slate requires a very smooth subfloor. Even the tiniest of bumps can cause the tile to crack.
3. The surface of slate tiles may crack easily (not the whole tile, only the surface) if heavy objects are dropped on them from a height

5. Sandstone

Sandstone is a very popularly used material in India and is available in a wide variety of colours and grains. The stone is robust and has a warm feel, lending the space a very distinct nature-like feel. While stunning to use indoors, sandstone is a great choice for outdoors too and is often used on pathways and terraces to keep with the natural feel.

Pros of Sandstone Flooring:

1. While sandstone is available in a vast number of hues – from medium whites to circular multicoloured designs to even black – it still exudes that natural, earthy ambience that other stones often lack.
2. While sandstone may not be as strong as slate or granite, if proper care is taken, sandstone will last you for years
3. Since this stone is naturally formed, no two pieces are the same. Each unique tile can give your space a very distinctive look
4. You can choose the “smoothness” of the stone. While naturally jagged, the tiles are “gauged” until level and you can easily have them honed to make them smoother or polished until they are glistening

Cons of Sandstone Flooring:

1. Sandstone is a porous material and, if not sealed properly, can get easily damaged by water and other liquids
2. Sandstone is a relatively soft rock and can easily get scratched and dented due to sharp object, such as claws of pets and even pointed heels
3. Polished and honed sandstone can be a slipping hazard while wet
4. The high rate of absorption results in increased staining. If spills are not cleaned immediately, the liquid may penetrate deep into the stone and stain it permanently
5. Sandstone is alkaline in nature and can be damaged by acidic substances such as harsh cleaners, vinegar, citrus juices, etc.
6. Since the stone is soft, even regular care and maintenance the stone will slowly start showing signs of wear and tear over a period of time

6. Travertine

Travertine has a timeless appeal and its affordability makes it a popular flooring choice. It is often compared to limestone and marble, since travertine is also a sedimentary look and is produced under similar circumstances.

Matte finished travertine tiles are often used outdoors, especially on pathways, paving and pool decks. Travertine tiles do not heat up easily, making them a great choice for outdoor spaces that are often subjected to hours and hours of direct sunlight.

Travertine is naturally available in a variety of soft colours such as cream, gold and ivory.

Pros of Travertine Flooring:

1. Travertine provides a rich and earthy look to the space and works with any kind of style
2. It is durable and long lasting and will not chip or crack easily
3. Travertine is a soft rock and is easy to cut, making it easy to install
4. It is a lot more pocket friendly than the other flooring materials

Cons of Travertine Flooring:

1. Since travertine has a higher porosity, it requires regular maintenance. Spills, if not cleaned immediately, can leave a permanent stain on the stone
2. Travertine has an uneven surface that can be a dust and dirt magnet and cleaning those little crevices out can be a long and tiresome process
3. Travertine needs to be sealed before and after grouting, increasing the maintenance process substantially

Stone flooring is a great way to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home or commercial space. Since natural stone tiles are not man or machine made, each tile is unique and can give your space an individualistic look. As you can see, there are various types of stone tiles. Consider the pros and cons of each material before making a choice.