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9 Types of Stone Flooring - Which is Best?

Exterior Stone Pavers by Pool
Stunning Sandcolored Limestone known as "Dune"

Selecting the ideal flooring is crucial to raising your house’s appeal and market value. Stone flooring is among the best selections because of its elegance, toughness, and variety. Knowing the many kinds of stone flooring available and where certain types of stone flooring excel can assist you in choosing wisely for your next living area, bathroom, or kitchen project.

Stone flooring’s inherent beauty and durability have made it popular for generations. Every variety, from elegant marble to rugged slate, has distinctive qualities that may change any area. This article examines nine common natural stone flooring types, emphasizing each one’s advantages, characteristics, and best applications.

What is Natural Stone Flooring?

A premium option for both residential and commercial settings, natural stone flooring is renowned for its unmatched beauty, enduring appeal, and durability. 

In contrast to artificial materials, natural stone flooring is made from natural stone dug out of the Earth, giving each piece a distinct personality and beauty. 

Natural Stone Flooring uses a range of stones, including granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate, and sandstone. Each stone has a unique texture, color, and pattern that can improve any interior or outdoor area.

Significance and Benefits of Stone Flooring

  • Lifespan: One of natural stone flooring’s main advantages is its lifespan. Stone flooring is an affordable investment over time since, with the right maintenance, it can survive for decades or even centuries.
  • Durability: Stone floors are incredibly resilient to deterioration. Its structural integrity is unaffected by frequent foot traffic or everyday wear and tear.
  • Aesthetic Variety: Natural stone offers a wide array of textures, colors, and patterns, providing designers with many design alternatives to suit any style preference, from traditional to modern.
  • Hypoallergenic: Natural stone flooring does not harbor dust mites and allergies, promoting a better indoor environment. Because of this, it’s an excellent option for homes with allergy sufferers.

Maintenance: Stone flooring is not too difficult to keep clean. You can maintain their immaculate appearance with routine sweeping and sporadic mopping with a pH-neutral cleanser and the occasional application of a natural stone sealer.

Timeless Appeal and Durability of Stone Flooring

Brushed Limestone Paver Deck
Stunning Array of Tumbled Limestone Pavers on a Pool Deck

Stone flooring has always been popular because of its inherent grace and adaptability. Stone flooring has been a staple of architecture for thousands of years, appearing in everything from contemporary residences to ancient temples, demonstrating its timeless appeal. 

Natural stone has a distinctive, elegant appearance that works well with classic and modern design styles. Natural stone flooring brings nature’s beauty to every place, whether you favor the warm hues of travertine, the rugged charm of slate, or the traditional luxury of marble.

9 Different Types of Stone Flooring

Knowing the options available will help you choose the perfect stone flooring types for your house so let’s review nine of the most popular types of natural stone flooring, each with unique qualities and advantages. Let’s examine these natural stone flooring ideas to assist you in selecting the ideal option for your area.

1) Granite Stone Flooring

Granite is a very popular natural stone known for its amazing beauty and outstanding durability. It was formed by the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. Quartz and feldspar are mostly responsible for its hardness and resistance to wear.

Common Uses of Granite Stone Flooring

  • Kitchen Floors and Countertops: Granite is perfect for both flooring and walling kitchen applications because of its durability and heat resistance. It can tolerate hot pots and frequent use without breaking down.
  • Bathroom Floors and Vanity Tops: Granite is a common material choice for bathroom floors and vanity tops due to its resilience to moisture and stains.

Living Areas: Granite flooring can bring opulence and sophistication to foyers, halls, and living rooms.

Advantages of Granite Flooring

  • Durability: Granite is an affordable investment because of its extraordinary durability, guaranteeing that it can last decades of heavy use.
  • Beauty: Granite’s inherent variances give any area a distinctive, refined appearance that raises its visual attractiveness. Because every granite piece is different, your flooring will have a customized look.

Value Addition: Granite is a high-quality, long-lasting installation that raises your house’s value considerably.

2) Marble Flooring

Tumbled Marble Paver
Tumbled Marble Pavers

For millennia, marble has been utilized in architecture and design as a natural, elegant, and opulent stone. Marble, made mostly of calcite or dolomite and formed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, is valued for its elegant veining, velvety texture, and ageless beauty.

Marble is extracted from quarry sites worldwide, including Turkey, Greece, Italy, and India. The most well-known and sought-after marble originates from the Italian province of Carrara, renowned for producing excellent white marble with exquisite grey veining.

Features of Marble Flooring

  • Beautiful Appearance: Marble is well known for its polished, graceful surface and distinctive veining patterns. Marble slabs are unique, with variances in color and veining that enhance their inherent beauty.
  • Smooth Texture: Marble is famous for its silky texture and fine grain, making it suitable for worktops, floors, and other decorative uses.

Reflective Surface: The ability to reflect light can improve the aesthetic appeal of interior rooms, giving them a more prominent, cozier appearance.

Why Marble Flooring is so Popular

  • Classic Style: There is nothing like the aura of richness and sophistication that marble emits. Its timeless beauty has symbolized tasteful living for generations, gracing the halls of castles, temples, and upscale residences.
  • Versatility: Marble can be used for a wide range of projects, including worktops, bathroom walls, accent pieces, and flooring. Because of its adaptability, it may complement both modern and traditional design aesthetics.
  • Natural Beauty: Each piece of marble is a work of art due to its distinctive veining and color variations, which produce breathtaking visual appeal and depth. This organic beauty gives any area a touch of luxury.

3) Slate Flooring

Black Slate Floor Tiles
Black Slate Floor Tiles

After enduring extreme heat and pressure for millions of years, sedimentary rock shale gave rise to slate, a fine-grained metamorphic rock. This transition gives slate its distinctive layered look and robust, long-lasting qualities.

Slate is mined worldwide, with the primary producers in the United States, Brazil, China, and India. Slate is produced in several regions, each with unique qualities and color variations contributing to its alluring diversity.

Benefits of Slate Flooring

  • Resilience: Slate is known for its resistance to chips, cracks, and scratches. It is perfect for indoor and outdoor use because it can endure rough environments and high foot traffic.
  • Slide Resistance: Slate’s naturally textured surface offers superior slide resistance, which makes it a safe option for damp environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor patios.

Low Maintenance: Only routine sweeping and infrequent mopping is needed to keep the slate looking good. Slate can be sealed to extend its life and stop stains.

Typical Color Schemes of Slate Flooring

Slate tiles come in many tones: grey, green, black, red, and blue. Rich and earthy, this palette of naturally occurring colors can work well with various design styles. Slate tiles in various colors have visual appeal and can be used to make eye-catching designs.

4) Travertine Tile Flooring

Mostly made of calcium carbonate, travertine is a limestone that forms around mineral spring deposits. Warm, earthy tones and a characteristic porous texture make it a popular option for various architectural and design applications.

Supply of travertine comes from areas with high geothermal activity, such as Turkey, Mexico, Italy (especially the Tivoli region near Rome), and Iran. Travertine is produced from each quarry with distinct color variations and patterns.

Properties of Travertine

  • Porous Texture: Travertine’s naturally porous surface gives it a distinctive, rustic appearance. To achieve a smoother finish, these pores can be filled and polished; alternatively, they can be left unfilled for a more textured, organic look.
  • Warm, Earth Tones: Beige, tan, cream, and brown are just a few of the warm, neutral hues available in travertine. These colors produce a warm, adaptable look that goes well with many types of interior design.

Durability: Travertine is strong enough to be used both indoors and outdoors, although it is not as hard as granite. Proper sealing can improve its stain and moisture resistance, making it appropriate for high-traffic areas and damp settings.

Use Cases of Travertine Flooring

  • Indoor Flooring: Warm tones and a distinctive texture give travertine a touch of natural elegance. It is frequently used in kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, and living areas.
  • Outside Applications: Travertine is an excellent material for outside patios, pool decks, and walks because of its non-slip qualities and capacity to keep people calm.
  • Wall Cladding and Backsplashes: Travertine tiles are also frequently used for kitchen backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and wall cladding. When combined with travertine flooring, these elements create a unified aesthetic.

5) Limestone Flooring

Limestone Exterior Flooring
Exterior Limestone Flooring

The main component of limestone, a sedimentary rock, is calcium carbonate. Because of its organic, rustic appearance, limestone has long been used in architecture and construction. Its distinct texture and subdued hues make it a popular option for various applications.

Characteristics of Limestone

  • Natural Beauty: Limestone’s gentle, earthy tones, which span from creamy whites and beiges to soft greys and browns, give it its natural beauty. Its subtle grace gives any area a timeless charm.
  • Texture: Although limestone usually has a smooth finish, it can also have a rougher, rustic appearance. This adaptability opens us to various aesthetic possibilities, from rustic, natural charm to refined sophistication.
  • Durability: Limestone is resilient and can tolerate frequent foot traffic despite being softer than marble and granite.

Why Is Limestone Flooring Popular

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Limestone, with its natural and rustic appearance, is a popular material choice for homeowners and designers who want to create a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Its muted color scheme complements both contemporary and traditional furnishings.
  • Versatility: Countertops, wall cladding, and flooring are just a few of the uses for limestone. Its adaptability is increased by how it melds invisibly with other organic elements like brick and wood.
  • Natural and Eco-Friendly: Limestone is an eco-friendly stone option. It doesn’t release dangerous chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving interior air quality.

6) Sandstone Flooring

Primary mineral particles in the size of sand make up the sedimentary rock known as sandstone, which is robust and adaptable. It is a well-liked option for indoor and outdoor applications because of its warm and rich aesthetic, creating a cozy and natural appearance.

Features of the Sandstone

  • Rich Aesthetic: Tan, red, brown, and gold tones are among the warm, rich hues associated with sandstone. These earthy tones improve any area by creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
  • Texture: Sandstone’s naturally textured surface provides a non-slip finish that is perfect for high-traffic areas and damp environments.
  • Durability: Sandstone’s ability to tolerate normal wear and tear makes it durable. Despite being softer than granite, its durability makes it appropriate for commercial and household use.

Versatile Nature of Sandstone Flooring

  • Indoor Flooring: Sandstone is a popular option for living rooms, hallways, and kitchens because of its warm colors and organic texture. Its non-slip surface is handy for hallways and restrooms.
  • Outdoor Uses: Sandstone is commonly found in garden walks, pool surrounds, and outdoor patios. 

Wall Cladding: Sandstone tiles provide a rustic and natural look for both indoor and external walls.

7) Quartzite Stone Flooring

Sandstone changes into quartzite under extreme heat and pressure, a tough and long-lasting metamorphic rock. Quartzite is a well-liked material for upscale home décor because of its crystalline brilliance and striking aesthetic appeal.

Properties of Quartzite

  • Durability: Quartzite is a good material for high-traffic areas due to its extreme hardness and scratch resistance.
  • Crystalline Sparkle: Quartzite’s inherent, dazzling sparkle is one of its most remarkable qualities. This crystalline look gives any area a hint of refinement and luxury.
  • Numerous Colors: Quartzite is available in various hues, ranging from vivid blues and greens to whites and greys, providing designers with many creative possibilities.

Uses of Quartzite Flooring

  • Kitchen and Bathroom Countertops: Quartzite is an excellent material for kitchen countertops due to its heat resistance and durability.
  • Flooring: Living rooms, halls, and foyers appear more opulent and elegant with quartzite flooring. Because of its strength, it can withstand a lot of foot traffic without losing its attractive appearance.
  • Accent Walls and Backsplashes: Quartzite’s crystalline shimmer makes it a visually arresting material for accent walls and backsplashes. It creates a focal point that improves a space’s overall appearance.

8) Onyx Flooring

  • Onyx is a rare and opulent natural stone with striking patterns and translucency. Because of its unique look, it is highly valued and frequently used as a focal point in upscale interior design.

Unique Features of Onyx

  • Translucency: One of Onyx’s most remarkable qualities is its capacity to transmit light. When backlit, a gorgeous, glowing look accentuates Onyx’s inherent beauty.
  • Dramatic Patterns: Onyx is defined by its vivid colors and strong, swirling patterns. Rich colors such as green, gold, red, and white combine to create a unique pattern on every piece.
  • Silky Texture: Onyx’s polished, silky texture contributes to its opulent appeal. However, because it is softer than other natural stones, it needs to be handled and maintained carefully.

Elegant Appeal of Onyx Flooring

  • Statement Flooring: Onyx flooring is frequently chosen when a dramatic, opulent appearance is sought. Its distinctive colors and patterns may provide a gorgeous focal point in bathrooms, living rooms, and foyers.
  • Wall Panels and Countertops: Backlighting emphasizes Onyx’s transparency in wall panels and countertops, which are other common uses. Restaurants, hotels, and upscale residences frequently use this application.
  • Accent Pieces: Tinier onyx pieces can be utilized as accent pieces to bring a sense of grandeur to any environment. Examples of accent pieces include tabletops, fireplace surrounds, and art installations.

9) Pebble Stone Flooring

River rock flooring, another name for pebble stone flooring, is a natural and organic choice that brings a little bit of the outdoors inside. Small, smooth pebbles arranged in a matrix give this sort of flooring a distinctive and homely appearance.

The Appeal of Pebble Stone Flooring

  • Natural Aesthetic: Pebble stone flooring’s earthy, natural appearance links indoor and outdoor areas. The stones’ different colors and forms add texture and visual appeal.
  • Tactile Experience: Strolling on a pebble stone flooring is like getting a foot massage. This tactile element improves a space’s overall sensory experience.
  • Durability: Both indoor and outdoor environments can tolerate the strength and resilience of pebble stone flooring. Its inherent resistance to slip makes it especially appropriate for damp environments.

Uses of Pebble Stone Flooring

  • Bathrooms and Showers: Pebble stone flooring is an excellent option for shower bases and bathroom floors since it is non-slip, offering safety and a spa-like feel.
  • Patios and Pathways Outside: Pebble stone flooring is frequently utilized in outside spaces, including pool surrounds, patios, and garden walkways. Its organic look melds perfectly with the surrounding vegetation to create a peaceful outdoor space.
  • Accent Areas: Pebble stone flooring can be used indoors as an accent in mudrooms, entryways, and around fireplaces to give these areas a rustic appeal and organic beauty.

How to Choose the Right Stone Flooring for Your Home

Selecting the ideal stone flooring for your house is a critical choice that can affect its appearance and function. 

This choice is influenced by a number of variables, such as your lifestyle, financial situation, preferred décor, and upkeep needs. Here’s how you can choose the best stone flooring:

  1. Lifestyle: Choose sturdy stones like granite or quartzite for high-traffic areas. Choose materials like granite or slate if your family has pets or youngsters.
  2. Spending Plan: While limestone and sandstone are more affordable, marble and Onyx are more costly. Consider the long-term investment rewards and installation expenses.
  3. Accents: Select a stone that reflects your style, such as rustic limestone or classic marble. Choose hues that draw attention to a particular area or complement your current color scheme.
  4. Upkeep: Quartzite and granite require little upkeep and are simple to clean. Frequent sealing is necessary for stones like marble and travertine to keep their beauty.

Conclusion

Selecting the right stone flooring is crucial to raising the value and charm of your house. Stone flooring is a better option for every space because of its elegance, toughness, and variety. You can choose a stone that best fits your lifestyle and design tastes by being aware of the various types of stone, such as slate, marble, and granite.

When choosing stone flooring, consider your lifestyle, spending limit, décor preferences, and care requirements. High-traffic areas are best suited for long-lasting materials like granite, although less expensive options like limestone are also quite good. You may choose the ideal stone flooring to improve your house’s aesthetics and usability by considering these elements.

Your Stone Flooring Specialist at Surface Shop

At Surface Shop, we take great satisfaction in being your one-stop resource for stone flooring-related issues. We’ve carefully chosen our wide range of premium stone flooring solutions to cater to our client’s varied demands and preferences. 

We offer the ideal stone flooring to enhance any environment, whether you’re drawn to marble’s classic beauty, the slate’s rough allure, or the travertine’s cozy tones.

Are you ready to add gorgeous stone flooring to your space? Visit our website to view our product line and arrange a consultation. Allow Surface Shop to assist you in locating the ideal stone flooring to realize your vision.

Stone Flooring FAQs

Granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone, sandstone, quartzite, Onyx, and pebble are the nine most prevalent forms of stone flooring. Each variety offers unique qualities, hues, and textures to accommodate a range of aesthetic tastes and practical requirements.

The ideal stone for floors will depend on your unique needs. Slate provides a rough, non-slip surface, marble delivers classic elegance, and granite is great for durability and heat resistance. Travertine and limestone are warm and adaptable, while the hardness of quartzite makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Granite and quartzite are among the most accessible stone flooring materials to maintain. They need little maintenance because they resist heat, stains, and scratches. Regular sweeping and the odd wiping with a mild cleanser are typically enough to keep these floors looking immaculate.

Granite is the most durable natural stone flooring. It is perfect for high-traffic areas and challenging situations due to its remarkable hardness and resilience to heat, stains, and scratches, guaranteeing a beautiful, long-lasting surface.

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