Flooring is an interior decision that can affect every aspect of your décor. That is why it is important to get it just right. As you must be aware, the choice of flooring is a long-term decision. It is not practical to change it every few months.
The type of room, the space, the overall ambience, and the budget are some of the factors to keep in mind when it comes to flooring. As for the materials, there are many to choose from. Among them are wood, laminates, tiles and stone.
Stone flooring designs have always been an appealing choice. There are many varieties, so you will be sure to find one that suits your needs. Among these varieties, there are also several choices of colour and texture.
Some prefer green Kota stone flooring designs, while others opt for simple granite floor design patterns. Some will choose dark slate tiles, while others will prefer smooth limestone. There are many possibilities, depending on your personal space and preference.
What are the best stone flooring designs, and what should you keep in mind? That’s what we are going to break down for you in this piece. We will also cover the benefits, maintenance and care of stone as a flooring material. So that you can make an informed choice and take the first step in making your interiors the best that they can be.
The Benefits of Stone Flooring
Every type of flooring material has distinct advantages. Vinyl and laminates are easy to install and maintain. Ceramic tiles are durable and water-resistant. Wood is distinctive and long-lasting. The various types of stone flooring, too, have unique benefits. Here are the main ones.
- Stone flooring designs look elegant and sophisticated. They have a natural beauty and can always be recognised.
- Stone floors will always be in style. They never look out of date, so you will be making a wise investment.
- As a material, stone is hard-wearing and can withstand a high number of footfalls.
- In general, stone is easy to care for and will look good for ages. It does not require special cleaning techniques.
- A special quality of many types of stone flooring is that they add warmth and brightness to any space.
- Many types of stone flooring designs have unique patterns. These make the flooring in your home one-of-a-kind, which is only used in your house.
- Natural stone is a sustainable and eco-friendly material.
Types of Stone Flooring
As we have pointed out earlier, there are many varieties of stone and many types of stone flooring designs. Which one will be best for your home? Let us explore this aspect in a little more detail to clarify the choices.
Here are the most popular materials that are used for stone flooring designs.
Marble
Marble is unique, and its veined appearance is instantly recognisable. It is generally available in shades of white, off-white, grey and black. It adds warmth and style to interiors and can be polished to a high gloss. For best results, marble should be sealed so that it is water and stain-resistant.
Granite
Granite is a hard stone that can look extremely elegant. It is durable and can be treated to resist moisture. You can get granite in shades of white, black, grey and even pink. It is also often used as a material for kitchen countertops. One of the main reasons to choose granite is how long it will last.
Limestone
Limestone comes in many naturally appealing varieties. You can choose from browns, greys, creams and more in different finishes. That means limestone flooring can match any type of interior. For example, you can select black Kota stone flooring designs or select from the caramel shades of vanilla limestone. As with other types of stone, it is also very durable.
Sandstone
Sandstone can provide your interiors with rugged and natural beauty. It is a strong material with unique colours, patterns, and hues. It lasts for a long time; over the years, sandstone can even come to possess a weathered appeal.
Slate
Slate is especially known for its durability. It is resistant to scratches and scrapes. Another advantage is that it is water-resistant. Slate has a characteristic texture. Many people also choose highly-polished slate.
Which Rooms are Best for Stone Flooring?
Some homeowners decide to fashion the entire flooring of their interiors from stone. Others choose to use stone flooring designs only for certain rooms and spaces.
For example, limestone is great for kitchens and passageways because it is durable. It comes in shades that can blend into any décor.
Slate is simple yet distinctive, as well as very strong. This makes it a good choice for use practically anywhere in the house. On the other hand, marble flooring ideas are luxurious and classical, so it is perfect for large living rooms.
Marble may not be appropriate for bathrooms because it is not as water-resistant as other types of stone. It is the same with limestone.
Like slate, granite is durable and so it can be used almost anywhere at home. Because it is hard-wearing, granite is often used for foyers and passageways.
Stone Flooring: Protective Measures
Many types of stone should be sealed before they are used for flooring. This will ensure that they fight off water and stains. Proper and regular sealing means that they will look unblemished for decades.
The right polish and finish also matter. A high degree of polish looks distinctive, but it may also make the floor more slippery. Stone with more textured finishes looks appealing and aesthetic but can also attract more dirt.
Though stone is tough and durable, care should be taken not to use abrasives on the surface. At periodic intervals, you should check if the stone surface needs re-sealing or re-polishing. These steps will make stone floors look immaculate over the years.
Natural vs Artificial Stone Flooring
Apart from the specific type of stone, you can also look at stone flooring designs in two ways. These are: natural and artificial.
- Natural stone is quarried from the ground and has been formed over centuries. It has a unique texture with different veining patterns. No two pieces will be identical. Natural stone is durable, and very often, it is easy to maintain. However, many types of natural stone are also porous. This means that they have to be properly sealed when used for flooring. As we have discussed earlier, it comes in many types and shades.
- Artificial stone is man-made and is more consistent and uniform. In most cases, it is formed by combining concrete and other materials, such as quartz to make it look like stone. It comes in a wide range of styles and colours and is more versatile than natural stone. It is also lighter in weight, which means it may not be suitable for all surfaces. Depending on the construction, artificial stone can also be less durable.
All other things considered, choosing between artificial and natural stone comes down to durability, cost and the need to maintain the integrity of the flooring material.
Stone Flooring: Cleaning and Care
We have already pointed out that the factors of sealing and polishing will enhance the appeal of stone flooring designs. On a daily basis, however, cleaning and caring for stone floors is a simple task.
As is the case with any other type of floor, stone flooring needs to be vacuumed and swept daily to keep it clean of external dust and debris. Mopping the floors with water and an appropriate floor cleanser adds the finishing touch.
You should make sure that all the water is completely removed. Depending on the type of stone, this will prevent water stains over time. Ideally, the floors should be air-dried.
For stone flooring that is highly polished, it is a good idea to use rugs and mats. This will protect both the floors and your family.
For some types of stones, such as marble and limestone, care should be taken not to expose them to acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice. This may leave stains. Further, you should not use abrasive materials such as steel wool to clean stone floors, as they will leave scratches behind.
If you keep the above steps in mind, you can be sure that your stone flooring will look terrific and add a dash of style to interiors for years.
At HomeLane, we pride ourselves on helping homeowners uplift their interiors in innovative ways. Flooring apart, we offer many handy tips on all aspects of decor. For instance, do check out these distinctive ways to personalise a new house. If you have any suggestions or questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
