Stone tiles can add a unique touch to any space. They are both functional and beautiful, and their versatility makes them a popular flooring choice among homeowners. Choose honed stone for a sleek, modern look or tumbled stone for a more textured appearance. Whatever your design goals, stone tile floors will give you the look you want with the added benefit of being long-lasting and easy to clean.
Durability
Stone is a long-lasting material that is well under normal wear and tear. It resists the abrasions and scratches inevitable in a home and can withstand heavy traffic. This makes it a great choice for areas where you need durable flooring. It also doesn’t date and works with any design style, even as interior fashions change.
There are several types of stone, each with advantages and disadvantages. The type of stone you choose should be determined by the area where it will be installed and how much daily use it will get. For example, stone tiles designed for outdoor use must be sealed to prevent water damage and staining.
Some types of stone are more durable than others, but all will need regular cleaning to keep them looking good. They should be dusted regularly with a dry dust mop to keep them at their best. This will prevent dirt and sand from becoming embedded in the surface. It is also a good idea to use non-treated floor cleaners or soapless liquid detergents that won’t damage the stones.
Versatility
There are several benefits to choosing stone field tile as your flooring material. It is long-lasting, easy to maintain, looks gorgeous with almost any interior design scheme and adds value to your home. The most prized trait of stone is its versatility.
Whether you choose granite, sandstone, marble or slate, this natural material has a look that blends perfectly into both traditional and modern decor styles. It also has a natural tendency to develop a patina over time, which creates a timeless look. This characteristic gives stone flooring an elegance and sophistication that is hard to replicate with synthetic alternatives.
While stone is very durable, it must be sealed to protect the surface from spills and moisture. This is particularly true in high-traffic areas of the house. It would help if you also had your stone floors resealed every six months to keep them looking fresh and new.
Some of the most popular stone types homeowners select include sandstone, slate and limestone. These stones are siliceous, meaning they have quartz-like particles that make them more resistant to cracks. They also hold up well to mild acidic cleaning solutions.
On the other hand, slate is created deep within the earth and has a rugged appearance that makes it perfect for rustic decors. It is highly stain-resistant but requires careful maintenance since it can scratch easily if not properly cared for. It is also slippery when wet, so it is not ideal for households with young children or elderly family members who may fall.
Easy Maintenance
When cleaning stone tile floors, using a neutral cleaner that does not contain bleach, chlorine, or ammonia is important. These chemicals can damage the floor, stripping away the protective sealant over time.
It is also recommended to always sweep frequently with a soft-bristled broom. Regular sweeping removes small particles, such as dust and sand, that can cause scratches to the surface of your tiles.
Spills should be wiped up immediately, ideally using a clean microfiber mop pad that is rinsed often. Do not allow spills to soak into the stone, as this will leave behind a sticky residue and will be much more difficult to wipe up.
If your stone flooring requires scrubbing, only do so with a soft brush and a mild cleaner. Excessive scrubbing will damage the surface of your tile, causing it to lose its original color at an extremely rapid pace.
Once your floor is cleaned, it should completely dry before resealing the area. Resealing your stone floor is required every 3-5 years, depending on the moisture it receives. A quick test to see if your stone floor needs resealing is to drop a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, your foot is still in good shape, but if it soaks straight into the tiles, it is time to reseal.
Affordability
A stone tile floor can add a touch of luxury and elegance to any space. It’s a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens but can be used in any house room. This type of flooring adds a timeless look that will always stay in style.
Depending on your desired style and appearance, you can choose from various natural stones, including slate, travertine, granite, limestone and marble. Each type of stone has a unique appearance that will complement your home’s décor.
These floors can be installed both indoors and outdoors. You can expect to pay more for stone floor tile than other types of flooring, but it is an investment that will last a long time. The amount of maintenance required varies between the different categories of stone, but most require some form of protection from staining.
A Siliceous stone, such as sandstone and granite, requires regular application of a sealer to help protect the surface. Calcareous rocks, like travertine and limestone, are less porous and may not need sealers but should be washed with neutral cleaners to avoid excessive damage.
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