Full of character, highly durable, and with plenty of options available - is it any wonder so many homeowners dream of stone flooring? However, stone flooring is a big investment and stone has its own unique qualities that you’ll need to consider, both for installation and everyday upkeep.
Whether you’re considering stylish marble or classic natural stone, here’s our guide to adding stone flooring to your home.
Is stone flooring right for my home?
As with everything, there are pros and cons to stone flooring. Before you make an investment, go through these issues and ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the consequences of this material. In many cases, the downsides can be mitigated through some additional spending or by choosing certain varieties of stone.
Pros
- Stone flooring is incredibly durable and can last a lifetime
- Despite their reputation, stone floors are easy to care for and clean
- Providing it’s installed properly, stone flooring is damp resistant and can easily handle flooding
- Stone floors transmit heat very well, so are perfect partners to underfloor heating and can help you stay cool during summer
- Homebuyers are likely to appreciate your investment and this can boost the value of your home
- Stone flooring comes in a wide variety of colours and textures, meaning you can easily find the right aesthetic
Cons
- You will need to make sure that your property has timber floor joists that can support the weight of stone flooring
- Children and pets can find stone flooring too hard and might struggle to adjust to the change
- Stone flooring can be quite expensive and you may need to factor in other costs, such as underfloor heating
- Underfloor heating is a popular addition as stone flooring can become quite cold
- The wrong stone in a bathroom can become very slippery and hazardous
Types of stone flooring
As we’ve already mentioned, stone flooring comes in all shapes and sizes. You can opt for modern and sleek marbles to black and gritty slate - but which is right for your property?
Here are some common options you’ll find on the market.
Limestone
A highly common material and can be sourced from around the world, including the UK. Different limestones can have different densities, so keep an eye out for variations. The higher the density, the stronger the material. They come in a number of different colours, such as near white, greys, honey, and dark browns. Its even-grained texture can be kept as it is or can be polished to resemble the smooth finish of marble.
Slate
Slate is very popular, mostly because it’s very cost-effective. On the high street, it can go for about a third of the price of limestone. However, if you want a specific colour or texture, this can cause prices to go up some. You can either opt for a smooth surface or riven. The latter looks very rustic, however, you should keep in mind that these grooves can make it a bit trickier to clean.
Granite
Granite can be used for more than just the kitchen countertop. Many people like the look of granite because of its mineral specks and veining, and they also like that it comes in various finishes. However, if you would like a polished look for your bathroom, make sure you invest in something with a non-slip surface. Granite also comes in a wide range of prices, though cheaper options usually only come in black or as small tiles.
Marble
Marble is beautiful and has a luxurious reputation, but it can be a tricky material to work with. Because it’s very porous, you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t sit under standing water for long periods of time. Marble can also become stained, especially if it comes into contact with acidic food and beverages, so isn’t a great choice for the kitchen. Because it’s more delicate than its counterparts, you’ll need to hire a specialist to install this type of floor. You should also talk to your supplier about sealants and how often yours will need to be reapplied.
Taking care of your stone floors
Stone floors can be maintained quite easily, providing you don’t make the mistake of using general cleaning products. A lot of high-street products are acidic and will therefore damage your floor. Remember, stone is alkaline, so you will need a PH neutral cleaner to prevent it from getting worn down over time.
It’s important to ask whether or not your stone was treated at the factory. If not, you’ll need to get it sealed properly, otherwise, it could easily become stained. You should also check with suppliers how often treatment needs to be reapplied. Typically, this should be every 2-3 years.
Conclusion
- Stone flooring is a fantastic material to invest in because of its durability and wide range of styles
- However, it can be a pricey material and its often worthwhile installing underfloor heating at the same time
- You’ll need to make sure the timber under your floor can support the extra weight
- When cleaning your stone flooring, make sure you use a PH neutral cleaning product
