Stone Flooring:
Pro and Con
Stone flooring is a durable, classy alternative for residences as well as businesses. It is a natural product, mined from the earth, and is considered eco-friendly - particularly if it is available locally.
Stone Floor
Benefits and Drawbacks
There are numerous advantages to the cool, classic stone options suitable for your floor. Here are several advantages: - Very Durable
- Classy Look
- Stain Resistant
- Cool Underfoot (especially popular in warm climates)
Among the drawbacks of stone are the following: - Hard on legs and feet
- Installation may be expensive
- Cleaning/maintenance may be difficult (depending on sealing)
- Can be quite expensive
- Cold in winter
Types of Stone Used for Floors
Stone includes any quarried rock such as granite, limestone, sandstone, slate, marble or flagstone. Each of these natural stone choices may be glazed or unglazed. Some of the most popular stone options are:
Marble Flooring
Many people don't realize that marble is actually softer than
tile.
It is often considered the highest in its class, and has natural "marbled" beauty. Marble, as well as Travertine, is natural sedimentary rock belonging to the limestone family (calcium carbonate). If marble is covered with a stain resistant sealer, it may last for up to 10 years before resealing. As with most floors, its lifetime is measured in decades, not years. Travertine Flooring
Travertine, sometimes considered to be one step down from marble, does have a couple of drawbacks. It is slippery when wet and it also prone to damage from acid-based products. Yet it is a beautiful product. If it is polished and sealed properly, it can be quite durable. Limestone Flooring
Limestone is a fabulous floor product with variety in design and low maintenance besides. It cleans up with water and resists staining. Like most of the stone choices, it has fossil like veining which adds texture to its looks. Slate Flooring is slip resistant. Sandstone has also gained quite a following.
Granite is an extremely hard, durable surface also
very popular as a choice for counter tops.
Stone flooring will add beauty and value to your home. Many of the options come in a shiny, matte or textured finish. If you can find your materials locally, you will save a bundle on shipping charges, and reduce fuel emissions as well. Stone is a green, gorgeous choice for your home!
Go from Stone Flooring to Tile
Reclaimed Wood Floor
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Cork Flooring
Natural Linoleum
Bamboo
Building Your Green Home Page
The time is NOW. The future is HERE. The color is GREEN.
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