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Mar 28, 2022/Stone Care Guides

Considerations When Choosing Natural Stone Flooring

Consideration natural stone flooring

There are some things to think about before making your final decision when it comes to natural stone flooring. Natural stone is a timeless choice that will stand the test of time and bring character to any home or business environment. To help you with your selection process, here are some considerations when choosing natural stone flooring that may be important to keep in mind: The cost of natural stone flooring may be higher than that of other types of flooring, but its durability makes it an excellent long-term investment. 

Choosing Between Natural Stone and Solid Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood, concrete, stone, and tile are all popular choices for floors. However, each material has different benefits and drawbacks. You should consider a few different factors before deciding what kind of floors to install in your home.

This is a question that many homeowners have to ask themselves. When making your decision, there are a few things you should consider. What is your budget? How much time do you have for maintenance? Are you willing to take on extra preparation and installation costs associated with certain floors? If so, what factors do you value in your flooring material?

Choosing Between Granite, Marble, and Quartzite

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing which type of stone you want to use for your floors. Granite, marble, and quartzite all have their own unique look and characteristics, which means they’re best used in different situations. If you’re deciding between granite and marble as your ideal material for a countertop or flooring, consider these factors: weight and color. 

Color is an important factor in determining which type of stone to use. Granite can be found in just about any color you can imagine, with pink and black being two of its most popular options. On the other hand, marble is less varied in terms of color and tends to have warmer undertones. Quartzite is one of a few types of stone that fall into their own category; it’s rarer than granite or marble but also unique. 

Granite and marble are comparable in terms of pricing, with quartzite being a bit more expensive. Granite is also heavier than marble or quartzite and requires special care. Marble is less porous than granite, making it easier to maintain. Quartzite isn’t prone to staining or scratching and is quite hard—this makes it an ideal material for countertops or floors that see heavy use. 

Where to Use Natural Stone Flooring

It’s important to consider where you want to install your stone flooring. There are pros and cons of each material—weighing them will help you determine which is right for your space. For example, travertine is beautiful but more porous than granite, making it better for spaces with lower traffic like a bathroom or kitchen; granite, on the other hand, can take more wear and tear. It all depends on what kind of lifestyle you have!

Understanding the Shapes of Natural Stone Floor Tiles

When it comes to natural stone, you want to make sure you are informed of all your options. Depending on how large your space is, more than one option may be available to you. Some shapes may not be ideal for certain applications. Consider things like traffic patterns and high-traffic areas when making your selection. Traffic patterns are directly related to the locations of bathrooms, doorways, and other common high-traffic spots in a home or commercial building.

Understanding all of your options will allow you to make an informed decision. Be sure to research how different shapes will look in your space and any specific care instructions that go along with each shape. Ask for samples if you can’t find what you are looking for or if a supplier doesn’t seem fully informed about their product.

Ordering Natural Stone Floor Tiles Online

Every installation has a different scope, so it’s important to consider these factors as you decide what to buy and how to install. If your project is small, you may be able to use premade tiles—but if not, you’ll need to order slabs from a supplier. Luckily there are more options than ever for ordering and installing natural stone tiles online.

It’s also important to take your budget into account. Depending on how much you buy, natural stone tiles can be an investment, so plan ahead by getting multiple quotes and examining any warranties carefully. Take a look at our guide to installation types if you’re wondering whether professional installation is necessary for your project. And remember: if you have questions, ask! After all, there’s no better way to get a clear idea of what it will take than actually talking with someone who knows what they’re doing. The more details you can provide upfront—including information about your home and expectations for your finished project—the more accurate of an estimate you can get and be confident in moving forward.

Conclusion

Natural stone flooring is a unique choice for your home’s interior. It can enhance your décor, increase resale value and save you money on maintenance in the long run. However, there are some considerations to make before purchasing. While they come in many styles and varieties, all types of natural stone floors will require professional installation. 

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