Pros And Cons Of Stone Tile
The look and feel of natural stone make it one of the most fashionable choices when it comes to having a beautiful flooring. You can use it both indoors and outdoors, and natural stone looks great in just about any room in your home. However, there are few things you should keep in mind before you jump right into installing natural stone floor tiles. First, there are four main types of natural stone that homeowners tend to choose. We will go over the benefits, drawbacks, and features of each one. If you need help making your decision, make sure to contact the professionals at Transworld Tile!
MARBLE FLOORING
Marble is created when high pressure and temperatures underground cause limestone to crystallize. As it crystallizes, the density increases and the surface becomes harder. This hardness makes it easier for the marble to be polished and smoothed while it is processed. Keep in mind that, like all natural stones, marble demands a protective sealant to be applied before it is used, and it has to be regularly maintained in order to keep the smooth appearance. Marble is pretty susceptible to stains, so make sure that you are prepared to clean up any spills immediately in order to keep the floor protected. Everyday acidic substances, including fruit juice, alcohol, tea, cosmetics, and more, can all damage marble if they are left there for an extended amount of time.
Pros: Natural colors and patterns that are aesthetically pleasing
Cons: Easily stained, will be damaged easily with acidic products.
GRANITE FLOORING
Granite is one of the toughest natural stones, which is why many people choose to use this material for their countertops in their kitchens. Even kitchen tiles made from granite are a great choice! It’s formed from cooling magma underground. This process happens so slowly that the granite builds both hardness and strength. The composition and texture are due to the quartz and feldspar within the granite. However, since this material is so hard and unforgiving, the subflooring must be level and have the strength to support the sheer weight. If the floor has any ridges or bumps, the granite tiles will crack.
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing, hard surface that can withstand messes
Cons: One of the heaviest flooring options that demands adequate support
SLATE FLOORING
Slate is formed with the right combination of both pressure and heat. It tends to have a duller and more uneven look than other types of natural stone do, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you are looking for more slip-resistant flooring, slate might be the best choice. It also comes in a wide variety of shapes and patterns, which can give it whatever kind of look you would like—rustic or modern, the choice is yours. It is also stain resistant, handles water well, and can stand up to the test of time. However, slate is formed in layers. In rare cases, it can have its top layers peel or flake; this is why it is essential to treat your slate flooring tiles with sealant as soon as they are installed.
Pros: Natural and rustic look with strong durability
Cons: Tiles might be uneven because of the tiles’ natural layering.
TRAVERTINE FLOORING
This type of flooring feels wonderful underfoot, but it does have a tendency to wear down quickly. It’s made up of calcite, which means that it’s similar to limestone or marble. Travertine has been used for centuries; in fact, the Colosseum in Rome used this very material! It is a porous stone with some natural holes, so it will need to be sealed long before the grouting stage and sealed again after the installation is complete to make sure it is protected. Any liquids will be soaked up if left untreated! Just like marble, it will stain with acidic foods and substances. Travertine is also soft, meaning it is more likely to scratch and show general wear and tear faster.
Pros: Beautiful, softer tile that feels great as a flooring
Cons: Will scratch and stain if it is not well-maintained
TRANSWORLD TILE
Regardless of which natural stone flooring tile you are interested in, we at Transworld Tile are here to help. Contact us today to get started on your home’s flooring!
