Beyond the Surface: How Natural Stone Flooring Impacts a Home

Some design decisions are made with convenience in mind. Others are made to transform a space. Limestone, for example, transforms a space while offering the added benefit of being easy to maintain.

The warm tones and organic patterns found in natural stones lend themselves to design without looking too busy, especially in comparison to other natural stones. They can be used in traditional or modern design, and add interest and depth without the use of large patterns.

Limestone requires a design approach that takes into account many elements, like how a space will be used, and how the flooring will hold up over time.

Imperfect Perfection

When used in a design, limestone offers a warmth and depth similar to that found in many organic materials. Limestone's mixture of mineral deposits and soft colors mean no two slabs are identical.

Like other natural stones, limestone has variations in color and fine details that add character to a design, particularly when used with other natural materials.

Stone and Light

How limestone will look in a given space is difficult to determine. Showroom lighting can be deceiving. Factors like the color of the walls, the lighting in the space, and the furniture can impact the way limestone appears.

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Shades of cream and ivory can brighten a room, while beige and taupe can create a warmer environment. If you are working with a cooler palette, gray tones can add harmony to your decor.

You should place samples in the room you want to grace with their presence and check to see if they reflect the lighting at different times of day to see how well they work with the lighting in the room. Look at the samples you have collected together to get a feel for the natural inconsistencies that occur in stone throughout a larger piece.

It may surprise you how much of a difference a surface treatment can make in your final decision.

A honed surface creates a smooth and consistent look and works well in a variety of decorative styles. If you want a more informal look, you can select a brushed or textured surface.

The treatment of the stone can influence how a surface deals with slip, so make sure to check the ratings on a stone surface if you plan to use it in a slippery environment like a bathroom or outdoors.

Each room should be evaluated based on how it is used. This is especially true for high-traffic areas. For example, a kitchen is better served with a different flooring choice than a living room.

Comparing limestone floor tiles is more than a design exercise. There are a number of elements that need to be considered together. These include the appearance of the stone, the finish on the surface, how the stone is to be used, and how the tile is going to be maintained. The practicality of the tile design is as important as the aesthetic appeal.

When considering limestone for kitchens, it’s important to note that the calcium carbonate in the stone can react to acidic substances (e.g. vinegar and lemon juice) and leave etched marks. Sealing the limestone may help reduce etching from liquids, but sealing does not make stone resistant to acid damage.

When using limestone in bathrooms and other outdoor areas, it is important to check that the tile is designed and constructed to be used in that environment. The methods of installation also should be checked for appropriateness.

Looking Beyond the Price Per Tile

The total cost of a limestone floor includes more than just the cost of the tiles. Other elements that contribute to the total cost include sub-floor preparation, the adhesive and grout, the time and skill of the installer, cutting, and any sealing.

The total cost also depends on the design of the floor. For example, using large format tiles in a space can be appealing as they seem to create a larger sense of space, but they take a skilled installer and a well-prepared surface. Rooms with a number of corners and strange angles may be better suited to smaller format tiles, as they may require less cutting.

When choosing limestone for a project, it’s also important to consider color variation. It may be useful to consider obtaining and inspecting several tiles from a given batch. It may also be useful to obtain and keep spare tiles for future repair.

Understanding the total cost of a project and comparing that to other projects gives a more practical basis for deciding which stone is appropriate for a given project.

Limestone: The Simple Truth

Although limestone can handle a more simplified cleaning routine, it is advantageous to use the proper products.

Use a vacuum or soft brush to remove dirt and grit to keep from abrading the surface. Clean up spills before they have the chance to stain. Vinegar and other acidic products can permanently damage the stone, as can abrasive powders.

Educating customers to use proper entrance mats and padded furniture will help eliminate scratching and grit trauma. Discuss sealing the stone with customers based on the recommendation of the manufacturer, rather than on a set schedule.

These little habits will help enhance the beauty of limestone and help preserve the floor.

Choosing Limestone for your Home

It is important to consider the future when selecting limestone. Consider if the color of the stone will work with the furniture in your home, as well as if the finish of the stone is in line with the other elements of the room. Make sure you are comfortable with caring for limestone, as some care is required to maintain the stone's beauty.

Request samples. Confirm the product is approved for the use you have in mind. Discuss the product with a natural stone installer.

Limestone has a beautiful, natural variation and character. When thoughtfully selected and installed, it provides a warm foundation for your home and can stand the test of time without maintenance.