Natural is a general name for several materials including marble, slate, limestone, granite, travertine, and sandstone obtained directly from nature. Each of these features its own and slightly different properties. You will need to understand the characteristics of the type of stone flooring tile you are considering in order to find out whether it is the best choice for any specific location. Each piece of natural stone will be a special creation from Mother Nature, making each flooring application truly one of a kind. The unique qualities of natural stone flooring can help to connect an area with the outdoor natural world.
Gowdy Flooring can supply and professionally install your choice of natural stone flooring indoors or outdoors for Amarillo, TX area homeowners. While there is still some question about the ecological impact of quarrying and transporting natural stone materials, these tiles are still natural, eco-friendly, non-polluting materials.
We certainly know that while the aesthetic beauty and uniqueness of natural stone flooring is well established, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that one of the important selection factors is ‘where’ and ‘how’ they will be used. This is true simply because some natural stone characteristics may be less suited to some applications than others. Our flooring specialists can help you understand each material and choose the proper one for your intended application.
As you consider natural stone tiles, these are the factors that you should ask us questions about:
Absorption Rating - Absorption rating tells you just how porous any natural stone material will be. The more absorbent it is, the more susceptible it will be to stains, as well as cracking damage in freezing conditions. This is obviously an important factor that plays a role in ‘where’ the material should be used. There are 4 levels of possible levels of absorption that a natural stone tile can have. These are:
√ Non-vitreous: This is the maximum level of absorption that any natural stone material will have. As a rule, non-vitreous tiles shouldn’t ever be used in any damp, high-moisture environment.
√ Semi-vitreous: While these tiles are somewhat less absorbent than non-vitreous tiles, as they are exposed to more liquid, they will need more maintenance.
√ Vitreous: This is the standard absorption level for flooring tiles and these materials are generally considered the most appropriate choice for most low to mid-traffic indoor and outdoor applications.
√ Impervious: These materials are resistant to the absorption of liquids and thus will be easier to maintain. They are often used in high traffic commercial applications.
In general, sandstone is the most porous natural stone materials such as limestone, travertine and slate only have mid-range absorbency, while granite is almost totally waterproof.
Natural Stone Flooring has Some Drawbacks Too!
Other than granite and some slates, natural stone is generally porous. Thus, it needs to be periodically treated with a sealing agent in order to protect its surfaces. Some polished materials, such as marble, are also easily scratched; and some others are also very brittle, and easily become chipped.
Gowdy Flooring knows well that a bit of prior research is important when considering natural stone flooring materials. This will help you to understand the characteristics of the specific material you are considering before you actually buy it. You’ll certainly want to find out whether your preferred stone will be appropriate for your intended application, and also just how much maintenance it will need.
For additional information, or to personally look at samples of natural stone flooring materials that we can provide, phone us, email us, or stop in at our showroom in Amarillo, TX at your convenience.
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