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Natural stone flooring - is the beauty worth the maintenance?

 
Natural stone floors are gorgeous and timeless. Many people appreciate the fact that they are made of natural materials that never look outdated. The naturally hard, cool surfaces are ideal for warm climates and individuals with severe allergies. It is important to consider where you will be installing natural stone flooring when you select a type of stone. Strength and stain resistance are dependent upon the quantity and size of the pores in the stone. Hard, dense, nonporous stone, such as slate or granite, is a good choice for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, entryways, or bathrooms. Soft, porous stone, such as limestone, marble, and travertine, requires regular cleaning and sealant application in order to avoid pitting and staining. Stone tiles are made by slicing slabs of rock and large boulders into thin squares or rectangles. There are a number of factors that contribute to variation among tiles including natural imperfections, veining, and fossils. There are also differences in color palettes depending on quarry location and type of stone. Professional installation is recommended, due to its complexity. Natural stone flooring will certainly add value to your home but can be a sizable investment.
 
 
 
 
 
Benefits
The high visual appeal of stone flooring is obviously a major benefit. Stone tiles have been a popular flooring choice for home interiors for thousands of years. Given this classic look, it is not hard to understand why.For people who want to add natural beauty in their home, stone flooring is a great choice. There are over half a dozen readily available stone flooring materials that come in many different colors. Choose from timeless neutrals, soft reds, and rich greens and blues. Additionally, whether you’re preparing to sell or upgrade your home, it is important to keep in mind that natural stone floors increase your home’s value.

Limitations
One of the biggest limitations of natural stone flooring is the time and expertise required for a successful installation. In order to ensure that everything goes smoothly, it is best practice to hire an experienced professional. It is critical that there is a proper substrate or surface on which the stone tile will be installed. If the subfloors are concrete, the installers may choose to apply the mortar right to the subfloor and then lay the stone on top of it. A wooden subfloor necessitates a cement backer for moisture prevention and general support.Many people are also wary about installing natural stone flooring because of the maintenance requirements. Maintenance is a necessity, especially in dry regions. Depending on the type of flooring that you choose, you may need to seal it periodically to keep spills from being absorbed.Finally, while porous stones are highly durable, they are still not as hard or durable as porcelain. If these factors are a high priority for you, natural stone floors may not be the best choice.
 

What choices are available for natural stone flooring?

 
The natural stone flooring selections available to choose from are nearly as infinite as the materials of the earth. Years of compression and rock formation have created what many believe to be the most beautiful flooring options available. Whether a slice of an ancient river bed or a rock formation, these natural stones are as varied in appearance as they are in makeup. Some of the more popular choices include:

  • Granite. Granite is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens as it has a slip-resistant texture and is available in hundreds of different varieties.
  • Limestone. Limestone cut from a single slab has very little variation in color from one tile to the next. The stone can be machine-tumbled for an aged aesthetic or sanded to perfection for a flawless finish. If there is any risk of acidic liquids spilling on limestone, think about sealing it every two or three years with a quality sealer.
  • Slate. Slate is a rustic classic that comes in both geometric and irregular shapes. Typically it is available in medium green, soft red, and dark gray.
  • Marble. People most often choose marble for formal spaces because it offers a sophisticated look but is highly susceptible to scratching. Different quarries offer different colored tiles or slabs. As the stain resistance and strength can vary, make sure to consult with a dealer before making a marble purchase.
  • Travertine. Travertine is a partially metamorphosed, crystallized limestone that has a very similar appearance to marble but usually looks a bit more rustic.
 
 
 
 
Natural stone flooring in Dumas, TX from Gowdy Flooring
 
 
 

What factors determine the price of flooring?

 
Natural stone flooring is one of the most expensive flooring options on the market, due to both the materials and the finishing processes. Similar to gemstones, rare stone colors and patterns come with a higher price tag.At Gowdy Flooring, you get the ideal combination of high quality service and the top resources and materials in the industry. Regardless of your budget and flooring needs, we will work with you to get you the best flooring we can.

Full descriptions of our full line of flooring choices and services, more details about the company, and contact information are available on the other pages on our website. If you're ready to start planning your next flooring project today, pay us a visit at 5205 S. Coulter St. in Amarillo, Texas or give us a call at (806) 353-6226. Don't delay, contact us TODAY!!!