Natural stone is one of the most elegant and beautiful flooring options on the market. Being derived from the earth’s crust gives this special flooring some unique characteristics, and while each stone is different in its own way, each natural stone holds true to a few key principles. To help you better understand natural stone, we took a look at the top most-asked questions and answered them for you. Let’s get started!
Q: What Is Natural Stone?
A: Natural stone is a group of materials that derive from the earth (i.e., Granite, Limestone, Marble, Sandstone, Slate, Travertine, Quartz, etc.).
Q: How Do the Different Natural Stones Differ from One Another?
A: Each natural stone varies in color, composition, and texture. In fact, these key differences are what distinguish the stones apart from one another.
Q: Why Do Homeowners Use Natural Stone?
A: Natural stone is incredibly beautiful and unique. Its delicate beauty adds to any home design. Plus, its beauty is well-matched by its durability. Not to mention, since it is derived from the earth, it is a natural product, which means you will not be exposed to harmful chemicals.
Q: Is Natural Stone Affordable?
A: Natural stone is one of the more expensive flooring options, but for a good reason. Its distinct beauty and unmatched durability make it a fan-favorite. Plus, it is sourced from the earth’s crust, making each piece unique, and you cannot say that about a lot of other flooring options.
Q: What Are the Different Types of Natural Stone?
A: The different types of natural stones include Cantera Stone, Granite, Limestone, Marble, Onyx, Sandstone, Shell stone, Slate, Travertine, and Quartz.
Where Can I Install Natural Stone?
A: Fortunately, natural stone is an incredibly diverse product. From indoor to outdoor application to floors and countertops to backsplash and fireplace surrounds, the options are truly endless. That being said, you will find that some natural stones are better suited for certain applications. It is important to talk with your sales representative about the different stone options and their expertise on indoor and outdoor applications.
Q: Is Natural Stone Flooring Porous?
A: Porous is referring to how many little pores are on your flooring. The more holes mean the more permeable your flooring will be. Some natural stone flooring is more porous than others and will allow liquids to transmit through the material to the subfloor. Limestone is extremely porous, whereas granite is relatively non-porous with very few holes. Most natural stone floorings will need to be sealed. Not only is your concern with water seeping through, but if the liquid is of color, it can easily stain very porous floors.
Q: Can I Install Natural Stone Flooring in My Shower?
A: Yes, natural stone tile is an excellent solution for showers! The installation process will provide a waterproof underlayment to prevent home damage. Water will slowly penetrate through your tile and grout lines, yet the underlayment will prevent damage. Additionally, it is important to find a tile solution that is slip-resistant to prevent accidents and falls.
If one of your concerns or questions was not answered, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment. Thanks for reading!
Leave a Reply