If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about natural stone flooring: the different types of stone, how to clean them, what kind of finishes are available, and more!

Natural stone flooring is tile cut directly from stone blocks formed millions of years ago. It is found all over the world and includes some of the most popular types of stone floors like granite, slate, marble, and limestone. Natural stone flooring has many benefits including durability, beauty, and easy maintenance.

Natural stone floors are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care. They are also resistant to scratches, staining, and fading if looked after properly. Natural stone floors are easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and mopping.

Natural stone floors add beauty and value to your home. They come in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns that can match any decorating style. Natural stone floors are also unique and each one has its character.

There are many different types of natural stone, but some of the most popular options for flooring are marble, granite, travertine, quartzite, and slate. Each type of stone has its own unique look and feel, so you can choose the one that best fits your personal style. 

With so many options available, choosing stone flooring can be difficult. Hopefully, this article will help you decide which natural stone tiles to go for.

Marble Tiles:
A metamorphic rock that is available in a wide range of colors and veining patterns. It is a popular choice for flooring because of its beauty and durability.

Marble is a stunning choice for a floor in any space. It has a timeless elegance and dramatic veining, as well as a smooth texture and high-gloss finish. Although white marble is the most popular, it comes in an array of colors. 

Marble is the ideal natural stone flooring for bathrooms to provide that touch of elegance. That said, it does tend to require a little more care and maintenance than some other natural stone flooring types.

Marble stone tile, like all calcium-based stones, is susceptible to damage from acidic foods and beverages. When marble is used for kitchen worktops, it can frequently etch when acidic household items come into touch with the stone surface.

The acid in toothpaste and other cosmetic items, for example, can harm marble. However, marble bathroom vanity tops, floors, and showers are less prone to damage than kitchen ones.

In addition, a natural stone floor may etch, although the danger is considerably lower and it does not usually become an issue in the bathroom or other living areas. Even though a marble kitchen floor may cause some maintenance issues.

Marble flooring, like granite and ceramic, is a popular choice among homeowners. It's commonly used in every part of the house. Even if there is a little extra work involved, marble flooring remains quite popular. It's frequently installed in all areas of the home.

Granite Tiles:
An igneous rock that is one of the hardest and most durable stones available. It comes in a variety of colors, but the most popular options are black, white, and gray.

When it comes to durability, granite tile is superior to all others and the greatest natural stone flooring for kitchens and commercial spaces. It has a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, which is greater than that of marble.

Granite is an ideal material for kitchen countertops because it is very heat resistant and scratch-resistant when properly maintained. You can place hot pots and pans on it without worrying about damage.

It is also very easy to clean and does not require much maintenance. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap to keep it looking new.

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen floors because it is slip-resistant and very easy to care for. It can also withstand high-traffic areas without showing signs of wear and tear.

If you are looking for a natural stone flooring option that is both beautiful and durable, granite is the way to go.

Travertine Tiles:
Similar to limestone tiles that are available in light and dark colors. It has a natural beauty with unique veining patterns.

Travertine is a type of limestone deposit that forms when hot spring water bubbles through it. Its distinctiveness and beauty make it an appealing flooring alternative.

Travertine tiles are ideal for use in bathrooms, shower stalls, corridors, living areas, and laundry rooms.
Travertine floor tiles are a popular flooring choice because of their natural beauty.

The stone has unique veining patterns that add character and interest to any space. It is also available in a variety of colors, from light to dark.

When choosing travertine for your home, keep in mind that the tile will need to be sealed to protect it from stains, especially tumbled travertine.
If you are looking for a durable and stylish flooring option, travertine may be the right choice for you. With proper care, it will last for many years.

Quartzite Tiles:
A hard and durable metamorphic rock that is available in a variety of colors. It is often used as a countertop material but can also be used for flooring.

Quartzite is a popular decorative tile and wall veneer material that has lately become one of the most frequent countertop materials. It may resemble marble but with the longevity, performance, and low maintenance of granite.

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is formed when sandstone is subjected to high levels of heat and pressure. This transformation results in a harder and more durable stone that retains the original color of the sandstone. Quartzite is available in a wide range of colors, including white, black, blue, green, pink, and red.

Quartzite is a popular material for countertops, flooring, and wall veneers. It is often used as an alternative to marble or granite because it is more durable and easier to maintain. Quartzite is also less likely to stain than other natural stone materials.

Slate Tiles:
A type of metamorphic rock that is available in a range of colors, including black and green. It has a natural beauty with unique veining patterns.

Another popular floor tile is Slate. It has a fine grain and a distinctive cleft texture. The appealing look and durability of slate tile are two significant benefits. Slate is a very strong rock, which makes it an ideal choice for flooring material.

The colors of slate vary from black to green and even purple. The unique veining patterns are also quite pretty. Slate tile is also fire-resistant and does not burn easily.

Natural stone is easy to clean and is very durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas in your home. You can either sweep or vacuum your natural stone floor regularly to remove any dirt or dust that has been tracked in from outside. If you spill anything on your floor, simply wipe it up with a damp cloth.

Keep the following in mind when cleaning your natural stone floor:
Make sure your stone floor is sealed. This will help to prevent any spills from penetrating the surface of your floor and causing stains.

Clean spills immediately. The longer a spill is left on your floor, the more likely it is to cause a stain.

Sweep & mop regularly. This stops grit from being ground into your floor, which can cause scratches. Depending on the type of stone flooring you have, you may need to sweep and mop more often.

Use the right cleaning products.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your natural stone floor as these can damage the surface. instead, opt for a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for use on natural stone.

Have your natural stone floor professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. This will help to keep it looking its best and prevent any build-up of dirt or grime that regular cleaning may miss.

The "finish" refers to the natural stone surface's appearance and feel. Polished, honed, tumbled, leathered, antiqued, brushed, or flamed are just a few of the many finish alternatives for countertops, wall tile, or floor tile.

Natural stone floor tile, on the other hand, usually comes in two primary finish varieties (polished and honed). The third (tumbled) gives that worn and rustic appearance. When traction is essential, the fourth (flamed) style may be used.

There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a finish for natural stone flooring.

The first is that the appearance of the stone will be affected by the type of finish. For example, a polished finish will make the stone look shiny and new, while a honed finish will give it a more muted appearance.

The second is that the finish will also affect the feel of the stone. A polished finish will be smoother, while a honed or tumbled finish will be more textured.

The third is that the finish can also affect the durability of the stone. A polished finish is more likely to show scratches and wear over time, while a honed or tumbled finish will be more resistant to wear.

When choosing a finish for natural stone flooring, it is important to consider both the appearance and the function of the space. A polished finish may be beautiful, but if the floor will see a lot of foot traffic, a more durable finish like honed or tumbled may be a better choice.

Similarly, a space that is subject to moisture or humidity, like a bathroom, may benefit from a finish that is less likely to show water spots, like flamed.

No matter what finish you choose, natural stone flooring will add beauty and value to your home.

Polished Tiles
A glossy, mirror-like reflective surface is found on tile with a polished finish. The color and design of the material are vibrant and intense on polished surfaces.

Dust, smudges, flaws, and wear will all be apparent. It might also be rather slippery if it hasn't been properly sealed by a professional with non-slip products.

A polished floor will certainly require some maintenance to make sure the shine doesn't dull over time.

Honed Tiles
A honed finish has a matte, smooth surface. It has a sheen to it but is not shiny or reflective. Colors are more subtle and earthy.

Honed stone finishes are commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, as well as thresholds, stair treads, and other areas with high foot traffic or wet regions where traction is required.

It looks better over time than a polished finish, and it won't need to be refinished often or ever.

Tumbled Tiles
A tumbled finish is rougher and more textured than a honed finish. It will not be completely flat and smooth, like a honed finish. 

Tile edges may have a somewhat rounded or chiselled appearance. Travertine tile is popular in the market because it has an antique, rustic charm when polished.

The style of the tile flooring depends on the type of finish. Granite tiles with a non-slip flamed surface can range from a slightly pebbly texture to a rough ridged texture and stunning appearance.

The sort of finish is most frequently seen on granite floors. It's difficult to maintain clean with simple mopping. It's best to use a brush or scrubber on a flamed finish.

Advantages of Natural Stone Floor Tiles:

Natural stone is a wonderful flooring material because of its beauty, and longevity, and it's easy to care for if you know what you're doing.

It's very durable
Natural stones are sturdy and long-lasting. It can last a lifetime if properly cared for and maintained. Natural stone flooring has been found in hundreds of ancient structures, many of which are still standing today. This is a testament to the strength and durability of natural stone.

When it comes to your home, you want to make sure that it will last for years to come. With natural stone flooring, you can rest assured knowing that your floors will be able to withstand the test of time. Not only is natural stone durable, but it is also beautiful. This type of flooring can add a touch of elegance to any home.

If you are looking for a flooring option that is both durable and stylish, natural stone flooring is the perfect choice for you. With its many benefits, natural stone is sure to meet all of your needs.

Retains heat very well
Granite and marble floors are also popular for their heat-retaining qualities, which make them ideal for covering radiant heating. This means you may use these stones on heated surfaces.

Granite, limestone, sandstone, and travertine hold heat effectively. Walking on natural stone flooring barefoot in the middle of winter can be very pleasant and comfortable.
Some other stones, like slate and bluestone, do not hold heat as well.

 They are still excellent flooring materials, but you may want to consider using them in combination with radiant heating or another type of supplemental heat source.

If you are looking for a flooring material that will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, natural stone is a great option. It is an excellent insulator and can help regulate the temperature in your home year-round.

Beauty
Natural stone is one of the most beautiful materials available. These stones' natural hues and patterns provide a wonderful method to bring a natural touch to architecture. Natural stone's distinctive beauty provides a sense of elegance and luxury.

There are a few reasons why natural stone is so beautiful. First, the colors and patterns are completely natural and inherent to the stone. Second, stone has a unique texture that is both smooth and hard. Lastly, stone is a very strong material that can last for centuries if properly cared for.

When you combine all of these factors, it's easy to see why natural stone is considered to be one of the most beautiful materials available.

Easy Maintenance
No material is entirely maintenance-free. You'll discover that it doesn't take much work once you learn how to preserve and clean natural stone properly. 

It's also comparable to other choices. All it takes is regular sweeping and mopping with a good floor tile cleaner.

Repairable
Natural stone has several advantages over man-made flooring. Natural stone is nearly always repairable, as damage to it can almost always be restored.

Stains, etching, and scratches may all be removed. The surface may be polished or refinished to restore it to like-new condition, which cannot be done with ceramic tile or porcelain.
Even if the stone is severely damaged, it can often be repaired by a professional.

Disadvantages of Natural Stone Floor Tiles:

There are disadvantages to every type of flooring. Contractors, designers, and homeowners must be aware of their limits and drawbacks when selecting natural stone products.

Cost
The primary disadvantage of natural stone is its cost. When compared to ceramic tile, linoleum, and other types of flooring, natural stone is almost always more expensive. This is because it is a natural product and must be mined.

Installation
Another drawback of natural stone floors is the installation process. Unlike ceramic tile, which can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer with the proper tools and instructions, natural stone must be installed by a professional.

This is because it is a heavier material and must be cut to fit correctly. Not to mention, it is more difficult to work with since it is not as forgiving as ceramic tile.

Prone to Damage & Wear
Natural stone may scratch, etch, chip, or crack depending on the type. However, some types are more resistant to harm than others.

Fortunately, damage is uncommon; most damage can be repaired and/or refinished using basic DIY skills by the homeowner. Natural stones will not last as long as they should if maintenance isn't carried out.

Weight
Another disadvantage of natural stone is its weight. This can be a problem if you are planning on installing the stone yourself or if your home is not structurally sound enough to support the weight of the stone.

If you are unsure about whether or not your home can support natural stone, it is best to consult with a professional.

Porosity
One of the most important things to consider when choosing natural stone tiles is its porosity. This is because some stones are more porous than others and can stain easily if not properly sealed.

The three most common types of natural stone are granite, marble, and limestone. Of these, granite is the least porous and therefore the most stain-resistant.

Marble and limestone are more porous, making them more susceptible to staining. However, they can be sealed to help prevent this from happening.

We are a family-run business based in Canary Wharf, London, offering professional marble restoration services in the greater London area. With years of experience, our skilled team is dedicated to restoring the beauty and elegance of your marble surfaces to their original glory. Whether your marble surfaces are dull, stained, scratched, or damaged, we can provide a tailored restoration solution to meet your specific needs. Our services include cleaning, polishing, honing, repairing cracks and chips, and sealing to protect against future damage. 

Natural stone flooring is a beautiful and durable option for your home. However, it is important to consider the cost, installation, and maintenance before making your final decision.

Natural stone flooring is one of the most popular choices among architects, interior designers, and contractors. Natural stone has a timeless elegance that resists the test of time and outlasts carpet, wood, or man-made surfaces in terms of luxury.

When it comes to natural stone, there are many different types to choose from including granite, marble, limestone, and quartzite. Each type of stone has its own unique properties in terms of durability, hardness, and stain resistance.