Home Decor – Garden, Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom Decor

If you are looking for cheap flooring that is super easy to install for the occasional do-it-yourselfer, stop right here.  Stone flooring has many pros but cost and ease of installation are not among them!  If on the other hand, you want a floor that can take heavy abuse, is eco-friendly and will last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance, then read on! 

Most all home owners have dreamed of putting a solid natural stone floor in all or part of their home.  Natural stone that is manufactured to be used in building projects is known as dimensional stone which simply means it has been cut, trimmed, ground, or otherwise altered from its original form to achieve a specific size or shape.  With a bit of information and advice, you can make your stone flooring dreams a reality!

Marble                                                                                            

Marble is a metamorphic stone (actually a derivative of limestone) created deep in the earth’s crust over thousands of years.  It is highly sought after because of its beautiful colors and patterns and the fact it can be sealed and polished to a glass-like finish.  Marble is one of the softer natural stones and can easily be scratched or scared by any physical abrasive or acid.  Marble is found in different varieties all over the world. 

The most expensive marble flooring comes in a slab form.  The slabs are incredibly heavy but provide a seamless floor.  No two pieces of marble are identical.  Marble can also be purchased as flooring tiles which lowers both cost and difficulty of installation.  Special considerations must be taken when choosing whether marble flooring is right for your particular application.  Black and green marbles are not good for areas that will get wet, for example.  It is more susceptible to staining and therefore is less recommended for applications like the kitchen than are other natural stones.

Granite

Granite is an igneous stone composed of quartz, mica, and feldspar.  It is created when crystallized molten magma inside the earth cools to form a solid rock.  It has a medium to course texture which is most often polished and/or sealed for building applications. 

It is one of the most durable natural stones, actually one of the hardest stones next to diamond and it is highly resistant to etching and scratching caused by physical contact with a sharp edge or an acid.  The density of this stone also means that it is very stain resistant and naturally repels bacteria.  There are literally hundreds of different types can be found all across the globe in abundance.  Granite flooring can be purchased in slabs or tiles much the same as marble. 

Sandstone

Sandstone is a sedimentary stone composed mostly of quartz and/or feldspar.  The material composing the stone is the size of sand granules hence its name.  Color and durability depends on the location from which the stone was quarried.  Sandstone flooring can present a more uniform color than most other types of natural stone.  There are also several varieties of sandstone available that do have beautiful, one-of-a-kind patterns as well.  It is most often sold in a “honed” finish.  This finish gives a smooth satin appearance which is non-reflective.  There are other types of finishes from very rough to almost glass, and the stone comes in a wide array of colors.  It can be purchased as both a slab or in pre-cut tiles.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo refers to flooring that is composed of natural materials rather than found in its final state in nature.  It is often considered “faux marble”.  Traditionally, terrazzo flooring is mixed as it is actually installed and uses a cement base embedded with marble chips. In the past few decades, terrazzo floor tiles have entered the market.  There are much less expensive than having the flooring formed onsite, but they do not give the same beautiful seamless look. 

Most terrazzo floor tiles sold today no longer have a cement base but instead have the stones embedded in an epoxy.  This allows for a wider variety of colors and thicknesses of the tiles and also increased durability.  Other materials are now used to create epoxy terrazzo such as glass and even metals.  After the terrazzo is has properly cured, it is grinded and imperfections are patched with a matching grout.  The surface is then cleaned, polished, and sealed to give it a gorgeous luster.

Quarrying natural stone demands much more technology today than in time’s past, but it is still an art form at its core.  Most quarries have been mined for generations, often by the same bloodline.  The addition of scientific advancements and specialized power equipment has greatly sped up the process required to bring natural stone from the earth to your home as well as lowering its cost.  Natural stone is still considered one of the most expensive flooring options, but for good reason!  The beauty, quality, and durability are practically unmatched.   

Tags: sandstone flooring | sandstone flooring | terrazzo flooring | terrazzo flooring | granite flooring | granite flooring | marble flooring | stone flooring

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am and is filed under Decorating ideas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Stone is the material of choice for those who want a classic floor with uncompromised strength and durability. It’s one of those materials that never go out of datewhether your home is large or small, casual or formal, country or contemporary, there’s a stone floor that will fit right in. With little to no maintenance, a stone floor can last several decades and may even outlast the home itself!

 

Of course, stone flooring has its ups and downs just like any material. While it can suit any home visually, its unique properties make it perfect for some homes but unsuitable for others. If you’re considering a stone floor for your home, here are some things worth keeping in mind.

 

Types Of Stone Flooring

There are literally hundreds of varieties of stone, and each of them can be made into flooring. You don’t have to know them all, but it helps to know the most popular ones and what sets each one apart. Here are some flooring types you may encounter.

 

Flagstone: a sedimentary rock made up of several layers, which are visible as distinct lines on the stone tile. The resulting look is reminiscent of ancient castles and courtyards. Flagstone is commonly used for walkways, patios, and outdoor areas.

 

Granite: one of the most popular choices, granite flooring is resistant to scratches, burns, dents, and practically any form of damage. It also comes in a wide range of colors, so it’s easy to match it to your dcor.

 

Limestone: known for its earthy, natural look perfect for subtle and Asian-inspired homes. Many samples have shells and coral embedded in them, creating a nice, interesting texture.

 

Manufactured stone: also known as agglomerate stone, this is a synthetic stone made from stone chips pressed together with epoxy, cement, or polyester. It’s cheaper than natural stone but offers much the same look, so it’s great for those on a budget.

 

Slate: famous for its water-resistant surface and “textured” appearance. Slate consists of quartz, shale, and slate stone, and comes in a range of neutral tones. This makes it a safe choice for any home, but it’s also unique enough to give it some visual punch.

 

Marble : marble flooring has a distinct veined pattern and a lavish, elegant look. It’s softer than most stones, however, so it’s more prone to dents and scratches.

 

Travertine: a lot like marble but with a more textured surface. Travertine floors are soft and porous, but the cavities can be filled with stone filler for a more polished look. This is usually the option for those who can’t afford a solid marble floor.

 

Sandstone: as its name suggests, sandstone consists of sand grains pressed into a hard, solid material. The surface is rough and textured, but smoothed over and colored to make it flooring-friendly.

 

Terrazzo: basically a mosaic made from granite, marble, onyx, and small glass chips. These materials are combined and cured to make them more solid, then polished before being cut into tiles. It used to be too expensive for home use, but manufacturing technology has made it cheaper and more accessible to homeowners. Besides terrazzo flooring, it can also be used for walls, wall accents, and backsplashes.

 

Pros And Cons Of Stone Flooring

The main advantage of stone flooring is its durability. Even with minimal maintenance, a stone floor can last several decades and still look like new. In most cases, all it needs is an occasional wipe and resealing every few years. It doesn’t contain any chemicals, so it’s hypoallergenic and safe for kids. Some varieties even have antimicrobial properties. The all-natural composition also makes it a popular choice for “green” design enthusiasts, who always want a more eco-friendly alternative to wood.

 

Design-wise, stone floors are very versatile and will suit any dcor theme. Most people immediately think of big gray slabs when they think of stone, but it’s actually very easy to customize. Varieties such as granite and sandstone flooring come in all sorts of colors and patterns. And because of the way there are made, you can be sure no one else has the exact same flooring.

 

So why shouldn’t you get a stone floor? First of all, it doesn’t come cheap. Stone flooring costs from 47 to $20 per square foot, and at least $6 more for installation. Most companies charge more for stone tilework because it’s more labor-intensive.

 

Stone floors also have two major enemies: moisture and cold. Stone is porous and can hold water, dirt, and small particles, which can cause dents and scratches over time. Acidic substances are particularly dangerous. Also, stone has no insulating propertiesbe ready for a cold shock when you step on it on a winter morning!

 

Stone Floor Maintenance

The only form of maintenance you need for a stone floor is an impregnating coat. This coat acts as a barrier between the stone and the elements, making it even more durable. Some coats may alter the color of the stone, so make sure you choose the right kind. Most flooring companies can give you the right sealer so you can do the work yourself. Mop up spills immediately to keep them from staining.

 

A popular way to protect stone flooring is by using area rugs. Rugs absorb impact and pressure in high-traffic areas like the living room. If you have heavy furniture, consider padding the feet to reduce friction. In wet areas such as the bathroom, check the caulking once in a while to make sure it’s still intact.

Tags: sandstone flooring | sandstone flooring | terrazzo flooring | terrazzo flooring | granite flooring | granite flooring | marble flooring | marble flooring | stone flooring

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 at 3:27 pm and is filed under Decorating ideas. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.