Natural Stone Tile Flooring: Pros & Cons
By ProMatcher Staff
The Pros and Cons: Natural Stone Flooring
When it comes down to choosing a natural stone floor tile, the options are practically endless. The variety of colors, textures, finishes is limitless. From marble to sandstone, there is a stone floor tile for nearly every budget.
The Good:
- Many stones to choose from (granite, marble, slate, etc.)
- Luxury look and feel
- Naturally occurring
- Durable, can handle heavy foot traffic
- Wide variety of colors and textures
- Wide array of finishes (honed, polished, tumbled, etc.)
- Will not collect dust or allergens
- Versatile; many style options
The Bad:
- Expensive
- Impossible to guarantee uniformity due to natural imperfections
- Varying porosity; some tiles vulnerable to stain and moisture damage
- May crack in extreme temperatures
- Easily scratched
- Can be slippery
- Cold on bare feet
- Very heavy; subfloor may need to be reinforced
- Labor-intensive installation process
- Acid sensitivity varies (may be damaged by some cleaners)
- Some stone tiles need to be imported (expensive shipping costs)
The Bottom Line:
No two stone floor tiles are exactly alike. Granite is strong, durable, and water-resistant. On the contrary, marble should be sealed to prevent water damage. Even with the same type of stone, there can be big differences in strength and durability. Slate tiles from one quarry be very different in quality and size from those found in another state. If you are looking for precision and uniformity, stone tiles may not be the flooring choice for you. Natural imperfections are charming to some and bothersome to others. Typically, stone tiles are relatively low maintenance, but some cleaners may damage the finish. Make sure to ask your contractor
Related: Stone Tile: Absorption Rating
ProAnwers: What type of stone flooring has the best resistance to scratching?
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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