Adding Beauty and Durability with Stone Flooring

Providing high quality, durable flooring materials for high-traffic areas of a home can be problematic.  Carpet can offer some benefits, but it must be replaced on a regular basis.  Vinyl and laminates offer longer lasting benefits, but these, too, must be replaced eventually.  However, stone provides enduring longevity that will keep any area looking great for a long, long time.  Adding stone flooring to a home also helps increase the value of the home, beyond the simple appeal of great looks.

What Types are Available?

Stone floors have been around for a very long time, as you can imagine. In addition, there are quite a few types of stone that can be used for flooring, depending on the needs of the installation.  For instance, certain types of stone take different finishing technique better than others (granite takes a flamed finish quite well, for a rough textured surface).

Granite - Granite is, perhaps, the most popular type of stone used for flooring.  It offers tremendous scratch resistance, can be finished in a number of ways and is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Flagstone - Flagstone floors are usually found in outdoor areas and offer rugged beauty and durability.  This sedimentary rock is rarely used indoor anymore, though it can be used in certain areas with good results.

Travertine - Travertine flooring is very popular with those seeking a rough textured look, though it can be filled for a polished appearance.  Travertine is an excellent stone for high-traffic areas indoors and provides tremendous longevity.

Marble - Of course, marble has been used as flooring for thousands of years.  This beautiful stone is valued for the colored veins (marbling) that run through it, as well as its variety of colors and its ability to take a high polish.  However, marble is easily scratched, and thus may not be the best option for high-traffic situations.

What about Finishes?

Stone flooring can be finished in numerous ways.  Many types are polished to a high sheen, which results in a satiny finish.  However, floors with this finish can be quite slick.  Today, rough stone is gaining more popularity as a flooring option, with many people finding that it offers better grip and just as much beauty as highly polished stone.