Limestone Flooring Has Subtle Charm with Durability

With so many stone flooring options to choose from, limestone can be a natural choice for people who are looking for a rugged yet classy flooring option. Limestone has been used in commercial establishments like hotels and restaurants for its natural appeal and many homeowners are now choosing limestone flooring to add a touch of trendy to living rooms, dens and entranceways.

Limestone has a natural earthen appearance which makes it a subtle choice for any design scheme. Limestone is formed out of calcite and sedimentary materials such as shell and coral. This can give it a real rustic appearance that is perfect for homes that want a classic appeal or a more rugged flooring surface to compliment the surroundings. Limestone compliments earth tones very well and is best used in rooms that do not have a high level of traffic. Limestone also reacts poorly to acid, so it should not be used in kitchens or work spaces that are prone to spills of acidic materials, even fruit juices can stain and cause a reaction with the flooring.

Limestone is a softer stone, but still tough and durable. If it is properly installed and sealed and treated, limestone flooring can stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. Properly maintained, it will keep its natural appeal for decades. Limestone is sensitive to abrasives such as sand and dirt. A limestone floor is easy to maintain and can be protected from scratches and scuffs by these abrasives with a regular sweeping or vacuuming without a beater bar. As long as the floor is properly cleaned and maintained, it can last the lifetime of a home. Regular cleaning is as simple as using warm water and a mop to pick up dirt and residue. A sealant should be professional applied upon installation and then every few years to protect the stone and help it keep its natural luster and protect it from the elements.

Installing limestone is complicated and best left to professionals. Like most stone floors, there are special tools for cutting and shaping and professional installation can eliminate a lot of headaches. Professionals who are trained in installing a limestone floor will know how to seal it properly and can give you advice as to the appropriateness of the area where you want to install the limestone floor. Limestone flooring can compliment the décor of any house and provides a naturally earthy durable stone flooring option that will look elegant and appealing in any home.