How to Choose Natural Stone Floor Tiles

You’ve fallen in love with the timeless beauty of natural stone and decide you want it for your floor. This is the first step in your flooring project. You’ll need to make several more decisions before you can make your dream floor a reality. Consider the following elements to make sure you choose the best natural stone flooring tile for your home.

Find the Right Natural Stone Material

There are three main things to consider when choosing your stone material: cost, look, and functionality. Let’s explore these things with our top natural stone floor materials:

Limestone Tile

Limestone is the more affordable option. Available in a variety of earth tones, from off-white to light brown, it’s the perfect complement to modern and rustic styles. It’s durable and comfortable to walk on, making it great for high traffic areas. With a proper sealant, it can also work well in bathrooms and kitchens.

Marble Tile

Marble often comes at a high price. However, it will also add to the value of your home which is important if you plan on selling in the future. Its unique veining gives it a distinctive elegance and charming appeal. Since its color ranges from grays to greens and blacks, it can work with both modern and traditional homes as well as eclectic and vintage-inspired decor.

Though proper sealant increases its durability, it’s still susceptible to staining. For this reason, it may not be the top choice for kitchen floors where it will be exposed to acidic liquids and richly pigmented foods. However, marble will make a beautiful statement in foyers, bathrooms, and formal living rooms.

Pick the Best Stone Finish

Before you decide on a finish, you’ll need to consider the look you are going for as well as the location of the tile. Polished tiles will give you that high-end shine but can be slippery when wet so shouldn’t be used in the bathrooms or kitchens. Honed tiles provide a casual, matte look, perfect for high-traffic areas. They aren’t slippery so you can use them in bathrooms; however, they also happen to be prone to staining, making them tricky for kitchen use. Brushed and tumbled finishes are the best choices for floors that are exposed to wetness. Though both create a textural look and feel, brushed will suit rustic decor while tumbled complements old-world style.

Consider the Shape and Size of the Tiles

Natural stones come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Really take a look at the space and consider how the tiles will look. For example, large, rectangular tiles will maintain the flow of a long entryway. And small tiles will add character and traction to a tiny bathroom. You can even mix different shapes and sizes to create a stylized pattern.

Decide on an Edging Style

The edges of the tiles also impact the final look of your floor. Square edges provide a sleek, modern look while pillowed and tumbled edges create a softer, more traditional style. For a unique, natural design, you can opt for a broken edge.

Choose Natural Stone Floor Tiles From Impression

Natural stone flooring is an investment in your home that will add to its beauty and value. You can rest assured that you’ve made the right choice for your home flooring. Impression is here every step of the way. We will guide you through your tile selection, making sure you pick the right natural stone material, finish, shape, size, and edging for your project. Contact us today and get the floor of your dreams.

SEE OUR STONE