Limestone Learning Center

limestone-door-surround-and-flooring

Using Limestone Flooring Outdoors

Outdoor Limestone Flooring – A Practical Choice

Limestone flooring is a lovely choice for the interior of any home, but it looks just as stunning outside as it does inside—and it’s just as practical. Limestone flooring is making its mark outside of homes as it becomes more popular in the home and garden area of a property. Limestone is a material that has proven itself both inside and out for a number of years. It only makes sense that it makes the transition between exterior and interior spaces seamlessly.

Withstanding The Elements

Keep in mind that limestone is the material that the Egyptian pyramids were built out of. It also resides in hundreds of churches, castles, and other long-ago built structures that are still standing today. It’s only natural to say that limestone can withstand the test of time. Placing it outside as a flooring for a patio or garden path is easy enough. There are some limestone flooring options that are more durable than others. The darker stones, for example, are denser and, therefore, more durable. However, light stones are still great options. The biggest hurdle is getting the right grout for between the tiles. Grout needs to be able to withstand the elements outside as well.

Aging Opportunities

It only makes sense that limestone flooring outside will age at a different rate than indoor tiles. If you put the same flooring on your patio as in your kitchen, as the years go by, the two flooring tiles will look different. Choose the outdoor color based on your style, but also on what will age well and look nice as the years go by.

Size And Pattern Options

More homeowners are trying to blend the interior of their home into their outdoor living space so they have a seamless transition. If you have that goal, getting a limestone flooring outside that flows along with the size and pattern of what you have inside, only makes sense. Then, when the doors are open, it looks like one big room. Thicker limestone floors for the exterior are nice, but if there is a concrete base already in place, thinner tiles work as well. Consider drainage options to get the rain to flow off the surface nicely instead of pooling in certain areas, which could cause discoloration and damage over the years.

The Finishing Touch

The last thing to consider is the finish you put on the limestone. Smooth, honed tiles aren’t the best option for flooring outside since they can be slippery when they are wet. Flamed, brushed, or sandblasted limestone floor works best outside. They will look just like honed from a distant, but have non-slip qualities included.

Getting Outdoor Limestone Flooring

Now that you know a little more about limestone flooring for outside, contact Impression to move forward with your project. You can get further inspiration and ideas from the professionals to help you create the look you want for the exterior of your home. Limestone flooring is very popular, both inside and outside of a house.