The Essential Guide to Stone Floors
Millions of years in the making, millions of years in human use, and millions of years in our homes, stone is a fabulous material for flooring. Prized for its durability and natural beauty, it is the most graceful aging flooring material and the wide variety of textures and colors available means that each floor is unique.
Stone is sometimes thought of only for vintage homes, but highly polished stone, like De Ferranti’s African Brown, adds a sleek, contemporary feel. Although it’s most commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and sunrooms, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t choose stone for a bedroom or living room. There is a growing trend to place the same stone throughout the ground floor and on a terrace to create a wonderful sense of space both indoors and out.
Things to Consider
While color, pattern, and finish may be at the forefront of your mind when choosing stone, consider practicalities first. Does your house have wooden floor joists and are they capable of supporting the additional weight? Does your budget extend to underfloor heating, since stone can feel cold? Do you have small children or pets that may find the surface hard and unforgiving? A stone floor is a great investment, so think it over. One complaint about stone in kitchens and dining rooms is that glass and porcelain break if dropped, while bathrooms can become slippery.
But there are many positive sides to the stone. Virtually indestructible, it’s easy to clean if properly sealed, allergy friendly, and a good choice for damp areas as it resists moisture and flooding. It is a natural material that comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, from pale marbles to black slates, and a strikingly vivid color palette in between with yellows, blues, greens, and pinks created by the mineral content. Natural variations add interest (look for veins, veining, and even fossils) and you can alter the character of any stone with a finish like a high-gloss polish, understated matte, or even a weathered effect. Stone placement offers more decorative opportunities: large tiles or a combination of sizes look spectacular, while herringbone or basket weave patterns or travertine mosaics create a softer effect.
Finally, despite its reputation for being cold underfoot, stone is a great insulator, staying cool in summer and retaining ambient heat in winter.
Old, New or Composite
Renowned specialists offer freshly mined and “reclaimed” stone. The latter tends to be more expensive, but has an immediate patina and smoothness and can be more environmentally friendly (though weigh the shipping implications). Solid stones like slate, sandstone, limestone, and granite are good choices, but also consider composite flooring. Made from crushed or ground stone mixed with a bonding agent, it shapes like tile and has a more uniform finish at a lower price.
Stone floors must be properly installed. A professional installer can advise you on sealants, adhesives, grouts and the preparation of the support to prevent movement.
choice and maintenance
o Although neutrals are popular, consider more unusual shades like the pinks and greens of Mandarin’s Peacock Riven slate.
o See as many different stones as possible.
o Ask to see a similar floor in situ, as it can look quite different in mass and seal.
o Look for interesting patterns. Mark Wilkinson of Hopton Works comments: “It’s still possible to find rare colors and patterns.”
o Check the delivery times as the stone that is not in stock may take longer to arrive.
o Make sure your stone is properly sealed. Charlie Smallbone of Paris Ceramics says, “A big misconception is that limestone floors stain or discolor with use. But modern stamps preserve even the palest stone.”
o Clean up any acid spills immediately.
o Clean with a dedicated cleaner such as Lithofin Easycare