Stone Floors
Discount Flooring > Stone Floors • Tile Floors • Wood Floors • Vinyl Floors
When it comes to flooring, stone is very similar to ceramic tile and can
be used anywhere tile can be used. Stone has a more rough-hewn look
than tile and is distinctive because of its natural colors and interesting
veining.
There are many types of stone used in flooring. The most popular stones are limestone, marble, and granite. Limestone has a smooth surface and can be white, yellow, gray-black, or brown. Marble is veined and can be black, cream, red, or white, as well as green, gold, gray, or pink. Granite is mottled and comes in hues ranging from salt-and-pepper to rust tones to black.
You will usually want a professional to install a stone floor, but if you decide to tackle the job yourself, check out this video and instructions for installing a stone floor. One thing to keep in mind is that because of the heavy weight of the stones, you will need a well-supported subfloor. In addition, because of the varying thicknesses of the stone, you will need a thick cushion of mortar.
Dirt and grit do the most damage to a stone floor, so keep area rugs at
the entrance to your home to keep abrasives to a minimum. Dust mop
your floor frequently with a clean, untreated, dry dust mop. For
more extensive cleaning, use a pH-neutral detergent or stone soap; do not
use vinegar or lemon juice. Aqua Mix manufactures a series of stone care products,
and the Mary Moppins Cleaning System offers additional tips on
cleaning your stone floor. For more information about
stone floor care,
the National Training Center for Stone and Masonry Trades features a good
selection of online and print resources.
To protect against staining, you should apply an acrylic sealer to your floor immediately after it is installed and once or twice a year thereafter. Also, blot up spills immediately.