Uncover the Beauty of Natural Stone Tile for Your Home

Natural stone tile is just what it sounds like – non-man-made, all-natural material straight from Mother Nature. It has aesthetic and practical qualities, making it a great flooring choice for homes.

Unlike carpet, which traps allergens, natural stone tiles keep dirt and debris on the surface where you can easily sweep or vacuum it. It also resists stains, so it requires less maintenance.

Durability

The best natural stone tile will last generations with proper installation and regular maintenance. This makes it the perfect option for high-traffic areas of your home, including hallways and outdoor surfaces. Some types of stone are more durable than others, so be sure to choose the best stone for your specific needs.

Because they are sourced from the earth, each piece of natural stone tile is unique and one-of-a-kind. When choosing stone tiles for your home, view several samples before you buy to ensure that you get a truly cohesive look. However, because of the natural variances in each piece, some people find that this type of tile is less practical for large spaces where the variations may be distracting.

Most natural stone tiles need to be sealed after installation to protect the surface from staining and make cleaning easier. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on how often your sealer should be reapplied. While it requires a bit more care than most types of tile, a properly sealed stone floor is easy to maintain and can withstand everyday wear and tear without chipping or staining. Stone tiles are also an excellent choice for bathrooms because they are water-resistant. This means they can be used in showers, backsplashes, and countertops.

Versatility

When incorporating natural stone into your home, versatility is key. The organic nuances of each piece make it fit in perfectly with any design scheme and remain relevant through changing trends. This is why a bold-coloured or textured stone is the perfect accent to complement a minimalist modern interior or a timeless natural wood floor in a rustic cabin.

More porous natural stones like travertine and marble are better suited for use on floors or in bathrooms than countertops because they are more likely to stain from food spills and bacteria found in kitchens. On the other hand, slate is a less porous option that works well for kitchen countertops and can also be used as backsplashes.

A high-quality sealer can help minimize the risk of staining by covering the pores in each stone. This will protect the surface from absorbing liquids and make cleaning easier. It is recommended to reseal natural stone tile every 1 to 2 years as part of your maintenance routine. When selecting the right stone for your project, navigating the many options and deciding what will work best can be difficult.

Easy Maintenance

The natural durability of stone makes it a long-lasting addition to your home. This means you won’t need to replace your countertops, floors, or outdoor paving soon.

As with any material, proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving the beauty of your natural stone tiles. Since every type of natural stone has unique properties and porosity, you’ll need to research the specific care guidelines for your specific stones.

Sweep or dust mop your natural stone tile regularly to remove dirt and debris, as gritty particles can scratch the surface over time. For more thorough cleaning, sanitize with clean water, a pH-balanced stone cleaner, or a mixture of mild dish soap and water. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Regularly flush the stone with clear water in outdoor patio and pool areas to remove contaminants that can stain or discolour your stone.

If you notice white powdery stains on your natural stone tile, this is called efflorescence and can be caused by excess moisture from the grout line or subsurface. Dry the area using a nylon scraper or vacuum and reseal the tile if necessary. This will prevent the moisture from absorbing and causing future problems like mould or fungus.

Value

Natural stone infuses your home with an elegant, luxurious vibe. That high-end look attracts potential home buyers and increases your property value. This is true regardless of whether you choose stone tile for flooring, walls, showers, or exterior cladding/paving.

Because it is a natural material, each piece of stone is unique and unique. This provides a beautiful and interesting design element in your home that cannot be duplicated with manufactured products. Plus, unlike some materials that need to be replaced every few years, natural stone surfaces last the lifetime of your home.

Using a natural stone in your home can also be environmentally friendly, which is good for the planet and your budget. Home Advisor says this is because natural stone retains heat all day and then releases it at night to help keep your home comfortable. It is also energy efficient in that it helps manage heating and cooling costs.

As with any surface, cleaning and caring for your natural stone tiles is important. Regular cleaning and sealing can help keep your tile looking great for years. When used as a backsplash, countertop, or wall cladding, stone adds an appealing texture that always stays in style. Its timeless appeal will not only complement the current design of your space but it will also enhance future remodels and renovations.