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Know Your Flooring: Stone

Stone-tiled floors run the gamut from rustic beauty to sophisticated glamour. Here we lay the groundwork of what you need to know

Rebecca Gross 5 June 2016

Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."

Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More

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Stone floors offer a hard surface and are naturally cool underfoot, and while they might be an investment financially, they are also an investment in the longevity and durability of your floor. Plus, since no two slabs are the same, they offer a high degree of variation and character. Stone floors are no longer just the realm of castles and palaces and today they reign in residential abodes due to advances in technology and production. But since your home is your castle, this guide gives you the lowdown on stone flooring.

Kitchen Culture

What is stone flooring?
Stone flooring is made from quarried rocks, which may be metamorphic (slate and marble), sedimentary (limestone and travertine) or igneous rocks (granite). They are made by slicing boulders and slabs into square or rectangular tiles of varying size and depth.

Hobsons Choice

Browse a gallery of stone flooring

Becki Peckham

What to consider when choosing stone flooring

Stone flooring is available in granite, marble, limestone, slate and travertine, to name a few, and the choice of stone affects the colour, pattern and character of the end result.
The porosity of the stone – the amount and size of pores – affects the strength and stain resistance of a floor. Non-porous stones, such as slate or granite, are a better choice in high-traffic areas, while porous stones, such as limestone and travertine, require regular sealing and cleaning to prevent staining and pitting.
The finish of a stone will also influence its placement. For example, highly polished stones may be too slippery in bathroom areas.

VESP Architects

The pros of stone flooring

Stone floors are naturally cool, making them a great choice in warmer climates.
They are available in a range of colours and patterns to suit the style of a house or room.
Stone floors are durable, resistant to wear and tear, and easy to look after.

Finch London

Due to its resistant qualities, stone flooring can be used to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
When well cared for, stone floors can boost the value of a home due to their character, permanence and durability.

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Eco Outdoor AUS

The cons of stone flooring

Stone floors can be cold in cooler climates. Underfloor heating or rugs can help improve their warmth value.
They are also slippery when wet and unforgiving on bodies and objects that may tumble.
Some materials, such as marble, may scratch. Others that are brittle may chip.
Stone also doesn’t absorb sound the way flooring such as carpet does.

Contemporary Kitchen Contemporary Kitchen

Maintaining stone flooring

Sweep and/or vacuum floors regularly to remove dust and dirt that may scratch the stone or sealant over time.
Wipe up spills quickly to prevent staining, and avoid harsh cleansing materials when mopping.
Doormats at entrances and main doors can eliminate dirt from becoming trapped and doing damage to a stone floor.

MR.MITCHELL

VARIETY OF STONE FLOORS

Slate
Slate is a highly versatile stone that is stain- and water-resistant. It also provides a non-slip surface that makes it a great choice for entryways and passageways inside, and pools and patios outside.

Slate can be seen in dark greys, and deep greens and blues; it has a matt surface and a distinctive cleft pattern.

Ceramica Senio

Quartzite
Quartzite has a metallic appearance and varied colour tones due to silver mica throughout the body of the stone. It is from the slate family and is therefore very durable and hard wearing. The bathroom pictured here features 100 millimetre square silver quartzite floor tiles in a natural finish.

Sourcery Design

Travertine
Travertine has a porous surface with an almost sponge-like appearance, due to being formed in hot springs and/or limestone caves. Travertine is durable when properly sealed and maintained, however, it does have a tendency to scratch. This kitchen features 600 millimetres square silver travertine tiles.

Warm up with natural materials

Webb & Brown-Neaves

This hallway floor is honed and filled travertine, which means the holes in the stones filled, and the tiles are sanded with a coarse abrasive after they are cut to create a smooth, matt surface.

Bagnato Architecture & Interiors

Limestone
Limestone is known for its natural, earthen appearance and, unlike some stones, has little colour variation when cut from the same slab. Limestone is typically grey, white, beige and other natural tones, with a distinctive fleck. Limestone is more durable and resilient than travertine and it can be sanded for a perfectly smooth finish.

This church conversion floor features a limestone tile known as ‘Chiampo Limestone’. It has been acid-washed for additional texture.

Diana Sawicki Interior Design Inc.

Marble
Marble is a porous stone that can easily scratch and therefore should not be used in high-traffic areas. Marble comes in a variety of colours and patterns depending on where it’s quarried.

The overall look of marble is formal and sophisticated, and it can often be seen in bathrooms where it’s used for vanity benchtops and bathtubs as well as flooring.