Stone flooring is an attractive investment for your house; people often misunderstand their properties and consider them simple stones that are not worth it.

Apart from concrete, natural stone is probably the only material that can last up to centuries indoors and outdoors. Although it is common for customers to think twice before making a heavy investment like natural stones, there are still many advantages and disadvantages of natural stones that one should pay attention to before making the last choice. In this blog, we’ll closely study the stone flooring pros and cons to make you decide better.

Before we dive into the pros and cons of stone flooring, let us first have a deeper understanding of what stone flooring is and why it is so popular?

What is stone flooring?

Natural stones are stones formed naturally by water, lava, and minerals over almost millions of years. It is extracted directly from nature and is not man-made in any kind.

This stone has been a popular choice for various buildings and projects for thousands of years and almost all civilizations worldwide. For several years, the stone has been used by nearly all civilizations and many monuments like the pyramids of Giza, Taj Mahal, Colosseum, and much more. This formation of nature can never be fake, and thus natural stone beauty is everlasting and different.

Pros of natural stone flooring

• Durability of stone flooring tiles-  Stone floors are one of the most durable materials you can find in the market. Builders suggest that stone Floorings of marble, granite, slate, and others can last 100 years if maintained properly.
• Stone stays naturally cool- If your house is built in an area with a warm climate, stone flooring can be a relaxation to you in summers because it stays cool to touch, and one can even walk barefoot on it. Hence, stone flooring can work great for temperature control.
• Works great for both indoors and outdoors- Natural stone is a versatile material that can be used outdoors and indoors. To achieve a smooth flow at your house, you can opt for natural stone. It can do a great job of connecting indoors with outdoors. Stone floors can also add an illusion of bigger space instead of a compact one. One can use natural stones not just for flooring at many different places like countertops, fireplaces, driveways, etc.
• An excellent choice for creating an energy-efficient system- Natural Stone is considered one of the most energy effect flooring types in the market. It is known to capture heat in the day and slowly release it at night. If you want to create a warm environment at your house, stone flooring can work really well with an underground heating system to keep you comfortable in the cold weather.
• Keep allergens at bay- Natural stone is not only beautiful and durable but also is a non-porous material that does not trap in dust and allergens to hide. With no creases and spaces for the dust to settle in, natural stone provides a very healthy environment at home that is free of allergies and dust.
• Extensive varieties of stone: Natural stone offers different types of stone you can choose from. As natural stone is derived directly from nature and is formed naturally without any human interference, no stones are identical and hence provide you with various options that you can choose from to find a perfect match for your home.

Cons of natural stone flooring

• Stone flooring is expensive: Unlike artificial flooring options, stone can be a little expensive due to its natural properties. The shipping and installation costs of natural stones are relatively higher than that of artificial stones.
• Prone to water damage: In the case of natural stones, contact with water can easily damage your flooring. It can stain, chip and scratch if it comes in contact with water.
• Stone Flooring stays naturally cool: While the coolness of stone can be an advantage for some, it can also be a disadvantage for some as it depends on where you live? If you live in cold weather, you can get uncomfortable in winters unless you have a good heating system installed.
• It can get slippery: Stone flooring gets a bit slippery when wet. While you can secure the stone with sealants and make it work, it can still be risky and dangerous when wet.
• Dangerous for falls: Stone is a strong material that can be very dangerous for injuries by falls and slips. People often worry about this because this type of flooring has less cushioning than the artificial ones.
• Requires skilled installation: Stone flooring is more heavy and professional. Hence, it requires professional installation. While the shipment may seem more straightforward, the installation and execution processes are very tedious.

Here are some other points you can evaluate before you make your final choice,

> Cost of stone Flooring:  The cost of stone flooring varies by the type of stone you choose and the finish you opt for. It also depends on how much base preparation is required to lay the stones and the complexity of installation. On average, it costs around $8-$47 per square foot. The total cost of each type of stone varies. For example- marble costs around $10-$20, granite costs Between $2 to $10, limestone costs around $13-$30, and sandstone around $6 per square foot.

> Maintenance and care: You can extend the lifespan of any material by maintaining it properly. Therefore, by taking proper care of your natural stone flooring and making your stay new for decades. The kind of stone you own determines how you need to care for it. For instance, you first need to find out if your stone is a siliceous stone or a calcareous stone. 

1. For Siliceous stones like sandstone, granite, and slate, you can use a mild acidic solution to clean them as they can tolerate it.
2. For calcareous stones like marble and limestone, you need to pay close attention to what products you are using as they are more fragile than Siliceous stones.

After understanding the type of stone you own, start following a daily cleaning routine for your tiles. You can sweep and mop them to manage the dust and use mild cleaners for deep cleaning.

> Design and finish: You can compare and choose the stone that meets your requirements appropriately with different finishes and varieties to choose from. The finish of a stone is the texture and feel the stone provides. Various finishes in stone are honed, polished, and tumbled finishes.

1. Polished and smooth finish stones are smooth and more slippery when wet. They come with a reflective surface and are generally preferred for offices.
2. A honed finish is more natural as compared to a polished one. It appears more natural and raw and is usually chosen for bathrooms for a less slippery finish.
3. Tumbled finish is a finish that gives your floor a sculptured look that appears similar to the stone’s natural finish.

Stone flooring tiles can be a great choice for your house as it has been a successful flooring option since ancient times. It is more durable than wood and artificial tiles. They add a beautiful and luxe look to your house. 

Before you make a final choice, closely look at these pros and cons to decide what is the best for you. Make sure to contact experienced professionals so that you enjoy the experience thoroughly and have no regrets in the future.