Do you find it hard to decide on the right floor stone types for your home? Many of the stone types look the same, but there are big differences in durability, appearance, and of course, cost.
Let’s cover the different floor stone types!
| Stone Type | Porosity | Durability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | Varies (may require sealing) | Moderate-High | Moderate-High |
| Granite | Low | High | High |
| Slate | Low-Moderate | High | Moderate |
| Limestone | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Travertine | High | Low-Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Sandstone | Moderate | Low-Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Terrazzo | Low | High | Moderate-High |
| Onyx | Low | Low-Moderate | High |
| Quartzite | Low-Moderate | High | High |
| Basalt | Low | High | Moderate-High |
| Quartz | Low | High | Moderate-High |
| Serpentine | Low | Low-Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Schist | Low-Moderate | Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Porcelain Tile | Low | High | Moderate-High |
| Cobblestone | Low | High | Low-Moderate |
| Mosaic | Varies (depends on grout) | Moderate | Low-Moderate |
| Concrete | Low-Moderate | High | Low-Moderate |
| Agglomerate Stone | Low | High | Moderate-High |
| Coral Stone | Low | Low-Moderate | Moderate |
| Bluestone | Low | High | Moderate |
The Different Floor Stone Types
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant natural stone with a distinctive veined appearance. It comes in a range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for flooring.
Granite
Granite is a durable and hard natural stone known for its resistance to scratches and heat. It is available in different colors and textures, providing a polished and sophisticated look.
Slate
Slate is a dense and fine-grained metamorphic rock that comes in various shades of gray, green, and black. It has a natural, rustic appearance and is often used in outdoor spaces as well.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that offers a soft and subtle look. It comes in various earthy tones and can add a warm and inviting ambiance to a space.
Travertine
Travertine is a type of limestone that has a distinctive porous texture and natural pits. It is available in beige, tan, and cream hues, and is commonly used in Mediterranean-style interiors.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains. It is available in a range of colors, from beige and brown to red and gray. Sandstone provides a natural and textured look to floors.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a composite material that consists of chips of marble, granite, or other stones embedded in a cement or epoxy matrix. It offers a unique and customizable look with a smooth, polished finish.
Onyx
Onyx is a translucent stone with striking veining patterns. It is often used for decorative purposes, such as inlays or accent pieces, and can create a visually stunning floor design.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that resembles marble but is more durable and resistant to staining. It comes in a variety of colors and can add a touch of natural beauty to any space.
Basalt
Basalt is a volcanic rock that is dark gray to black in color. It has a uniform texture and is often used in contemporary designs, providing a sleek and modern look.
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered stone made from natural quartz crystals mixed with resin and pigments. It is highly durable, low maintenance, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Serpentine
Serpentine is a green mineral rock that is often used as a decorative stone. It can add a unique touch to floors with its distinctive green hues and veining.
Schist
Schist is a metamorphic rock that has a layered structure and comes in a variety of colors, including gray, green, and gold. It offers a natural and textured appearance for flooring.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a versatile and durable option for flooring. It is made from dense clay and fired at high temperatures, resulting in a hard and resistant surface. Porcelain tiles can mimic the look of various natural stones.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains. It is available in a range of colors and can provide a warm and earthy look to floors. Sandstone is popular for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone is a natural stone that has been rounded and smoothed by water. It is often used in outdoor pathways and driveways to create a rustic and charming look.
Mosaic
Mosaic flooring consists of small pieces of stone or glass tiles arranged in patterns or designs. It allows for creativity and can be customized to suit different styles and preferences.
Concrete
Concrete floors have gained popularity in modern and industrial-style designs. They can be polished, stained, or stamped to create a sleek and contemporary look.
Schist
Schist is a metamorphic rock with a medium to coarse-grained texture. It comes in various colors, including shades of gray, brown, and gold. Schist offers a natural and textured appearance for flooring.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone flooring features natural stone pebbles or cobbles arranged in a pattern or embedded in a matrix. It is commonly used in outdoor areas to create a rustic and charming look.
Agglomerate Stone
Agglomerate stone is an engineered stone that is made by combining crushed stone, resin, and other materials. It offers a wide range of colors and patterns and is known for its durability.
Coral Stone
Coral stone is a fossilized limestone that is formed from coral reefs. It has a unique appearance with natural patterns and textures and is commonly used in coastal and tropical-themed designs.
Bluestone
Bluestone is a type of sandstone that is primarily blue-gray in color. It is a popular choice for outdoor flooring due to its natural beauty and resistance to weathering.
Which Stone Is Best For Flooring?
While several types of stones are great for flooring, the best one for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the location of the flooring. Some popular options include:
- Marble: Marble is a popular choice for flooring due to its elegant appearance and durability. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a style that fits your home’s decor.
- Granite: Granite is a durable and long-lasting stone that is ideal for high-traffic areas. It is also resistant to scratches and stains, making it a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Travertine: Travertine is a type of limestone that is known for its unique texture and natural beauty. It is available in a range of colors and finishes, including matte, polished, and honed.
- Slate: Slate is a natural stone that is ideal for flooring due to its durability and resistance to water and stains. It is available in a range of colors, including gray, green, and black.
- Limestone: Limestone is a subtle stone that offers a warm and inviting look. It is relatively affordable and comes in various earthy tones.
Ultimately, the best stone for your flooring will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional to help you choose the right type of stone for your home.
What Is The Hardest Stone Flooring Material?
The hardest stone flooring material is generally considered to be granite. Granite is an igneous rock that is formed from the slow crystallization of magma deep below the earth’s surface. It is a very dense and hard material, making it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and wear.
Granite is also highly resistant to heat and moisture, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Granite is generally considered to be the hardest and most durable of all natural stone flooring materials.
What Is The Most Expensive Stone For Flooring?
The most expensive stone for flooring is typically considered to be a rare and highly sought-after type of marble. Among them, Calacatta marble and Statuario marble are known for their exquisite beauty and high price tags.
- Calacatta marble is renowned for its stunning white background and bold, dramatic veining. It is quarried primarily in Italy and is characterized by its large, prominent veining patterns. Calacatta marble is highly coveted for its luxurious appearance and is often associated with high-end and upscale designs.
- Statuario marble is another premium and highly valued type of marble. It features a white background with subtle gray veining that can range from fine to bold. Statuario marble is famous for its elegance and is often used in prestigious architectural and interior design projects.
The price of these marbles can vary based on factors such as the quality, availability, size of slabs, and intricacy of the veining. However, they are generally regarded as some of the most expensive stone options for flooring due to their rarity, beauty, and desirability in the market.
What Is The Cheapest Stone For A Floor?
The cheapest stone for a floor is generally considered to be slate. Slate is a sedimentary rock that is formed from the compression of clay and shale over time. It is a durable and long-lasting material that is resistant to scratches and stains.
Slate is available in a range of colors, including gray, green, and black, and is often used for outdoor applications such as patios and walkways. However, it can also be used indoors for flooring, particularly in areas with high traffic.
Other affordable stone flooring options include sandstone, limestone, and travertine, although the cost can vary depending on the quality and source of the stone. It’s important to keep in mind that while these stones may be more affordable than other options, they still require proper installation and maintenance to ensure their longevity and durability.
Are Stone Floors Cold?
Yes, stone floors can feel cold to the touch, especially in colder climates or during the winter months. This is because stone is a naturally cool material that doesn’t retain heat as well as other flooring materials. However, the coolness of stone floors can also be an advantage in warmer climates or during the summer months, as it can help keep a space feeling cool and comfortable.
If you live in a colder climate as we do and are concerned about the coolness of stone floors, you can consider installing radiant heating beneath the flooring to help warm it up. Additionally, adding rugs or other soft furnishings to the space can help create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere while also providing insulation against the cold.
Are Stone Floors Easy To Maintain?
Stone floors can be relatively easy to maintain with proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips for maintaining stone floors:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface of the stone.
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining. Use a soft cloth or mop and a pH-neutral cleaner that is safe for use on natural stone.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface of the stone.
- Seal the stone periodically to help protect it against stains and scratches.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to help protect the stone and prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floor.
While stone floors can be relatively easy to maintain, it’s important to keep in mind that the level of maintenance required will depend on the type of stone and the finish of the flooring. Some types of stone, such as marble, may require more frequent sealing and specialized cleaning products to maintain their appearance. It’s a good idea to consult with a stone flooring professional to determine the best maintenance plan for your specific type of stone flooring.
Comparing Stone Flooring With Other Flooring Options
Is stone flooring the right choice for you or not? And how does it compare with other flooring options? Let’s find out!
Stone Flooring vs Hardwood Flooring
Stone flooring and hardwood flooring each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Durability: Stone flooring is generally more durable and long-lasting than hardwood flooring. Stone is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear and tear, while hardwood is more susceptible to damage from foot traffic, spills, and scratches.
- Maintenance: Stone flooring is relatively easy to maintain with regular cleaning and sealing, while hardwood flooring requires more frequent maintenance to keep it looking its best.
- Aesthetics: Stone flooring has a unique and elegant appearance that can add a touch of sophistication to any space. Hardwood flooring has a warm and natural look that can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Cost: Stone flooring is generally more expensive than hardwood flooring, both in terms of the cost of the materials and the cost of installation.
- Comfort: Hardwood flooring is generally more comfortable to walk on than stone flooring, as it is softer and warmer underfoot.
Stone Flooring vs Laminate Flooring
Here are some key differences between stone and laminate flooring options:
- Durability: Stone flooring is generally more durable and long-lasting than laminate flooring. Stone is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear and tear, while laminate is more susceptible to damage from foot traffic, spills, and scratches.
- Maintenance: Stone flooring is relatively easy to maintain with regular cleaning and sealing, but so is laminate. However, laminate is more sensitive to water and moisture, which makes laminate not a good flooring option for bathrooms.
- Aesthetics: Stone flooring has a unique and elegant appearance that can add a touch of sophistication to any space. Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of finishes and patterns, but it may not have the same natural look and feel as stone.
- Cost: Stone flooring is generally more expensive than laminate flooring, both in terms of the cost of the materials and the cost of installation.
- Comfort: Stone flooring can be cold and hard to the touch, while laminate flooring is softer and warmer underfoot, but not as warm as hardwood.
Stone Flooring vs Vinyl Flooring
Here are some key differences between stone and vinyl flooring options:
- Durability: Stone flooring is generally more durable and long-lasting than vinyl flooring. Stone is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear and tear, while vinyl is more susceptible to damage from foot traffic, spills, and scratches.
- Maintenance: Stone flooring is relatively easy to maintain with regular cleaning and sealing, while vinyl flooring requires less maintenance but can be easily damaged by water and moisture.
- Aesthetics: Stone flooring has a unique and elegant appearance that can add a touch of sophistication to any space. Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of finishes and patterns, but it may not have the same natural look and feel as stone.
- Cost: Stone flooring is generally more expensive than vinyl flooring, both in terms of the cost of the materials and the cost of installation.
- Comfort: Stone flooring can be cold and hard to the touch, while vinyl flooring is softer and warmer underfoot.
Stone Flooring vs Carpet Flooring
Here are some key differences between stone and carpet flooring options:
- Durability: Stone flooring is generally more durable and long-lasting than carpet flooring. Stone is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear and tear, while the carpet is more susceptible to damage from foot traffic, spills, and stains.
- Maintenance: Stone flooring is relatively easy to maintain with regular cleaning and sealing, while carpet flooring requires more frequent cleaning to prevent dirt and debris from becoming embedded in the fibers.
- Aesthetics: Stone flooring has a unique and elegant appearance that can add a touch of sophistication to any space. Carpet flooring is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and it can create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Carpets are popular in bedrooms and walk-in closets, but a poor choice for kitchens and hallways. However, a sisal carpet is widely used on stairs!
- Cost: Stone flooring is generally more expensive than carpet flooring, both in terms of the cost of the materials and the cost of installation.
- Comfort: Carpet flooring is more comfortable to walk on than stone flooring, as it is softer and warmer underfoot.
| Flooring Option | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics | Cost | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone | Very durable | Moderate maintenance | Natural and varied | High | Cool and hard |
| Hardwood | Moderate to high | Moderate maintenance | Classic and warm | High | Warm and soft |
| Laminate | Moderate | Easy maintenance | Wide range of looks | Moderate | Firm and slightly cold |
| Vinyl | Moderate to high | Easy maintenance | Versatile designs | Low to moderate | Softer and warmer |
| Carpet | Varies (depends on type) | Moderate maintenance | Wide range of looks | Low to high | Soft and warm |
Is Stone Flooring A Good Idea?
Stone flooring can be a great idea for a number of reasons. Here are some benefits of stone flooring:
- Durability: Stone is one of the most durable flooring materials available. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and scratches without showing signs of wear and tear.
- Aesthetics: Stone flooring can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, making it easy to find a style that fits your home’s decor.
- Low maintenance: Stone flooring is relatively easy to maintain. It can be swept or vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and debris, and spills can be wiped up quickly to prevent staining.
- Resale value: Stone flooring can increase the resale value of your home. It is a high-end flooring material that is often associated with luxury and quality.
- Eco-friendliness: Stone is a natural material that is environmentally friendly. It is a sustainable flooring option that doesn’t require the use of harmful chemicals or synthetic materials.
While there are many benefits to stone flooring, it’s important to keep in mind that it can be a more expensive option than other flooring materials. Additionally, some types of stone can be slippery when wet, so it’s important to choose a finish that provides adequate traction to prevent slips and falls.
