natural stone tile is one of the most luxurious materials available for architecture and interior design. Our most popular varieties are marble, limestone, quartzite, travertine and basalt. We also offer a carefully-curated selection of granite, onyx, slate and more.
Uses of natural stone tiles
Natural stone tiles can be found in a variety of commercial and residential properties and applications, mainly in kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories, and hallways.
They can be installed on many different surfaces, such as walls, floors and splashbacks, making them ideal for many spaces.
ADVANTAGES OF NATURAL STONE TILES
There are many practical advantages of using natural stone tiles throughout your home, here are ten of the benefits:
Easy to maintain
A natural stone floor provides a hard-wearing, easy to clean and maintain, durable floor covering. They are straightforward to care for and won’t need replacing any time soon.
It can withstand heavy footfall and usage for many years to come, so it’s the perfect material for floors for families with children.
It adds value to your property
Natural stone flooring is timeless and not effected by fashion trends, so you can guarantee that it will add some value to your property should you wish to sell down the line.
Natural beauty
There is no denying that natural stone tiles are beautiful. They have been used for a long time, and they seamlessly add elegance to a property as they radiate a stylish and classy look.
Adds warmth
Not in terms of heat, but natural stone tiles can add a warm feeling to a room with their rich, natural colours and soft textures. So even in rooms with little natural light, natural stone tiles can help add a touch of warmth to the space that really brightens up a room.
Unique pieces
Every tile of stone floor is unique and never identical. Each stone tile has distinct veining, colouring, and natural characteristics, creating a timeless floor covering that you won’t find anywhere else. Your property will always look unique and special in its own way.
Keep your home cool
Natural stone tiles can help keep the climate cooler in your home, becoming a preferred choice for properties in warmer countries or properties that are exposed to extensive sunlight in the summer months.
Hygienic floor surface
Natural stone tiles do not store dust, pet hairs, or skin particles, providing an ideal floor to keep clean.
Great for underfloor heating
If you’re considering underfloor heating in your home, natural floor tiles are great for this application as they are great heat conductors. Not only will your floor be stylish, but it will also be practical too.
Sturdy and durable
Natural stone tiles are a sturdy and durable material for flooring. They won’t be susceptible to breaking or staining, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Easily cleaned
A simple wipe down with a cloth or mop is all that is needed to remove any spills, no scrubbing or special cleaning products required — another reason why natural stone tiles are the perfect addition to homes with children.
HOW IS NATURAL STONE FORMED?
Stone is developed when one or more minerals coalesce into a solid form. There are 3 main categories of natural stone: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous.
Sedimentary stone are formed by mineral deposits on the ocean floor, or other bodies of surface water, that accumulate to create rock beds then bond together through pressure and heat. Limestone and travertine are examples of sedimentary stone.
Metamorphic stone are stones that have changed (morphed) through heat, pressure and mineral deposits into another type of stone. Examples are marble, quartzite, slate, and soapstone. Igneous stone are formed by mineral liquids and gases penetrating volcanic magma before it cools and solidifies. Granite is igneous stone.
Natural Stone tile vs. Ceramic
When it comes to tile, there are two kinds that are quite similar—natural stone tile and ceramic. They’re both hard surface materials with comparable characteristics and durability.
They’re both also made from natural materials, installed the same and require the same level of care. Natural stone and ceramic tile each have their own benefits and drawbacks, depending on where they’re installed.
Things to Consider When Choosing Natural Stone tile & Ceramic Tile
When it comes to deciding which material makes the best choice for your space, it’s all about understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Before you look at the materials themselves, consider the overall design of the space, how many people use the space and what the space needs to hold up to on a daily basis. Choose your tile carefully and don’t skimp on cleaning and maintenance to ensure that your space will look gorgeous for years to come.
To make it even easier, keep in mind these takeaways as you make your way through our tile department of one of our locations:
Ceramic tile flooring is budget friendly and easy to keep clean
Natural stone tiles are slightly higher in cost, but are natural and luxurious, and cleaning isn’t too difficult.
Don’t be swayed by DIY home improvement shows: tile installation is a job best left to the pros!
