A natural stone floor: Do's and Don'ts

When visitors come to our showroom, we often notice that they have done a lot of preliminary research on the internet. Logically, these days the internet offers an endless stream of information that can help you enormously in making the right choices. Unfortunately, this also means that people often come in with prejudices about natural grey stone. Sometimes rightly, but more often wrongly. Natural stone has instructions for use, but once you understand them, you have a floor for life. But what should you actually pay attention to?

DO

1. Take a good look at the function of the room where the floor will be installed

The use of the space where the floor will be installed usually determines which type of stone is best there. An entrance requires a hard and wear-resistant tile that has relatively little impact on dirt, while a bathroom or wellness area requires a floor with a non-slip surface. In the kitchen you would rather not have a tile that stains quickly and the stairs must be able to withstand thousands of footsteps effortlessly. On a shady terrace, you prefer to opt for a compact stone so that algae growth and green deposits have much less chance.

2. Match the size and laying pattern of the tiles in the room

To make the most of the space, it is important to look at the size and laying pattern of the tile. Large tiles provide a spacious and calm effect. Small tiles often create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The laying pattern also determines the final effect. Rectangular tiles can be laid in a stretcher bond or straight. You can simply lay square tiles straight for a sleek and modern look. When you turn them 45 degrees, the diagonal lines make the room appear larger. You can also choose different sizes of tiles that are laid according to a certain pattern.

3. For outdoor use, choose a natural stone that retains its color

Gray limestone is extremely popular as patio tile. In honed version, the stone is anthracite in color. Under the influence of the weather, the terrace tile will eventually return to its original mouse-grey color. If you find this disturbing, you can regularly treat the bluestone with a colour-increasing impregnation agent. It is even better to choose a type of stone that does retain its color, such as basalt or quartz sandstone. If you have small children, it is better not to choose a dark color terrace tiles. These absorb the sunlight and can get quite warm in the summer. Maybe too warm for small children's feet. Then choose lighter types that reflect sunlight, such as quartz sandstone.

4. For the right choice, go to a specialized natural stone company

Here they have a lot of knowledge of the properties of natural stone and they can provide you with personal advice for a functional floor that suits your personality and lifestyle. Feel free to bring your construction drawings with you. The seller can then calculate the number of square meters required.

DON'TS

1. Choose the floor based on a sample floor

Characteristic of natural stone is its unique appearance. The variation in colour, structure and gloss is unprecedented. No tile is the same. That is why it is not wise to choose a floor on the basis of a sample tile. Make sure that you have always seen the floor of your choice on a large surface. It is even better to reserve your own batch in the warehouse.

2. Lay the natural stone floor yourself

Natural stone is a natural product, where no two tiles are the same. Differences in size and thickness may occur. Given these tolerances, it is better to have a natural stone setter lay the floor. An experienced craftsman knows the properties of the stone and will take this into account during installation. This ensures the best result is achieved.

3. Cleaning the bathroom with anti-limescale agents

Some types of natural stone, such as marble and bluestone, consist (partially) of lime. Corrosive cleaning products such as chlorine and anti-limescale agents attack the lime and etch into the top layer of the natural stone. This gives lighter or whiter dull spots. Make sure you use cleaning products specifically for natural stone.

4. Choosing a high-gloss polished marble tile in a young family

When choosing the material, pay attention to the family composition. After all, a family with young children in a single-family home has very different requirements than an elderly couple in an apartment. Small children and an enthusiastic dog will have trouble with a slippery floor. If the dog brings in mountains of sand, it is better to opt for a hard floor such as basalt, granite or quartzite tiles. Especially with the somewhat softer types of natural stone, sand can cause scratches over time. A good dry-walking mat in front of the door will keep most of the sand off your floor. If you vacuum or sweep the floor regularly, you will see that the floor will only become more beautiful over the years. Even after years of intensive use, the material retains its natural beauty.

Quality Marble Exports is a leading supplier of marble. We deal in manufacturing and supply of granite, exotic stone, sandstone, slate, and stone handicrafts.