Choosing Stone Flooring For Your Home
You've decided that it's time your home got a new makeover, but after changing the furniture and window treatments - something's still not quite right. Ahh, you say, it's the floors! Time for a change. But what to change it to? Carpet is boring, hardwood is so over done, and imported tile is simply too expensive. Isn't there anything you can place on your floors to give them a spruce up?
Never fear, there is a flooring alternative that is going to be perfect for your home. A new twist on a material you might never have considered. Stone flooring! This beautiful flooring material is quickly gaining in popularity in homes across the country, and is easily affordable on any budget.
Stone flooring comes in many different materials, and can be integrated into any décor. A good home improvement store will have many available choices for you to pick from. You can choose from any type of stone you like, and stone flooring comes in colors that will go well with every decorating style.
Different Types
Remember, there are many different types of stone flooring you can choose from for your home. Some of the more popular types of stone used for floors are granite, marble, slate, and travertine. The beauty of stone flooring is that is relatively indestructible; and that once installed it will last practically forever in your home.
Granite flooring is one of the most popular types of stone flooring. Its speckled, dark surface is easily maintained, and shows very little signs of wear and tear. Marble is beautiful and elegant flooring, but can become slippery, and is not the best flooring to have in a home with small children or the elderly. Slate is a less expensive alternative to granite and marble, but is not as durable. And travertine, the least expensive, is quite suitable for a home decorated in a Tuscany style.
Caring For Stone Flooring
Stone flooring needs to be regularly sealed, to prevent staining. The grout between stone tiles can also become quite dirty, and needs regular cleaning in order to keep your floors looking nice. Softer stones are easily chipped, so it is a good idea to only choose stone flooring that is readily available at your local home improvement store. That way you won't have to worry about trying to find a hard-to-find stone tile.
You should always hire a professional to install your stone flooring for you. These stone tiles can be quite heavy, and rather difficult to install on your own if you've never done it before. Although hiring a contractor can become rather expensive, it is well worth the cost when you see your beautiful new stone flooring.
