So you’re having a kitchen or bathroom refit done and you have to choose new flooring. Stone Tiles are a great addition and will last very many years, and if it’s what you’ve decided on, then there’s just the matter of choosing stone tiles that are right for you, and what your going to be using them for.
In modern society we’re spoiled for choice and that can be a blessing and a curse. With so many styles, designs and materials out there, how do you settle on one? After all, this is an investment for many years to come and you’ll want your choice to last as long as the tiles do.
Natural stone has been used on floors for centuries and if you’re looking at choosing stone tiles, then here’s how to get the right one.
Slate Tiles
Slate is commonly used on flooring and it’s durable and hardwearing.The material splits into thin sheets easily, making for the perfect tiles and as it’s well textured under foot, it shouldn’t be too slippery either. Slate is a great choice for both bathrooms and kitchens and can look rustic or industrial depending on the style.
Granite Tiles
Granite is probably the hardest natural stone out there and will give you a floor that will last you many years. For a clean look this stone holds the shine, and repels water well, preventing staining. However, it’s polished surface can make it very slippery for bathrooms and kitchens, and it’s unforgiving, every mark and stain shows.
Limestone
Limestone is a resilient stone that is perfect for flooring, and while it does absorb water, it’s very popular for bathrooms mainly due to its bleached out look and tendency to look a little like wood.
Travertine
Travertine is a sedimentary rock and while popular for tiles, it’s softer than limestone and so will lose its shine eventually. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as what it settles into is a beautiful rustic finish. Travertine feels soft and warm under foot making it a perfect bathroom and kitchen flooring.
Whatever you choose for your bathroom or kitchen, it’s important to consider how it will react in these heavy use rooms. Both kitchens and bathrooms are prone to water spillage, so whatever tile you choose you’ll want something that doesn’t stain.
It’s also worth considering size and tile patterns, a smaller tile offers better grip underfoot, but is also more difficult to keep clean with so many grouted areas, while large tiles in polished materials can be a real slip hazard when wet.
It’s a lot to think about, and that’s just the flooring of course, just one part of your kitchen or bathroom renovation. Thankfully we have experts on hand to answer any of your questions, and arrange your bathroom or kitchen installation and we can talk tiles when we discuss all your design ideas with you.