When it comes to tiling the floor of a room, natural stone is a hit. Limestone is a popular choice because of its many advantages.
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First of all, it’s beautiful and durable. It’s not without limits either, but we’ll go into detail in a minute. And our goal is to provide you with a quick guide to help you make your decision.
In this article we will discuss the pros and cons of limestone flooring for homes, as well as some details about this natural stone, so you can make an informed decision about this flooring option.
What is limestone?
Let’s start by understanding the geology of the rock itself. It consists mainly of calcium carbonate and is a sedimentary rock.
It forms naturally when coral, algae and shells crystallize out of the water. Therefore, it is usually biologically produced when marine animals break down calcium carbonate in warm waters to make bones and shells.
So these creatures were killed to remove the limestone? No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. It is removed from the seabed when oysters and mussels die and accumulate.
Key benefits of limestone deck boards
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Let’s first look at the good news and discuss some of the benefits of limestone as a flooring material:
Price
If you compare it to other natural stones such as granite and marble, it is much cheaper. And if you explore the tile market, you will find limestone at a wide range of prices.
It is more difficult to maintain because it stains easily, which is one of the reasons why it is so cheap. However, many people choose this type of product for a variety of reasons.
Sustainability
Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it won’t last. These aren’t jogging pants you bought on the street.
If well maintained (which it should be), limestone can last a very long time due to its mineral composition. It is often described as a soft stone, but it has proven to stand the test of time.
Of course, limestone is more durable than softwood floors.
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If you want a natural stone floor within your budget, but also something beautiful, then limestone is an excellent choice. Unlike other natural stones such as marble and granite, limestone does not seem sterile.
These tiles give a warm atmosphere to a room and are available in a rainbow of colours ranging from beige, which tends to pink, to blue-grey, white and ivory, giving them a layered look.
If you’re lucky, you might see a fossil of a sea creature, which only adds to the aesthetics. Whether you prefer a rustic style, an elegant style or a mix of traditional and modern interior styles, limestone is the solution.
Respect for the environment
There’s no better feeling than knowing that your repairs or building materials won’t harm the planet. Respect for the environment is another point in favour of limestone.
And if you’re a smoker, you’ll be happy to know this stone isn’t flammable.
It also complies with environmental regulations, as even commercially available signs do not contain harmful chemicals. And when it’s time to give up, you can safely throw the stone away.
Versatility
We said that limestone is often described as a soft stone. This can be an advantage because it can be cut in different sizes and can be used in many contexts, from living rooms to bathrooms.
It works on walls as well as floors. You can even use it as a kitchen sink in your kitchen and you won’t regret your choice.
But a strong and sustained movement can do a lot of damage. So don’t choose limestone for your hallway or kitchen floor.
Basic requirements for limestone floors
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Speaking of damage: Nothing’s perfect. And it’s no problem as long as you work within her limits.
Now let’s look at some of the main disadvantages of limestone floors:
Service required
Compared to the strength of granite and marble, limestone does not go well together. It is a reasonable choice over vinyl, porcelain and wood, but it needs to be well maintained.
Moreover, limestone is a porous stone that is easy to stain. So make sure you lock it up so it looks good in the long run. Maintenance should be considered more often than with other floor coverings.
Experts recommend sealing the surface at regular intervals to prolong its service life.
The good news is that there are natural stains on limestone that can hide the stains you cause. But if you want it to look as good as possible, you will need to buy a special lime based cleaner.
If you want to stick with water, make sure to wipe the tiles regularly. Acidic chemicals are bad news because they are made of calcium carbonate. This also applies to certain fruits. So you really want to see what you’re doing on that rock.
Relative assessment
It is cheaper than other natural stones, but when you look at artificial options like vinyl or ceramics, limestone doesn’t look that cheap. If you install a floor covering in a commercial space, the limestone tiles may not be suitable for your budget.
Weight
Limestone slabs are an interesting idea, but the larger slabs are quite heavy and this weight has to be taken into account in relation to the floor. Their heaviness also makes them difficult to transport and they tend to crack and flake easily, making installation a bit difficult.
Softness
It is a porous stone that can easily flake in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic compared to other natural stones.
It is therefore not preferred for corridors and commercial kitchens. If you want to protect your tiles from damage, seal and treat them regularly.
Bottom line
There are different types of natural stones on the market. But none of them can give you the appearance and durability of limestone in this price range. Yes, it takes some work to install and maintain the stone, but it’s almost ready.
If you’re not a regular cleaner, this might not be the right stone for you. But if you’re an adult with weekend cleaning rituals, you can certainly enjoy the beauty and work that a limestone tile floor offers.
According to experts, one of the best ways to weigh up the pros and cons of this stone is to choose a location with few people and cover it with limestone. You will appreciate the aesthetics without worrying about stains.
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