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Natural Stone Tiling
Natural stone flooring continues to be a very popular choice for homeowners for a wide variety of reasons. Stone tile brings very vibrant colors and textures to the home and adds a look and feel not possible with any other type of material. The most common stone tiles include slate, sandstone, granite and marble. Listed below are details on each of these natural stones.
- Slate - As the most common type of natural stone flooring, slate comes in a huge variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Look for slate flooring that is more dense so that it is less likely to crack, flake, and fall apart. Typical cost is around $5-$20 per square foot and it's used in living areas, foyers, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
- Sandstone - Usually a darker color and does not have the same wild color variations as other natural stones. Sandstone is extremely durable and resistant but can absorb water so don't use this type of stone outside. Cost ranges from $10-$40 per square foot.
- Granite - Has gorgeous color patterns and can be used indoors or outdoors. Granite is commonly used in living areas, hallways, kitchens, and baths, and is also often used on countertops. Cost runs between $3-$15 per square foot.
- Marble - Argued as the most beautiful natural stone with it's variety of colors and patterns. Marble can absorb water, stain, and scratch so consider this when deciding upon the rooms for this stone. Also note that marble can get very slippery if water spills so avoid using in bathrooms although it looks great on walls. Cost ranges from $5-$50 per square foot.
The first step in deciding on the type of flooring is to choose the natural stone material you would like to use. Next, grab sample squares of various cuts, colors, and patterns of the stone and place them in your rooms to get an idea of how it would look in your home. Finally, physically feel the stone against your skin and feet to see if you would be comfortable walking on the stone everyday. Stone textures vary considerably across the many different types.