Kitchens are arguably the second-busiest rooms in homes after living rooms. Since plenty of movement, as well as spillage accidents, occur in them, it is only wise for you to have stone flooring in your kitchen.
Studies reveal that the stone flooring-trend is slowly increasing in British kitchens, with more homeowners appreciating how effective and reliable stone floors are in 2020 than the previous years.
Contrary to what most people believe, finding the best stone floors is easy. Aside from prior research and consultation with experts, you can also rely on your preference, budget, size of your kitchen, and how much time you spend in it.
More About Stone Floors
Perhaps you are among the homeowners who want to try stone floors in your kitchen. The problem is, you know little to nothing about them. Not to worry, we are here to help you with that.
Stone floors are beautiful, natural, and always stylish. Their hard and cold surface does not harbour allergens or dust and is best for warm climates since most of them keep rooms cool.
If you reside in colder areas, you can also benefit from stone flooring too. There are some heat-retaining types that can keep your room warm. To accelerate the warming process, consider using rugs over the flooring.
The level of porosity of a specific stone affects its stain resistance and strength. They are suitable for high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchens due to their durability and strength. When taken care of properly, a stone floor can last for as long as 10 years.
Other Reasons to Use Stone Floors in Kitchens
Stone floors have plenty of advantages aside from those mentioned above. First of all, they are easy to clean. In the event that you spill something on them, a simple wipe or vacuuming will get it back to its clean state.
The best stone floors are also diverse, to fit with any kitchen design. Their variety in grain style, patterns, colours, veins, and grain size not only makes for the perfect complement, but it can serve as a welcome distraction as you cook too.
Thanks to their natural hardness, you do not have to worry about replacing them anytime soon. Natural stones have a hardness between 3 to 4 Mohr’s scales. This makes them an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor uses.
The best stone floors have proper finishing. This enables them not to retain dangerous material, dirt, and liquids. With proper regular maintenance practices in place, you will not have to worry about your pooch or kitty getting sick if it eats from your kitchen floor.
Speaking of pets, since the best stone floors are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and strike-resistant, you can rest assured that your stone flooring will retain its beauty no matter what your pets or younger children do on it.
Which are the Best Stone Floors for Your Kitchen?
Of course, not every stone floor will unleash the full potential of your cooking area. Here are some choices that add spark as well as elegance to your kitchenette:
- Sandstone Tiles
Sandstone tiles are attractive pieces with shades that are identical to the beach and desert sand. Its colors range from brown and tan to gold and red. It may not be as durable as granite or slate, but it can last long if well-maintained.
Since it is formed from nature, the hues, colours, and patterns in every individual tile piece are absolutely unique.
- Marble Tiles
What sets marble apart from many other natural stones is it can take a very high polish. When treated well, it achieves a silky smooth and shimmering appearance. And that is not all. Its tiles can be cut into triangles and rectangles of different sizes to craft unique mosaic installations.
Like sandstone, marble tiles will enhance the look of your kitchen with unique one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles
As the name hints, wood effect tiles are tiles that resemble wood. The only differences between them and natural timber are they do not warp or rot when wet, they are hard-wearing, and they are easy to live with.
Additionally, they are scratch-resistant and offer porcelain’s soft-to-the-touch quality.
- Limestone Tiles
Limestone tiles provide reliable strength and are easy to clean. With an array of shades, hues, and distinct fossilized patterns, the tiles help offer a more natural look and feel to your kitchen floor while adding a rugged sense of class as well.
Most of the limestone-tile alternatives have a neutral brown, tannish look to them, which offers an earthy, natural style element suitable for your kitchen floor.