Flooring
Natural Stone Flooring in Orange County, CA
Flooring Created by Nature
Natural stone is fundamentally different from a manufactured flooring product. Variation is part of the material.
Color, mineral pattern, veining, texture and movement can change from one piece to another.
For homeowners who want the floor itself to become an architectural element, that individual variation can be the reason to choose stone. It also means stone requires a thoughtful selection process.
Request a Stone Flooring ConsultationTypes of Natural Stone Flooring
Common flooring materials homeowners may encounter include:
Marble
Marble provides distinctive veining and variation. Because many marbles are calcium-carbonate based, they can be sensitive to acidic substances and require appropriate cleaning.
Limestone
Limestone often has softer, earth-toned visual characteristics. Different limestone varieties can vary substantially in density, absorption and suitability.
Travertine
Travertine is a form of limestone with a recognizable natural structure and warm visual character. Surface finish and filling can significantly change its appearance.
Slate
Slate can provide pronounced texture and natural color variation. Products vary in surface, thickness and intended use.
Granite and Other Stones
Other natural stones may be appropriate depending on the specific material and application. Do not assume all stone performs the same way because it is natural.
Does Natural Stone Need to Be Sealed?
Sometimes. This should not be presented as a universal requirement. Different stones have different absorption characteristics.
Some benefit from an appropriate penetrating treatment. Others may not require the same approach. A sealer also does not make a stone completely stain-proof.
The decision should be made based on the specific stone, finish, location and manufacturer's or stone supplier's recommendations.
How Do You Clean Natural Stone?
Cleaning depends on the stone. As a general rule, avoid assuming that a cleaner safe for ceramic tile is automatically safe for natural stone.
Calcium-carbonate-based materials such as many marbles and limestones can react with acidic cleaners. Use cleaning products appropriate for the specific stone.
Natural Variation: Feature or Problem?
With manufactured flooring, buyers often expect every plank or tile to be consistent. Natural stone is different.
Veining, shade and pattern variations are part of the material. Before installation, homeowners should understand the likely range of variation and how pieces will be distributed across the room.
For many projects, laying out the material before final installation allows the overall composition to be considered.
Surface Finish
The same stone can look and behave differently depending on its finish. Possible finishes may include polished, honed, textured or other treatments depending on the material.
- —Appearance
- —Reflection
- —Texture
- —Maintenance
- —Slip characteristics
Select the finish based on both design and location.
Natural Stone for Bathrooms
Natural stone can create a highly distinctive bathroom. Material selection needs to consider water exposure, slip characteristics, cleaning, stone chemistry, sealing where appropriate, grout, installation and complete wet-area assembly.
Natural Stone for Kitchens
Stone flooring can coordinate particularly well with cabinetry, countertops and architectural finishes. Think about the room as a complete composition. The stone's maintenance requirements should also be understood before the decision is made.
Natural Stone vs. Porcelain Tile
Natural Stone
Choose it when authentic variation and geological character are important. Every installation will have its own appearance.
Porcelain Tile
Consider it when you want a stone-inspired design with more manufactured consistency and different maintenance characteristics.
Neither is automatically more appropriate. The decision depends on design, room, maintenance and budget.
Natural Stone Flooring FAQs
Does every natural stone floor need sealing?
No. Sealing requirements vary by stone and application. Evaluate the specific material rather than following a universal rule.
Is marble good for flooring?
Marble is used successfully as flooring, but homeowners should understand its finish, maintenance, potential for scratching and sensitivity to acidic substances.
Is travertine marble?
No. Travertine is a type of limestone.
Is porcelain tile the same as natural stone?
No. Porcelain is manufactured. Natural stone is quarried. Porcelain can reproduce the visual appearance of stone but will not have the same naturally occurring variation.
Is natural stone difficult to maintain?
Maintenance depends heavily on the type of stone and finish. Understanding the stone before installation prevents many maintenance surprises.
Ready to Explore Natural Stone Flooring?