Things You Need to Know About Limestone

Limestone has long been popular for architecture with a history that goes back to the pyramids of Ancient Egypt. Today, limestone is often used for flooring but it can also be used for showers and countertops. Here's what you should know about this beautiful natural stone and how to use it in your home. What Is Limestone? Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of coral and shells trapped in rock. This type of stone forms in shallow seas as bits of stone, dead animals, and shells fuse and harden. Limestone resembles marble and comes in natural shades of tan, white, and gray. There are even special styles of limestone like coquina, which is made almost entirely from shells and fossil debris that has been cemented together, and crinoidal limestone, which has high levels of crinoid fossils, comes in unique colors, and may be polished with a bright shine. Limestone Is Low Maintenance As with other types of natural-stone, limestone requires little maintenance or care, but it’s important to stay on top of this maintenance. For instance, limestone flooring requires regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with a product such as Granite Gold Squeeze & Mop Floor Cleaner® to keep it clean and looking its best. While you don't need to put much effort into keeping your limestone pristine, this type of stone needs to be sealed regularly because it is a soft and porous stone. Without sealing, it can absorb moisture and develop stains, leading to costly repair or replacement. If you don’t know how to seal natural stone, the process is fairly simple. After cleaning the surface with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®, or Granite Gold Squeeze & Mop Floor Cleaner® if your sealing natural-stone floors, spray Granite Gold Sealer® on the surface in a 3-foot section, then immediately wipe into the stone with a lint-free cloth. Make sure to avoid letting the sealer dry, as it could cause hazing. Buff dry with a new lint-free cloth. Limestone Is Budget Friendly Limestone can be an excellent addition to any remodel project with a much lower price range than comparable natural-stone tiles. Despite the lower price, limestone can add old-world charm to a bathroom or kitchen with the durability to last a lifetime. Whether you're planning to install floors or a walk-in shower, you can expect to pay more for limestone than you would for ceramic tile but less than other types of stone. Limestone Can Be Used for Countertops Limestone usually isn't the first choice for countertops because it's a somewhat soft and porous stone, similar to marble. However, this doesn't mean limestone can't be a great choice for counters if it’s taken care of properly. It’s especially popular for bathrooms, where tomato sauce, oil, and citrus aren't a concern. Limestone can resemble marble very closely with a lower price, which makes limestone vanity tops an excellent alternative without turning to manmade materials. Limestone Is Popular for Flooring Limestone is a popular choice for flooring because it stands up well to traffic without showing wear. Unlike some other types of stone, limestone also feels slightly soft to the touch, which makes it more comfortable to walk on. With its neutral tones, limestone can also complement any design and add elegance and style. You can update your interior design and other home elements, such as countertops and cabinetry, without worrying about it clashing with the limestone floors in the future. If you’re interested in high-quality stone care products that are safe to use on limestone, granite, slate, marble, and other types of natural stone, get in touch with Granite Gold® today. We are the Stone Care Experts. Call 1-800-475-STONE to learn more.