5 Ideal Types of Natural-Stone Floors to Use for Your Kitchen
Residential trends come and go. It was not that long ago when condominium developers in large metro areas came up with the idea of designing floor plans without functional kitchens. The idea was that the advent of smartphone apps and food delivery services would prompt city dwellers to forgo cooking altogether. However, things turned out differently as homeowners these days are making design statements with gourmet kitchens that boost the overall value of their properties.
When it comes to flooring material for the kitchen, natural-stone tiles are the obvious choice. Cork, wood, and vinyl flooring have certain advantages, but they do not come close to matching the attractive look and sheer durability of natural stone. Here are some of the best options for natural-stone floors in the kitchen.
1. Granite
Granite is a great option for homeowners who have previously chosen granite slabs for their kitchen counters. Ideally, the floor tiles should be selected at the same time as the slabs for the counters for matching purposes. Granite looks great, and it also lasts for a very long time as long as it is properly maintained. Luckily for homeowners, cleaning and resealing granite can be accomplished by using a stone-safe granite cleaner and sealer. Granite looks best in gourmet kitchens.
2. Limestone
This material is ideal for kitchens with a rustic or traditional style. Limestone that has been extracted from quarries in the Middle East and Northern Africa tends to have a very attractive and unique look. As limestone is very porous, it is important to choose tiles with higher density, and the protective seal must be reapplied often.
3. Marble
Marble may seem like an unusual choice for the kitchen, but it should be noted that it is the metamorphic result of limestone being exposed to higher igneous temperatures, which causes a process of crystallization. Marble is very durable and will look great in any kitchen. However, it requires a professional finish to make the surface less slippery.
4. Slate
Homeowners who favor a rustic or industrial look for their kitchen should consider slate flooring, particularly darker tones that are not prone to staining. The typical finish of slate makes it look natural with only a slight polish that highlights the nonslip texture. Slate tends to look very sharp when paired with kitchen cabinets that feature a light and natural wood finish.
5. Travertine
Many pizzerias in Naples and across the Campania region of Italy choose travertine for their kitchen and dining room floors for three reasons: it looks great, lasts long and can be easily maintained as long as it has been adequately honed, filled, and sealed. When chosen for the kitchen floor, travertine should be finished with a natural look instead of a glossy appearance. Travertine is ideal for open floor plans decorated with natural stone surrounds.
One of the most important things you need if you have stone floors in your home is a granite stone and tile floor cleaner from Granite Gold®. All of our products are safe to use on granite, marble, limestone, and other types of natural stone. If you’d like to learn more about natural-stone care, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-475-STONE.