There’s a reason why natural stone tiles have been used to decorate and pave home interiors for centuries. Not only are they incredibly alluring and striking, but they also are a good investment due to their longevity and durability. However, there are some important factors to consider when choosing the best natural stone tile for your home renovation. One of the key things to remember is that not all natural stones are made alike. Marble, limestone, travertine, and more
Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of some of the most popular types of natural stone tiles on the market.
Marble Tiles
Marble Tile Advantages
- Aesthetics – Nothing compares to the incredible allure and soft glow that naturally emits from marble tiles. Whether honed or polished, they are a stunning choice as flooring tile because they have an organic depth that diffuses light. One of the best advantages of marble tile is that each one is entirely unique with an organic design.
- Durability – Marble is one of the most durable and hardwearing natural stone floor tiles available on the market. As long as you maintain it carefully, it is unlikely to crack or break even in high-traffic areas. They can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and even living rooms for the ultimate luxurious look. For the same reason, marble slabs are great kitchen countertop options.
- Variety – Marble tiles are especially popular because they come in a wide variety of veining patterns and colors. Checkerboard marble flooring, pictured above, is particularly popular as a design trend.
Marble Tile Disadvantages
- Etching – Although marble tiles are hardwearing, they are susceptible to damage from certain acidic substances like wine, coffee, or lemon juice. Therefore, it is important to seal your marble tiles to prolong their beauty. Be sure to using cleaning supplies with a neutral pH and clean up any spills quickly.
- Price – As a highly desirable natural stone, marble is one of the most expensive natural stone flooring options available. Additionally, it can be expensive to install and maintain. However, they are a good investment due to their durability and longevity and will be sure to last for decades. For a more affordable marble tile option, consider shopping for clearance marble tiles.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine Tile Advantages
- Rustic Appeal – Travertine tiles have a natural earthy look that looks incredible in organic modern or contemporary bohemian interiors. They are available in a range of beige or brown hues with both warm and cool tones available.
- Durability – It is incredibly hardwearing and scratch-resistant, meaning it will last a long time in high-traffic, exposed areas.
- Interior or Exterior Installations – This natural stone holds up well against the outdoor elements, so it can be installed on patios, poolsides, garden pavements, and more. For a seamless, natural look, consider installing travertine tiles both indoors and outdoors. Travertine slabs are another option for kitchen countertop installations.
- Variety of Finishes – Travertine comes in a range of finishes that suit many different spaces and needs, such as honed, brushed, tumbled, or antiqued. The antiqued finish is rougher with anti-slip properties, making it ideal in wet spaces like pool-sides.
- Price – Compared to other natural stones, travertine tile has a lower price per tile.
Travertine Tile Disadvantages
- Lack of Variety – Unlike marble, travertine comes in a more limited range of colors and designs. Its primary color is beige, but darker hues are available, such as the tile displayed in the shower niche shown above.
- Porosity – Travertine tiles are more porous than most other natural stones because they have holes throughout the surface. However, if you choose a honed, filled, and sealed travertine tile, it can still be installed in wet spaces, like showers or poolsides.
Basalt Tiles
Basalt Tile Advantages
- Sophisticated Appearance – Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that comes in different shades of gray hues. High-quality basalt has a uniform, smooth appearance that has few mineral deposits. This natural stone tile works well in sophisticated, contemporary interiors due to its dark, cool-toned appearance.
- Durability – Basalt is another durable, hard-wearing natural stone tile option. It is unlikely to chip or crack
- Price – Basalt tiles have a lower price point than most other natural stone options.
Basalt Tile Disadvantages
- Porosity & Stainage – Basalt tiles are porous and therefore are susceptible to staining, especially from oils or excessive water. Therefore, basalt tiles are not recommended for shower floor installations, but they are a great fit for more common areas, such as living rooms or other open spaces.
- Limited Color Variety – Similar to travertine tiles, basalt tiles are only available in dark gray hues.
Limestone Tiles
Limestone Tile Advantages
- Soft & Airy Look – Limestone tiles come in beige tones, ranging from light off-whites to more sandy light browns. They have an organic, neutral aesthetic that works well with a variety of different interior design styles and color stories.
- Unique, Natural Design – A sedimentary rock, some limestone has fossilized deposits that create the ultimate natural and organic design. If you want to create a matching, uniform interior design, then consider choosing limestone slabs for kitchen countertops or bathroom vanity options.
- Interior & Exterior Applications – Limestone tiles can be installed indoors or outdoors, making them ideal for transition spaces, sunrooms, and patios.
Limestone Tile Disadvantages
- Softness – Compared to marble or granite tiles, limestone is a softer natural stone and is more susceptible to scratching and chipping. Nevertheless, limestone is still an incredibly durable choice for flooring and will hold up much better than most other flooring options.
- Porosity – Limestone is also more porous, meaning it is not suitable for submerged wet areas. In bathroom and kitchen applications, it should be sealed to ensure longevity.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right natural stone tile for flooring, it is important to consider factors such as aesthetics, durability, porosity, and individual needs. The stone should suit the space, which is especially true when picking a natural stone tile for wet area installations such as showers. Be sure to do your research and know how to carefully care for and maintain whichever natural stone you choose.
Nevertheless, natural stone tiles are an ideal choice for home renovations because all of them are beautiful and long-lasting options that will last for decades. Shop Marble System’s entire range of natural stone tiles online today.