The Beauty of Natural Stone

Emser's Trav Chiseled travertine. Photo credit: Emser

​Many homes have tile somewhere, whether it’s in the kitchen, bathroom, basement, or whole house. Tile has many benefits and adds value to your home, making it an excellent flooring choice for just about any space. Many people choose either porcelain or ceramic tile, but today we’re going to look at the features and benefits of natural stone.
 
Natural stone tile is quarried straight from the earth, and is nonpolluting and eco-friendly, whereas porcelain and ceramic tiles are man-made and mimic natural stone and other materials. There are pluses and minuses to both materials, but what are some reasons you might consider natural stone tile? One of the more obvious reasons is for its beauty. Natural stones such as slate, marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and sandstone are all beautiful and each piece is unique, giving you a one-of-a-kind look that will never go out of style.
 
Natural stone is easy to maintain and clean, thus making it a very hygienic flooring option. If you live in a warm climate, natural stone will help keep your home cool. However, if you live in a colder climate, natural stone is a great candidate for an underfloor heating system.
 
One thing to consider when thinking of natural stone for your home is that like all-natural materials, it is porous and can absorb moisture. Be sure to ask your flooring representative about the absorption level of whichever natural stone tile you are interested in. In general, sandstone is the most porous. Travertine, limestone, and slate have medium absorbency, while granite is relatively waterproof. While natural flooring options are at times not as durable as man-made products, if installed and sealed correctly and in the right environment, they can bring value and unique beauty to any home.