A popular flooring material for centuries, stone brings timeless warmth into your home. It’s an eco-friendly choice and inherently durable; with the proper care and upkeep, stone flooring can last for generations.
Stone is a natural material, so each piece is unique and can vary in pattern, colour, and markings. This organic look makes it a great flooring choice if you are looking for a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
If you are looking for flooring that is more uniform, easy to maintain, and cost effective, porcelain tile and ceramic tile are practical and long-lasting options. They come in countless colours, patterns, and sizes, so there is something to complement every type of decor.
Do all types of stone perform the same way?
Each type of stone—slate, marble, granite, limestone, travertine, and sandstone—has different characteristics and varying degrees of durability. Granite and slate, for example, are much harder than marble and limestone.
If you are considering stone flooring, find a reliable retailer to help you figure out the best fit for your space and lifestyle. Remember that all types need to be sealed, and that some materials may be prone to chipping along the edges and at the corners of the square.
What different tile options are out there?
There are two main types of tile: ceramic and porcelain. Ceramic tiles are a mixture of clays and minerals fired at high temperatures—the higher the temperature, the less porous the tile. The body of the tile, called the bisque, is generally a creamy or a reddish colour.
Porcelain tile is generally fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tile and has a very compact dry-pressed bisque—almost all of its porosity is eliminated during the firing phase. Porcelain generally contains better quality and more refined raw materials.
If you are looking at porcelain tiles, keep in mind that some types of tile maintain their colour all the way through, while others feature colour on the surface only. Through-body porcelain tiles, for example, are made of one type of porcelain stoneware and the colour is the same throughout the tile. Regular glazed porcelain tiles, on the other hand, have a top layer with a colour or a pattern while the bisque is a beige colour. It’s important to remember that if this type of tile chips, the colour of the bisque will be more noticeable.
Where can I use tile and stone in my home?
Certain types of stone and tile can be used for a variety of applications, including interior and exterior flooring, showers, and backsplashes. Choosing the proper material and installing it properly is key to its longevity. Talk to your retailer about the best type of materials to use, and be sure to ask about the best types of grout and thinset and sealing for stain resistance.
We can help
Prestige Flooring stocks a large selection of stone and tile, and our team of dedicated professionals is committed to working with you to attain the best option for you and your space—from product selection to professional installation services, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Look at our Stone and Tile pages for more information, or come in to Prestige Flooring & Hardwood in Saskatoon.