What is Natural Stone?
Natural stone has been used as a flooring material since time immemorial. It was often seen as a sign of wealth and high status. Ancient royal palaces used marble flooring tiles because they represented wealth, sophistication, and good taste.
Natural Stone Tile is Timeless
Below are examples of ancient structures and monuments that utilized natural stone flooring. Historical examples where a natural stone was used in tile flooring
Khemet Empire
The Khemets used natural stone tile to cover the floors of the pyramids of Giza. They had a sophisticated way of laying out natural stone floors that have stood the test of time and are still intact up to this day. The ancient Khemets were masters of stonework and their use of limestone to create great monuments is still something to marvel at to this day.
Ancient Greek empire
The Greeks were masters of pebble floors. They had a unique way of creating beautiful mosaic floor designs using pebbles. They were also masters in designing flat natural stone tiles which were known as tesserae. When building castles and domes, they utilized marble due to its ability to reflect natural light from the sun.
Roman Empire
The Romans were not only skilled in winning wars, conquering kingdoms, and expanding their territory, they were also masters in architecture. During their reign, they discovered the use of marble flooring and its importance in radiant heating. They also highly utilized their ability to retain heat to their advantage.
From the examples above, it`s quite evident that the use of natural stone flooring has been utilized by some of the greatest civilizations in the world.
Types of Natural Stone Flooring
We have a huge variety of natural stone tiles available in our stores, ranging from marble tile, granite tile, limestone tile, and travertine tile. These are stones that are known for their natural beauty & durability and have been utilized as flooring materials for millenniums.
Limestone Tiles
It may not be the best choice for the kitchen because it is a soft stone, but it is however one of the best natural stone floors for the bathroom. This is because it is water-resistant and highly durable. Ancient Egyptians used limestone blocks while constructing the pyramids because they knew it was a material that would stand the test of time, and so would your bathroom interior.
Marble Tiles
Marble has been used for centuries by some of the most skilled sculptors of our time and is believed to have been Michelangelo`s most beloved stone. It is not only appealing to the eyes but also associated with elegance and luxury. Marble tile is highly durable, which explains why it is not just good for flooring, but also for kitchen countertops.
Travertine Tiles
Travertine has graced many civilizations’ architectural landmarks for centuries. Its natural beauty and durability have made it one of the most sought-after natural stones for flooring tiles up-to-date. Any building that has travertine floor tiles is permanently dazzling because travertine is not easily prone to wear and tear. Perhaps this explains why the ancient Romans utilized it while constructing the Colosseum.
Slate Tiles
If you are looking for the perfect natural stone for walkways, it doesn`t get better than slate tiles. If you follow the natural process by which slate is formed, you`ll get to know where it gets its durability quality. Slate tiles are very reliable for flooring, because they are hard and sturdy, thus not easily prone to scratches and cuts. It is also water-resistant, making it a good choice for exterior tile flooring.
Granite Tiles
Granite is one hell of a badass natural stone, due to its strength and durability. It is very common on kitchen countertops because you can chop vegetables on it without a chopping board and there will be no cuts or marks. For flooring, granite tiles always look elegant, and being a hard stone, it is not easily prone to wear and tear. Granite tile flooring is a perfect fit for high-traffic areas such as walkways, corridors, balconies, and exterior floors.
Natural Stone Tile for the Bathroom
When it comes to creating a luxurious and elegant bathroom, natural stone flooring tiles are a top choice. Not only do these tiles add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom, but they are also highly durable and long-lasting. With proper care and maintenance, natural stone tiles will continue to look stunning for years to come. So why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary with natural stone tiles in your bathroom? Also, don’t forget that natural stone tiles always have to be flooring tiles, as you can see above, natural stone wall tiles will create an exclusive look!
Natural Stone Tile for Shower
Lift your shower areas with the immortal magnificence of characteristic stone tiles. Created by nature, each tile brags an interesting design, including genuineness to your space. Select from slate’s natural charm, marble’s luxury, or travertine’s natural tones just like you can see above. Solid, water-resistant, and simple to maintain, these tiles guarantee a dazzling and serene shower involvement each day. Considering the non-slip options and water-resistant features, natural stone tiles will be one of the most suitable alternatives for your showers.
A Note from our Designers
It doesn`t hurt to mix stone tiles while decorating a surface. It`s a norm to utilize one particular type of stone tile on the entire floor, but it does not always have to be that way. You have the best of both worlds if you mix the tiles. It actually adds more color, flavor, and variety.
For instance, you can have Carrara Marble tiles on a bathroom floor and Telaio Marble tiles on the splashback. You can also have black slate on the bathroom floor tiles and veneer black marble on the walls. Different stone tiles have a very surprising way of complimenting each other, and the outcome is always a sight to behold.
For any inquiries on the best natural stone tiles, visit or call our tile showroom for advice and tile samples. We have a huge variety of natural stone tiles for all your flooring needs. At Country Floors, there is something for everyone. Explore our full wall and floor tile range and our tile natural stone collections.
FAQs
Q: How to clean natural stone tiles?
A: Natural stone tiles boast effortless cleaning and maintenance. To keep your natural stone floor tiles or wall tiles in pristine condition, simply soak a cloth and gently wipe them clean. Avoid using any harsh chemicals, as they can compromise the surfaces’ integrity and durability. Instead, opt for a soft brush or cloth to maintain their stability and ensure longevity. Check out our natural stone cleaning instruction blog and find out more.
Q: Is natural stone good for floors?
A: Yes, natural stone is an excellent choice for flooring. They are durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for high-traffic areas in both residential and commercial settings. Additionally, their natural variations in color and texture add character and charm to any room, creating a truly elegant and sophisticated atmosphere.
Q: Is natural stone tile durable?
A: With proper installation and regular maintenance, natural stone tiles can withstand heavy use and maintain their beauty for decades. Whether used in high-traffic areas like hallways or outdoor spaces, natural stone tiles prove to be a reliable and enduring choice, making them an excellent investment for your flooring or wall covering needs.
Q: Is travertine tile timeless?
A: Yes, travertine is one of the timeless natural stone tiles, valued for centuries for its classic beauty and versatility. Travertine has a distinct, rustic appearance and presents natural variations that ooze timelessness. Travertine is a durable and long-lasting material that remains a popular choice for floors, walls, and other design elements, ensuring your space retains its timeless appeal for years to come.
Q: Is natural stone good for the kitchen?
A: Absolutely! Natural stone is perfect for the kitchen. Its durability, heat resistance, and elegant appearance make it an ideal choice for countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. With proper sealing and maintenance, it can handle spills and heavy use while adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen space.
Q: Is natural stone more expensive than tile?
A: The unique beauty and premium quality of natural stone come with a higher price tag. However, many find that the investment is well worth it, as natural stone tiles offer timeless elegance, and exceptional durability, and can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic and value of your space. You can find the high-quality and best-price options for natural stone tile ideas at Country Floors.