Natural Stone Flooring: Three Central Tips for Ensuring Durable Service

If you are planning on replacing your old floor, you should consider using natural stone as your replacement. Natural stone flooring has authentic appeal in terms of colouring, texture and overall appearance. There are numerous manufactured stone alternatives on the market, but these cannot compare to the elegance of the natural options. In addition, natural stones are long-lasting and will provide good service life. However, you should note that these floors can deteriorate without proper care. Here are crucial tips on ensuring that your natural stone floors last long.

Choose Compatible Materials

The durability of your flooring will depend on the choice of natural stones for your home. In simple terms, if the paver stones laid on your surfaces are not long-lasting, there will be accelerated wear even with proper upkeep. Therefore, when preparing for your floor replacement project, you should evaluate the stones on the market. Check the porosity or absorption rating of the flooring materials. Under ideal circumstances, the stone should be completely impervious to moisture for optimal longevity. However, you can also choose vitreous stones which have low but acceptable levels of porosity. In addition, consider sealed treated floors and opt for tougher stones. If you are uncertain about the right option, consult a paving contractor for selection guidance.

Conduct Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial after the installation of the natural stone pavers. The lack of upkeep often leads to staining of the surfaces and overall degradation of the material. One of the obvious but core practices for a durable natural stone floor is cleaning. This is of particular importance if your floor is light-coloured and not impervious. It is advisable to wipe all spills immediately, and you must not leave the floor dirty for too long. Lack of regular cleaning will lead to discoloration. Avoid using harsh acidic cleaners on your floors. Some natural stones are weathered by such compounds, leading to intrinsic weakening. If you have a sealed floor, you should plan for periodic application of the sealant to maintain the imperviousness.

Repair Damaged Sections

Finally, you should inspect your floors and conduct immediate repairs. In general, natural floors are tough and are not prone to mechanical damage. However, the flooring can form holes or chips due to accidents involving falling objects or other forms of impact. If this happens, you will need to sand the area and clean out the damaged section. Then, fill the hole with compatible grout and seal. If a large portion of the stone is compromised, consider replacing the paver. 

Share