Choosing the right limestone flooring

Limestone floor tiles offer a beautiful, durable flooring option for any interior or exterior area. Alluring to the eye, this natural stone flooring boasts a range of subtle, natural colours that bring warmth to contemporary spaces, as well as beautifully enriching period and rustic properties. Its classic and timeless beauty means that it is here to stay when it comes to flooring design choices.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right limestone flooring for your home. For example, which is the best colour for your living space? You will need to select a shade which complements the size of your room, and also your existing decor. For a light and airy feel you may want to choose lighter colours with darker shades to create warmth and depth.

Along with the colour, the finish and texture of the stone will be crucial. Think about whether a textured or smooth natural stone floor, will look perfect in your home.

At Beswick Stone we have a team of experts ready to answer your questions.

Is limestone a good choice for flooring?

Limestone is a wonderful choice when investing in new flooring. Its durability and versatility, along with its stunning appearance mean that it can be used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and walkways, along with more formal settings such as dining rooms. It is available in a wide range of designs and colours, giving homeowners plenty of choice.

At Beswick Stone, there is a stunning range of limestone flooring and floor tiles on offer. Customers will be spoilt for choice with our array of options, with stones available in a range of colours and finishes. Limestone is a great choice for flooring in any room or even in outdoor spaces, but it is important to choose the right stone, in the right colour with the right finish for you.

For bathroom floors and modern spaces, we would recommend using ourAvignon Soft, Castile Soft or Regent tumbled limestone which have a smooth finish to the face of the stone with a gently worn or aged edge. If you are creating a softer look, with a more traditional or rustic feel then a tumbled stone would be more appropriate. This creates an aged finish and a reclaimed appearance. Combined with a textured surface it is used to create beautiful flagstones, perfect for country homes and period properties.

Avignon Soft, Castile Soft or Regent tumbled limestone which have a smooth finish to the face of the stone with a gently worn or aged edge.

At Beswick Stone, we only source the very best limestone tiles, dealing directly with the quarries, so you can rest assured that any floor we provide you with will be made of the highest quality limestone products.

How do I choose a stone for my floor?

When you have made the decision to invest in a limestone floor, the next step is to choose which stone to buy. With the vast range of options available, this can feel overwhelming. Here are a few guidelines to help you in this important decision:

First and foremost, buy the best limestone floor tiles you possibly can. While there are many cheaper versions on the market, they are of poorer quality, often thinner and can be susceptible to cracking.

Consider the area in your home and what use it will experience. Although suitable for indoor and outdoor use, denser & darker limestone varieties like our Old Heritage flagstone are better for damp areas.

Think about the type of look you are trying to create. Is it modern or traditional? For modern living spaces, use random length tiles, laid uniformly to give your floor life and verve – a departure from the stagnant one-size brick bond. Random sizes used in an ‘opus’ pattern work wonderfully in a period lounge or country-style kitchen.

To create the impression of space in smaller rooms, use limestone tiles with a lighter tone. For high-traffic areas prone to dirt and marks, our hugely popular Windsor and Raj Grey are more forgiving.

Limestone floor tiles are ideal for use with underfloor heating, as it’s a good conductor and disperses heat efficiently, although a thicker stone may increase the heat-up time. Ensure the limestone floor is laid in accordance with the floor and underfloor heating suppliers’ guidelines.

Are limestone floors high maintenance?

Limestone floors are not necessarily high maintenance, however, to keep them looking their very best they will need some care. Here are some hints and tips you can follow:

Clean up spills quickly to prevent staining.

Use a pH-neutral cleaner. Limestone can be sensitive to acidic substances so use something pH neutral when cleaning your floor. Avoid using vinegar or other acidic cleaners to keep your floor looking fantastic.

Seal the stone, this makes it water resistant, repelling all liquids and making your stone floor easier to clean.

What else do I need to know?

Once you have decided to invest in your limestone and flooring materials there are a few other factors to consider to get the very best out of your flooring.

Installation:

Limestone flooring is an exquisite stone which, when installed correctly looks fantastic. It will transform your living space - but only if installed correctly. Use a professional! It is a false economy to invest in this type of floor and then try to lay it yourself. 

Sealing: 

As limestone is a porous stone, it is important to protect it from water and staining by using a suitable sealant, we recommend products such as Rocatex or Lithofin stone sealant which will keep your stone floors looking their best for years to come. You will need to reseal your limestone floor every three to five years, depending on the volume of traffic in that area, especially in wet areas.

Visit Beswick Stone Today

For help choosing stone flooring or to see the full range of stunning limestone floors and stone tiles on offer, browse our website or visit our stone, oak and porcelain showroom in Cirencester.