When you are looking for a new option for your kitchen floor or your hallway, your mind may have been drawn toward tiles.
Many people then consider the pros and cons of different materials and find themselves, for aesthetic reasons, drawn towards natural stones like limestone. A pretty and pale stone, limestone can certainly help to brighten up any area it is put into.
So, if this is the tile type you want, here are some things that you need to know about it.
It Will Need Sealing
The first thing you need to know about limestone tiles is that, while they are pretty, to keep them looking that way, they will need to be sealed.
Websites like www.mystonefloor.com have information about sealing these tiles, but generally, many people seal them based on the level of foot traffic an area will get. So, for kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms, the tiles may need sealing twice a year or more with a suitable stone sealant.
It Has A Varying Appearance
Many people who opt for putting down tiles in their kitchen, their bathroom, or their hallway want a uniform look. That is, they want all of the tiles to look the same.
This can be an issue when it comes to limestone! As it is a natural stone, it has a bit of variety in its appearance, meaning that no two tiles look the same. If that is acceptable, then it can be an ideal choice to add to your home. If it isn’t, then opt for a tile like granite or slate.
It Needs Maintaining
As it is a natural stone, it does need to be maintained to keep it looking its best. To clean it, you need to avoid using acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, and opt for a mild dish soap and some warm water. You should also not scrub it, particularly with wire wool or harsh, abrasive pads. Never use bleach on limestone, as this can cause staining too. If you spill anything onto the surface of the limestone, be sure to clean it up as promptly as you can to prevent staining or discolouration.
It Is Durable
Limestone is a common choice for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways simply because it is durable, meaning that even though it looks fragile, it can take a pounding! That does not mean to say that you can drop a piano onto it! Limestone is hardy, but it is a natural stone, meaning it is porous and is more prone to cracking and becoming damaged than other tiling materials. Many homeowners who have it in their homes aim to put pads underneath heavy furniture that may be in contact with the limestone, allowing a protection barrier and a way to reduce potential damage. If you have pets in your home, it may be worth laying down some rugs, too!
Repairing It
As mentioned before, limestone tiles are durable, but it may be the case that your tiles become damaged. In most instances, this may look like chips, cracks, or scratches.
To repair this, you will need to have some acetone on hand to clean the area that is damaged and some epoxy resin. You then simply need to inject the epoxy resin into the area that is damaged and allow it to set. If, however, the crack or damage to the limestone tiles is larger, then you may need to contact the team who fitted the tiles to restore or repair the cracks or chips.
