Limestone is a naturally occurring rock that primarily consists of calcium carbonate. It has been traditionally used as a material for building and construction, and also as a type of flooring. This stone naturally comes in several shades and textures. As such, limestone flooring has a lot to offer, particularly in terms of its visual appeal. Its natural and earthy appearance makes it a great choice to be used in homes. Installing this type of flooring in your home requires some amount of commitment toward its care and maintenance, but its aesthetic appeal makes it worth the effort. Here, we discuss the pros and cons of this type of flooring, including the cost of the same so that you can make an informed decision.
Advantages
As mentioned earlier, this is a beautiful flooring option that can give any space a rustic, earthy, and timeless look. To choose it as a flooring option for your home then is perhaps one of the best options you have vis-a-vis other stones. Not only does it look great in an earthy setting with natural or distressed wooden furniture, it is also a very cool stone. This makes it a great choice for houses in relatively warm areas. Walking on a limestone floor barefoot soothes not only the feet, but the mind and body too. When cared for appropriately, this flooring can last a lifetime, and have your house looking like a classic piece of architecture and interior design.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, only looks don't matter, and you have to consider the care and maintenance aspect of this type of flooring when you decide to have it installed in your home. For one, though heavy, limestone is a very soft stone, which makes it easily susceptible to damage even by sand and grit. It is therefore recommended that it should not be used in areas with heavy traffic. It is also a very porous material and can easily absorb stains. On the other hand, this drawback can be curtailed by using a heavy duty sealant on it, thereby making it resistant to all these factors. However, it should be kept in mind that the sealant needs to be applied every few years, as it can wear away easily.
Also, this flooring type can demand slightly high maintenance. You have to use light, but special, cleaning liquids designed specifically for this floor, and completely avoid the use of bleaching agents and other cleaning solutions with heavy chemicals. These can erode the natural appearance and texture of the flooring. Once again, reapplying the sealant every few years is mandatory.
Cost
The cost of limestone flooring including installation can be as low as USD 6 or as high as USD 17 per feet, depending on the area you wish to cover. Do not consider installing it on your own. It is a very heavy material, and unless you are a professional, do not attempt this yourself. Though the costs may increase by hiring a professional for installation, you can definitely be assured that the job done will be thorough and will last you for a very long time to come.
Overall, it can be said that the cons of limestone flooring can be overcome by means of regular care and maintenance. It is a deeper commitment, but if this is all it takes to be able to bring home this rustic beauty, the commitment is completely worth it. If you can take care of it, you may use it in any area of your home, including the kitchen and bathroom. After learning about this flooring type, you will be able to take a well-informed decision about installing it in your home.
