Stone flooring is quite popular in the Albuquerque area. From the bathroom to the patio, this ancient flooring option still impresses today. But how can you make sure your stone flooring is properly cared for? Read on to learn some tips on how to properly care for your stone flooring from the experts at the Poulin Design Center.
Decide on a Finish
Natural stone flooring can be finished in a variety of styles that will give your stone floor a different texture and appearance. You can have the flooring sandblasted, honed, polished, gouged or tumbled. Each option will require slightly different maintenance. It’s important to consider where the flooring will be installed so that you can make sure you have enough traction in rooms prone to water like the bathroom.
Have Your Floors Sealed
Certain types of stone flooring should be sealed once they are installed to help them repel liquids and retain their natural beauty. Marble, travertine, slate, and granite flooring should all be sealed throughout the lifetime of the flooring. This can be done as often as six months, but you can also do this annually or every two years depending on how much traffic the flooring receives.
Use Proper Cleaning Products
Stone flooring may seem impermeable and strong, but it’s important to know what is safe to use on stone flooring for cleaning and what can be damaging. Avoiding cleaners that are acidic or alkaline is best to ensure the pores of your stone flooring are not affected. Before your new flooring is installed, be sure to ask your design associate what kind of maintenance and upkeep will be required to care for the floor.
Repair Damaged Tiles
Chipped or cracked tiles should be replaced as quickly as possible. You run the risk of injury from the sharp edges of the tile and the tile can also provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Luckily, stone is pretty strong, so cracks aren’t all that common.
Still have stone flooring questions? The experts at the Poulin Design Center know the ins and outs of natural stone flooring and can help you make sure you choose the right flooring for your home.
Photo Credit: Iriana Shiyan
