Stone Floors
Wet stone can be slippery. The finish and sealant can help make stone less slippery — ask your stone dealer for advice on the best methods for your application. But even with a honed finish, which is less slippery, stone can become quite slick when it gets wet. If you use stone floors in the bath or other areas where water may splash onto the floor, be sure to use nonskid mats. Flooring: slate
Stone floors help keep allergens at bay. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, stone floors may help in your efforts to keep dust and allergens out of the house. The hard, nonporous surface does not give allergens anywhere to hide, making cleaning more effective. Even “porous” stone, like marble, is not very porous compared to materials like wood, cork or carpeting. Flooring: antique limestone in Dijon
Stone used indoors and out creates a seamless flow. If you crave indoor-outdoor flow, using the same stone inside the house as outdoors is a great way to connect the two spaces. Especially when the stone is paired with large windows and sliding glass doors — or even a pivoting wall, as shown here — the effect is stunning. Flooring: cleft green slate
Stone is really heavy. Stone flooring requires skilled installation, along with a substrate that can handle the additional weight. It is crucial to check with a pro before purchasing stone flooring to make sure you will be able to install it where you want. Flooring: Montauk Black Brazilian slate
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