In today’s article you will learn about the different types of stone tile flooring. We want you to get the right material for your job, and the first step in making that choice is knowing what type of stone your tile is.

We imagine you have a particular look and feel in mind, and we can help you get there. Call us today for an expert to talk about what’s right for you.

Stone Tile Types

First, this video offers a a brief overview of the different types of natural stone:

We supply beautiful stone tile to Calgary and Edmonton in an incredible range of colours and styles. We pride ourselves on being able to offer natural stone tile at competitive prices. In fact, some of our travertine tiles enter the market at the same price point as porcelain!

Marble Tiles

Merriam-Webster’s definition of marble is: a type of limestone that is capable of taking a high polish and is used in architecture and sculpture

Marble tile has been used for thousands of years. It’s timeless elegance coupled with its extraordinary durability make it both a classic and modern choice.

Granite

Merriam-Webster defines granite as: a very hard rock that is used for buildings and for monuments.

Granite is well known for its hard surface and wide range of colours. It is slip-resistant, durable and extremely hard. Granite рrоvіdеѕ a fееlіng of nаturе аnd реrmаnеnсе thаt ѕurраѕѕеѕ аnу flооrіng mаtеrіаl.

Granite stone tile is available, however, granite’s most common application is in countertops.

Limestone

Merriam-Webster defines limestone as: a rock formed chiefly from animal remains (as shells or coral) that is used in building…

Did you know that one of the ways “lime” (used in creating plaster and cement) is created is by burning limestone at extremely high temperatures?

Although both marble and travertine fall in to the category of limestone, the tiles we group in to the

Travertine

Travertine tile is a type of limestone that develops over time when minerals are deposited on the earth’s surface by rivers, hot springs and geysers.

Travertine is a light-coloured natural stone, often with warm cream or beige undertones. It is a classic building material that brings an cultured, old-world feel to where it is installed.

Sandstone

Merriam-Webster defines sandstone as: rock made of sand held together by a natural cement…

Although sandstone stone tile is available, it is not in common use. The material is extremely hard, and very heavy, therefore making it a sturdy building material (you will find many notable historical and government buildings were constructed of sandstone), but an expensive and difficult to install stone tile.

Slate

The Merriam-Webster website defines slate as: a dense fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the compression of various sediments (such as clay or shale) so as to develop a characteristic cleavage

Much of slate’s appeal is its unique and pleasing array of colour. Slate has wide variance, thus making a slate floor’s alternating colours an attractive choice. However, such an expansive pallette is not for everyone. Thankfully, slate is also available in even-toned dark colours, such as black and grey.

So, Which Stone Tile is Right for Me?

Deciding which stone tile to use depends mostly on design preference and taste. With proper sealing and maintenance, any of the above types of stone can be used in interior applications without worry or headache.

The intense freeze-thaw cycles that we experience here in Alberta limit the number of materials that can be used outdoors. More mild climates can safely install limestone and travertine outdoors. However, here in Alberta we are limited to robust slates for our outdoor stone.

We understand that navigating the daunting universe of natural stone can be overwhelming. Our tile specialists stand ready to assist you through this process, and help you to select functional stone that meets your individual taste.

Click Here to contact an Edmonton or Calgary Tile Specialist.