Best stone flooring for kitchen


5 of the best types of stone flooring for kitchens, bathrooms and more

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Different types of stone flooring will work in most rooms, whether you have a contemporary or a modern home. Natural stone tiles in kitchens is actually one of the most popular looks. While they make a beautiful option for bathrooms and hallways also. And, it's not just looks that make natural stone flooring a solid choice either.

From the palest marble and limestone to the darkest slate and granite, the design possibilities of stone flooring are vast and many are very durable, making them one of the best types of flooring materials to choose if you want to add value and character to your property.

Is natural stone good for kitchen floors?

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Natural stone flooring used in kitchens will provide both style and functionality. Durable, long-lasting, granite is a popular choice that's often used for countertops too while limestone will give a warm rustic finish and it will not wear down easily either. Ideal if your kitchen space gets a lot of footfall. 

(Image credit: Floors of Stone)

How much does natural stone flooring cost?

Prices vary enormously and will depend on the grade and quality of the stone. But, this is usually one of the downsides to natural stone flooring as prices compared to other types of floor tiles are elevated. Most stone is newly quarried but reclaimed slabs are available, which, although considered more environmentally friendly, are usually more expensive. Expect to pay upwards of £30 per m² from a high-street or national retailer and up to and over £500 per m² for high-grade or rarer stones. 

In the US you can expect to pay anything from $8 to $18 for just installation. With more unique designs costing more.

Which is the best stone for flooring?

Stone floors are widely considered to add value to a property, but choose wisely as once laid you won’t want to change them for years. The most durable option is granite while many would say that marble is the most popular (albeit expensive) option.

1. Granite

(Image credit: Topps Tiles)

Available in a wide spectrum of colors, often with mineral specks or subtle veining granite is a flexible choice that can be adapted to most house styles. And as it's very durable it will work in high traffic areas like a hallway also. It comes in different finishes, but it is the polished form that fully reveals the colors and patterns. Colous range from blue and purple shades through to grey and olive green, and they often include rusty red markings.

Granite floor tiles typically cost from £30 per m²/ $4/sq. ft. ($4 /case)for basic and uniform, black small format tiles. Expect to pay, on average, between £50-£70 per m²/ $14 for larger format tiles, that have a more interesting and colorful finish. The limitless variations of granite flooring colors and textures means that it is hard to put a price on some of the rare examples available. It is very possible to spend in excess of £150 per m²/$200 /sq.ft to find the perfect patterning for your floor.

2. Slate

(Image credit: Topps Tiles)

Easily split into various thicknesses and available with a textured finish, slate works well in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens (depending on who's cooking!).

Slate sits at the cheaper end of the spectrum, costing as little as £10 per m²/$3.49/sq. ft. ($34.89 /case) from a high street or online supplier, up to £50 per m²/$11.00/sq. ft. for interesting colors and textures from specialist suppliers.

3. Marble

(Image credit: Tile Mountain)

Starting its life as limestone, under certain conditions its components crystallize to form the veins typical of marble. In its purest form, it can be found in a wide range of other shades, from various greys through to green and black.

Marble floors come in at a similar price to granite, with an equal number of variations in color and texture on the market. It's as great in a kitchen as it is in a bathroom. Expect to pay from £50 per m²/$10.99/sq. ft for the most basic tile, to as much as £150 or £200 per m/$77.42/sq. ft. ($232.25 /case)² for decorative tiles or tiles with specialist color-ways and finishes.

4. Limestone

(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)

Occurring in many tones, from nearly white to the more common warm honey, as well as rarer greys and dark browns Limestone is often a rustic. Textures range from even-grained stones through to smoother types with fossils and coarser, open-textured varieties. Some can be polished to resemble marble. It can scratch easily as it's quite soft so be careful in kitchens. However, as it's resistant to mold and bacteria, it works really well as a bathroom flooring option.

There is a lot of variation in the price of limestone tiles. The cheapest you will come across are around £30 per m² for a basic option, the average price is between £50 – £80 per m²/ $2-$11 per sq. ft, but much like granite and marble, you can end up spending up to £200 per m²/($200.00 /case)².

5. Travertine

(Image credit: Topps Tiles)

Travertine has a porous surface with small holes that give it a sponge-like appearance; higher grade, premium travertine has fewer pits with a more vibrant color. It can be sourced ready-filled from some suppliers; otherwise it will need to be filled in situ. When installed correctly, travertine is one of the most durable stones for bathrooms and showers.

The cheapest travertine options are very affordable, starting from around £15 to £30 per m²/$468/case and giving a similar effect to limestone. The most you will look at spending on travertine tiles is around £70 per m²/ $50.30/sq. ft, $133.02 /case.

Which natural stone finish should you choose for your tiles?

The finish you choose will affect the overall look of your tiles and, as a result, your room. This glossary tells you what's what in floor tile finishes.

What are the disadvantages of stone flooring?

The things to look out for when you're considering natural stone flooring in your home is the cost and the maintenance. Some types of stone need more regular sealing as they are porous and run the risk of fading and cracking. You should also pay attention to their durability as some types of stone flooring scratch more easily than others. Additionally, they can also be very difficult and expensive to remove.

Stone tiles can be cold and hard underfoot, and this needs to be considered when deciding where to lay it. In a south-facing room, stone will adopt the ambient temperature and warm with the sun, but if you have a north-facing room that has the potential to become cold, a stone floor may not be the ideal choice. This said, you can soften a stone floor with a rug. 

China and glass will almost certainly break if dropped on a solid stone floor. Some polished surfaces can be slippery in bathrooms, but there are textured tiles with non-slip finishes. The best way to find out if a floor covering is suitable for your space is to ask your supplier; if your selected tile isn’t appropriate, they will be able to suggest a similar option that is.

Are stone floor tiles compatible with underfloor heating?

Solid stone floor tiles are the perfect partner for underfloor heating because of the ease at which it absorbs and emits heat. This can be especially useful in a bathroom or kitchen. Not only will it feel pleasant under bare feet, but it is also an effective way of reducing the risk of damp because of the constant ambient temperature in the room.

How to lay stone floor tiles

It is possible to tile a floor yourself if you're a keen DIYer with the correct tools, time, patience and you don’t mind making one or two mistakes. For the sake of a weekend’s work, you could use the money of installation costs elsewhere. If you do decide to lay it yourself, do your homework first or at least have a professional assess the job for you.

This said, many suppliers recommend professional fitting for natural stone, so if you're not confident in your abilities it may be worth getting the help of a professional if you want the perfect finish – especially if you've spent a lot of money on your natural stone floor tiles.  

Other considerations include whether your joists will take the weight of large tiles or thick flagstones – timber floors may need strengthening. 

Where to find a reputable tiler

Ask your supplier if they offer a fitting service or if they can recommend a local tradesperson. Otherwise, the websites checkatrade.com , ratedpeople.com and trustmark.org.uk are good places to start.

How to maintain natural stone floor tiles

Natural floor tiles will need to be sealed to prevent damage, staining, and to avoid repairing stone floors yourself. Your supplier or installer will be able to recommend the most appropriate products to use and should provide you with advice on looking after your chosen material. Once you have the correct product, cleaning stone floor tiles is a simple job.

Using cleaning products that aren’t recommended can leave behind a film, which can attract dirt and may need chemical removal at a later date. Regular sweeping will keep loose dirt away and, if needed, stone can be professionally cleaned and restored.

Anna is Content Editor at Real Homes. She moved to the world of interiors from academic research in the field of English Literature and photography. She is the author of London Writing of the 1930s and has a passion for contemporary home decor and gardening. At Real Homes, she covers a range of topics, from practical advice to interior and garden design. 

Best Stone Floors For Kitchens - Blog

Leicestershire Surrey Hertfordshire Suffolk

Best Stone Floors For Kitchens

One of the top questions customers ask is ‘what are the best stone floors for kitchens and busy family homes?’. Often people want to know a little bit more about the characteristics of different flooring options and how they will work best for their project. As direct importers for over 25 years, we have developed an expertise in sourcing the best quality natural stone and porcelain, with our range offering both beauty and practicality. We’ve put together a simple overview of each material and why they could be the best choice for stone flooring in your kitchen.

Limestone Tiles

A classic stone that has been utilised as kitchen flooring for centuries. Its ability to stand the test of time proves what a hard-wearing and durable stone floor this can be. Naturally, some limestones are denser than others and our collection has been curated with this in mind, resulting in a practical yet characterful kitchen floor. A firm favourite amongst customers is our Dijon limestone   – a stone we have specialised in for over 15 years. The beauty of limestone is ever changing as the stone becomes lived in over time – there is something very special about installing a historic piece of stone in your home. As with any natural stone floor, we recommend sealing after installation with a re-seal every 3-5 years depending on the level of traffic. For tips and tricks on maintaining your stone floor in the kitchen, read our informative article on cleaning stone floors!

Marble Tiles

An often overlooked stone for the kitchen – marble can make an elegant yet practical kitchen flooring option. Marbles take very well to neoclassical designs including chequerboards and diamond-laid formats with cabochon inserts. This can help achieve a classic yet contemporary feel and is the perfect stone for a timeless kitchen floor full of grandeur. As with limestones, our marble tiles come in a range of finishes to suit your particular kitchen style. We often find the most practical stone finish for a kitchen is tumbled. A softly tumbled, imperfect finish makes for a forgiving choice in busy areas. This finish often yields stunning pastel tones that blend seamlessly with kitchen interiors. Our ‘Parisian’ marble tile collection is a wonderful example of this.

Stone Effect Porcelain Tiles

A stone effect tile is a brilliant compromise for those who want a maintenance free kitchen floor but still love the look of a natural stone. Our range of stone effect tiles are procured from Italy and Spain – being the most advanced manufacturers in the world of porcelain floor tiles, results in a highly realistic print with a rectified finish. A rectified finish allows for ultra narrow grout joints and ensures the main focus is on the tile themselves. Our stone effect porcelain come in numerous styles that range from sleek and contemporary with straight cut edges, to more rustic designs with worn edges. Their scratch resistant surface and colour bodied clay make these a practical choice for family kitchens. If you are thinking of taking it one step further then our porcelain tiles are not limited to kitchen flooring. Many of our ranges are also suitable for exterior use in a grip finish – why not flow your kitchen floor straight outside onto the patio to create an infinity feel.

Wood Effect Porcelain Tiles

Thinking of laying real wood on your kitchen floor? Think again. Wood effect porcelain tiles are a great alternative for those who love the look of wood but are put off by the upkeep a real wood requires. Unlike real wood, these porcelain wood effect floor tiles work well with underfloor heating systems and are scratch resistant – a real win for kitchen floors! As with any porcelain, a high-quality graphic is essential to create the most realistic effect. We only source our tiles from select manufacturers in Spain and Italy who are at the forefront of design. Some of our wood effect porcelain tiles even have a textured feel to give you the ultimate wood imitation – with all the practicalities of porcelain. A great tip is to ensure your fitter achieves a narrow joint with a complimentary grout colour to produce the most seamless finish. For further information, we highly recommend reading our article on ‘why choose wood effect porcelain?’.

Sandstone Tiles

A sandstone is often used for outdoor paving but with the right finish it can be a wonderful choice for kitchen floors. As with any stone, sandstones differ in their composition and density, and thus some are more suitable than others for kitchen flooring. We have used our natural stone expertise to introduce a new selection of sandstone tiles. Our sandstone is finished in a way that is practical for kitchen floors whilst still maintaining the tactile nature of the stone. Our sandstone tiles are suitable for exteriors – making a brilliant opportunity to carry your kitchen floor outside and create one large, seamless space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is it to clean kitchen stone floors?

Many have the misconception that a kitchen stone floor will be hard to maintain and keep tiles clean, however natural stone and porcelain do offer very forgiving surfaces for kitchens and are practical and hardwearing. With a few simple steps followed, it is easy to look after your stone flooring. Read more on our helpful post on how to clean natural stone tiles.

Do you need to seal kitchen stone tiles?

Natural stone does need sealing upon installation which will act as a protective barrier against water and stains. This is very important for a kitchen floor that will see plenty of footfall and will ensure your floor stays its best. Porcelain, however, is a manmade product and does not require sealing. Some high-gloss porcelain may need sealing, but majority of porcelain for kitchens is in a natural, matte finish.

Is natural stone suitable for kitchen flooring?

Yes! Natural stone is perfectly suitable for kitchen floor tiles. It is naturally dense with characteristics that make it forgiving and durable for busy family homes. With the correct installation and ensuring you seal the tiles they will stand the test of time in your kitchen space. Natural stone is ideal for those wanting to create a rustic country kitchen look but with practicality.

Is porcelain suitable for kitchen flooring?

Yes! Similarly, porcelain is perfectly suitable for kitchen floor tiles. It is a man-made product fired at an extremely high temperature to offer a strong and hardwearing tile. Porcelain is near enough stain resistant so is a wonderful choice for those with kids or pets who are worried over staining and marks.

What is the best floor for the kitchen? Tips from PlazaReal in St.

Petersburg

During the overhaul of an apartment, the question inevitably arises of what is better to make the floor in the kitchen, what materials are preferable, what can and should not be used for this purpose. We give an overview of the most popular flooring and demonstrate how they look in the interior.

Which floor for the kitchen to choose so that it is waterproof, durable, beautiful and serves for many years? Focusing on the above description, the pros and cons of each material, it will be easy to understand which coating will be the best finishing option in your case: nine0003

Ceramic tiles

Clay tiles have been used for flooring since ancient Roman times. Until today, it ranks first among all types of floor coverings. True, it is not so easy to figure out what is better to put on the floor in the kitchen, because manufacturers offer an incredibly large number of variations of durable and beautiful floor ceramics.

Ceramic tiles for the kitchen on the floor are easily combined with any design style. You can choose an option for both classic and loft or high-tech. Interesting color panels are laid out from it. It is easy to choose an option that imitates natural granite, marble, expensive wood. nine0003


When choosing ceramics, you need to remember that wall tiles for the kitchen are not suitable for the floor, they are used only for wall cladding. As a floor covering, tiles with a hardness of at least 4–5 and a wear resistance index of at least 4 points are used. Then it will serve as long as the life of the building itself is calculated.

The floor is tiled with a trendy geometric pattern. nine0003

When figuring out which tile to choose for the floor in the kitchen, you need to remember one important point. This is a place where you can spill anything on the floor: water, juice, vegetable oil (remember Bulgakov's Annushka!). The smooth surface thus turns into a skating rink. If you are concerned about "safety", it is better to pay attention to matte, non-slip tiles.

In fairness, we note or clinker. And one more thing: due to the special hardness, when a glass or crystal wine glass falls on the floor, there are no chances of survival (unlike laminate and linoleum). nine0003

Porcelain stoneware

This modern material appeared only about 30 years ago and firmly "settled" as a floor covering in public buildings and offices. Manufacturers produce various versions of porcelain stoneware, many of which are suitable for laying the floor in the kitchen in private houses and even high-rise apartments.

If, for example, the question is which floor to choose for a country cottage, porcelain stoneware tiles will be in place. It has a fantastic density: in ordinary ceramics, the degree of water absorption is about 10%, and in porcelain stoneware slabs it is less than 0. 5%. She is not afraid of frost, has no limitations, a couple of disadvantages of a ceramic floor. It is quite cold, so usually a heating system is provided for it. In this case, you can not use tiles made of red clay: only white is suitable. nine0003

Laminate

Wood is not the best choice for covering the floor in the kitchen, as it reacts to moisture and temperature changes. For those who cannot refuse it, or the design suggests a wooden floor, a laminate will be a good alternative. The material is a two-layer plate covered with a moisture-resistant film and decorated with natural wood on the outside.

Positive qualities: the laminate is difficult to scratch, it retains its shape and original appearance well. Withstands temperatures up to 28⁰C, under such a coating you can safely equip a warm floor. The variety of imitations is huge: from dark oak to light birch, smooth slabs and with a pattern of natural wood. Service life, depending on the class, 15–50 years. nine0003

When choosing what is best to lay on the floor in the kitchen, you need to take into account the shortcomings of the material. So, the laminate can not be filled with water when washing. If moisture seeps through the edges, the lamellas will begin to swell. Pay attention to special varieties for the kitchen: a special moisture-resistant wax impregnation is applied to such boards on all sides, including the ends.

Laminate flooring needs to be laid on a soft substrate, but even this does not save neighbors from noise if you do not like to walk around the house in soft slippers. Do not drop pans and knives on the floor - for all the strength of the material, chips and cracks cannot be avoided in this case. nine0003

Valuable quality of a laminate with locks: a damaged board can be easily exchanged for a new lamella, so you need to leave some margin when laying.

Linoleum

When discussing which floor is better to make in the kitchen, we will definitely remember the well-deserved and once very popular linoleum. You should not compare modern varieties of this material with those that were produced twenty years ago. It has a lot of advantages: economical, wear-resistant, has a wide range of colors, is not afraid of moisture. nine0003

If you decide that laying linoleum on the floor in the kitchen will be the best option, you need to keep in mind a few rules:

Today, linoleum is produced not only in rolls, but also cut into tiles. This expands the design possibilities, facilitates the installation of coatings and reduces the number of scraps. The appearance of linoleum is the most diverse. It successfully imitates natural stone, wood, and even metal. Stylish modern prints allow you to choose the flooring option for the kitchen in any style. nine0003

Cork floor

The original cork floor in the kitchen is not a cheap pleasure. However, it is a very durable and environmentally friendly material. Cork is obtained from the bark of a special type of oak that grows in the Mediterranean countries. It is warm, it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot, perfectly dampens sounds, does not absorb moisture, and is resistant to household chemicals. She is not liked by bugs and other rodents, she is not affected by mold. In addition, such floors have antistatic properties, which means that dust does not accumulate on them. nine0003

Cork is a rare and valuable material, so it is used economically. Two types of floor coverings are made from it. The first is chipboard panels covered with a thin bark veneer (0.5–1 mm). The second variety is more expensive: it is 100% natural material. The bark, crushed into crumbs, is pressed to obtain slabs, which are then decorated with veneer. Such a cork is called granular.

If you have finally found something to lay the floor in the kitchen and cork floor is your choice, please note that the plates must be varnished, or it will need to be applied after laying. nine0003

Remarkable quality of a stopper — elasticity. The cork floor is not only pleasant to walk on: it also has a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system, reducing the load on the spine.

Vinyl floor

A new interesting material for lovers of experiments - PVC vinyl tiles for the kitchen on the floor. This is a cross between tile, linoleum and laminate. It is quite flexible, easy to install, at the same time comparable in strength to stone, and its decorative possibilities are simply endless. In appearance, the floor can look like granite, marble, there are textures that accurately imitate wood or even leather. nine0003

Advantages of vinyl flooring for the kitchen:

Of the disadvantages of vinyl tiles, only its relatively high cost can be noted. But given the indisputable advantages, it fully justifies itself from all points of view. This is a great alternative to traditional ceramic tiles. nine0003

Screed

Under the self-leveling floor in the kitchen, two different operations are meant. More often they mean putting the base in order before laying laminate, carpet or linoleum. This is actually getting a thin, perfectly even screed using a dry water-soluble mixture. If it is brought to a liquid (spreading) state, it is often called self-levelling. Most "levelers" have a porridge-like consistency, which is distributed with a special tool. nine0003

The second option for self-leveling floors is the use of mixtures based on polyurethane or epoxy resins, on which, after pouring, you can not lay another coating. The composition can be transparent or colored, various decorative elements are added to it: figurines, shells, stones. As a result, they get a kind of 3D self-leveling floors, and the kitchen turns into a real work of design art.

Marble

Natural marble floor in the kitchen is beauty, elegance, style. But there will be a lot of trouble with him. Both during installation and in subsequent operation. The greatest advantage of marble tiles is that they instantly transform the look of the room, giving it a luxurious, regal look. nine0003

Marble has many natural shades, the unique pattern of the stone is not repeated. It is easily cut, polished, acquiring a soft satin sheen. From it you can make any decorative pattern, up to a stone mosaic. It is absolutely safe, environmentally friendly material. However, like any other, it has a number of disadvantages that make it difficult to use in the kitchen:

Marble is a porous material, so it is necessary to protect the plates from the penetration of household liquids. It is advisable to consult with experts on which flooring is best for the kitchen in order to prevent staining of the material. Marble tiles are thick and quite heavy. For it, you need to prepare a solid foundation, laying starts from the center of the room towards the walls. nine0003

In conclusion, we note which floor to make in the kitchen is up to you. The best solution is at the intersection of practicality, relevance in design and your financial capabilities.


Back to the list of tips

Kitchen Flooring, Which Floor to Choose for the Kitchen

Kitchen flooring can cause a lot of trouble during operation or quietly serve faithfully for many years. It all depends on the chosen material and the quality of laying the floor. nine0161 A bad example of is laminate on HDF board without waterproof treatment: after 1-2 years of regular changes in humidity levels, the fiberboard will begin to dry out, the floorboards will creak, and the open seams will quickly fill with dirt, blacken, and become moldy.

As for the design value, almost all modern coatings - porcelain stoneware, PVC tiles, cork flooring, parquet boards, waterproof laminate, linoleum - are represented by a wide variety of collections with decors for wood, natural stone, matting, with patterns and classic ornaments, and also with thematic drawings. Thanks to this, there is always a suitable decor, it remains only to figure out which floor is better to choose for the kitchen according to technical characteristics and cost. nine0003

General requirements for kitchen flooring

Best Choice: Kitchen Floor Coverings

Quartz Vinyl Tile

Quartz Vinyl or PVC Tile - Not perfect, but probably the closest floor covering: absorption of dyes, compatibility with underfloor heating (effective heat transfer, but there is also a limitation on surface heating - 26-28 ° C).

Under the vinyl floor you will need a perfectly even base, especially under adhesive PVC tiles, the thickness of which is only 2-3 mm, and all screed defects will be displayed on the finish surface. nine0003

✔ Details about the pros and cons of quartz vinyl tiles.

The Polov catalog presents a chic assortment of lock and adhesive vinyl tiles with wood and natural stone decors. In addition, we offer the latest SPC laminate, "pressed stone": flooring on a rigid PVC composite board and a mineral filler, usually calcium carbonate. Due to the rigid base (not inferior in density to porcelain stoneware), base defects are allowed, as well as the use of a warm floor with increased heating - up to 40 ° C. The shortcomings of quartz vinyl tiles have been eliminated without increasing the cost. nine0003

Porcelain stoneware

Ceramic tiles are a classic for kitchen floors. With all the obvious advantages - water resistance, strength, wear resistance, a variety of decors, practicality - porcelain stoneware has a number of significant disadvantages: expensive and complex installation (with the involvement of a tiler), difficult cutting, slippery and cold surface, blackening of seams. However, all the flaws are offset by the low cost of porcelain stoneware.

Cork floor

Cork is the choice for connoisseurs of natural finishing materials. Cork flooring is quite expensive (the price is comparable to solid board or oak parquet), but very practical flooring for the kitchen: elastic, but durable structure, 100% natural material, wear-resistant lacquer coating, a variety of decors (natural veneer or wood or stone photo printing) ), moisture resistance and water resistance, additional sound and heat insulation. At the same time, the floor surface is warm without heating due to the very low thermal conductivity. nine0003

All of the above advantages apply only to a glued cork floor: the interlocking version with HDF in the structure does not tolerate moisture changes, does not fit well with the operating conditions in the kitchen. For laying the adhesive cork, as well as for PVC tiles, a perfectly even screed is required.

Natural wood flooring

Wood flooring is not the best, but it is possible for the kitchen. Three-layer parquet board is resistant to moisture, but only with moderate drops. As for massive parquet, the water resistance is even less due to the natural property of wood to absorb and give off excess moisture. Wood is a pleasure to walk barefoot on: a chic choice for a bedroom or living room, but a more practical material is needed for the kitchen. nine0003

Laminate on HDF slab

Unless water resistant treatment of HDF is provided, the laminate is not suitable for the kitchen. Fibreboard is stable only in rooms with moderate humidity: with regular drops, ordinary laminate slowly delaminates, the edges swell, blacken, mold. Even a waterproof laminate, for all its practicality, will not last more than 3-5 years in the kitchen.

Linoleum

PVC linoleum is a budget choice for kitchen flooring. Rolled floor covering is durable, wear-resistant, water-resistant, unpretentious in maintenance, unbeatable in price.


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