Stone Buying Guide

By Floor & Decor

Welcome to our comprehensive stone buying guide, where we'll help you navigate the world of stone for your home renovation projects. This guide will explore aspects such as selecting the perfect style for a stone slab, tile, backsplash, or flooring.

Understand Your Stone Style Options

Knowledge of the distinct features of each stone type is key when deciding which one to use.

Marble

[Marble ](https://www.flooranddecor.com/stone?prefn1=productType&prefv1=Marble)is a luxurious, elegant option that adds a touch of sophistication to any space. It is known for its beautiful veining patterns and is available in various colors, from white to black. Marble can be used for a stone backsplash, flooring, tile, accent walls, and more.

Travertine

If you prefer a more rustic look while maintaining elegance, [travertine](https://www.flooranddecor.com/travertine-stone), a limestone formed by mineral deposits from hot springs, might be just what you need. Travertine offers warm tones such as beige or brown, making it an excellent option for creating cozy spaces.

Slate

[Slate's](https://www.flooranddecor.com/slate-stone) natural slip resistance makes it an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor applications, giving homeowners a visually appealing yet practical option. It comes in various colors and textures, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add visual interest while maintaining practicality.

Granite

Granite countertops are an excellent choice if you're looking for durability combined with natural beauty. [Granite](https://www.flooranddecor.com/granite-stone) is one of the hardest materials on earth, making it resistant to scratches and heat damage and perfect for kitchen use. Plus, granite comes in numerous color variations so that you can find the ideal match for your style.

Installation Location

When selecting a stone for your home, you must consider the installation's location. Different stones have unique properties that suit specific areas in and around your house. Let's explore some factors when selecting a stone based on its installation location.

Outdoor Spaces

If you plan to install stone flooring outdoors, for example, on a patio, opt for materials with a textured finish like slate. This type of surface can provide better traction during rainstorms and pool parties, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, slate adds an organic vibe to any outdoor space due to its natural appearance.

Bathrooms and Kitchens

• Marble: If you've been dreaming about having one of those stunning marble bathrooms or kitchens featured all over Pinterest, this is your chance. Just remember that wet areas require special consideration when choosing finishes.

• Semi-precious Stones: For homeowners who want to make a statement, consider using semi-precious stones like quartz or onyx for your countertops. These unique materials can add an element of luxury and sophistication to any space.

• Granite Countertops: Another popular choice for kitchens is granite countertops. This durable material resists heat, scratches, and stains, making it perfect for busy households that love to cook.

A bathroom with white walls, light blue cabinetry, marble countertop, and mosaic flooring.

Polished Stone: Tips for Safety and Maintenance

Polished stone surfaces are popular among homeowners due to their elegant appearance and easy maintenance. However, it's essential to be cautious when selecting polished stones for your home, especially in areas prone to moisture or high foot traffic.

Opt for Non-Polished Finishes

If you're concerned about slipping on polished stone surfaces, choose non-polished finishes like honed or brushed. These finishes provide more traction underfoot without compromising the natural beauty of the stone.

Increase Grout Lines with Smaller Tiles

Selecting smaller tiles will result in more grout lines, which add friction and help prevent slips on wet floors. In areas where spills are frequent, like bathrooms or kitchens, it is crucial to reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

Treat Your Polished Stone with Anti-Slip Products

To enhance safety further, treat your polished stone surfaces with anti-slip products. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure proper application and effectiveness.

Maintenance

Despite what you may have heard, natural stone is easy to maintain with proper sealing and cleaning. The maintenance of your stone is as easy as any other material. Just be sure to use something specially formulated for natural stone and to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Look for Quality

When renovating your home, it's essential to select top-notch products that will last.

Tips for Choosing High-Quality Stone Countertops:

• Examine color consistency: While natural variations are expected in semi-precious stones like granite countertops or marble slabs, look for uniformity in color patterns throughout the material.

• Avoid excessive pitting or fissures: Some larger stones may have small pits or fissures as part of their natural beauty but avoid those with excessive imperfections that could compromise durability over time.

• Select sealed surfaces: Properly sealed surfaces protect against stains and indicate a higher level of care during fabrication and installation processes.

At Floor & Decor, we buy our stone directly from quarries in countries like Italy and Spain. This direct relationship allows us to offer you an incredible selection of high-quality materials at unbeatable prices. To start your stone project, [contact a designer](https://www.flooranddecor.com/contact-a-designer) today.