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The best flooring options for your home

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The phrase “stepping over the threshold” could mean the start of a new phase in life offering various opportunities.  However, when taken literally, when you enter a room or building, one of the first items you notice is the flooring – and usually by the first visual impression of the flooring,  you get an idea of the ambience of the room or building.  It is, therefore, important to pay attention to the flooring you choose for your home.  

While there are many options to choose from, natural stone flooring is becoming more popular and, although it has previously been considered a material of luxury, there are many advantages of using products like natural stone to provide your home with an aesthetically pleasing flooring.  One of the leading stone and granite suppliers in London, is located near Wandsworth Bridge and they have been in the business for over four decades. They can be contacted at https://www.marblecity.co.uk or https://www.marblecity.co.uk/materials/granite-type-stone-suppliers-london.  

Materials of natural stone like granite, marble and limestone are some of the strongest and most durable options for flooring, the preference being granite. Also, with environmental issues being of high concern, manufactured flooring materials (like wood) are becoming less popular while natural materials, like stone, are high on the preferred list.  Some of the advantages of having a natural stone, specifically granite flooring, for your home are mentioned below:  

1. Being so durable, once a granite floor is installed properly, it will yield high utility.

2. All natural stones are strong, but granite is one of the hardest natural stones, so it can withstand “attacks” like pet claws, heavy furniture or foot traffic without damage.

3. Granite is very moisture-resistant and is also resistant to stains.  It creates an almost impenetrable surface to liquids, so there will be no worry about moisture damaging the flooring.

4. Due to its qualities of resistance to moisture, heat, scratches and stains, it is a good option for bathrooms and toilets.

5. Granite tile is processed from volcanic rock until it has a smooth surface.  This smoothening process brings out natural beauty hidden in the rock – which is why no two natural stone slabs are identical.  Thus, diverse designs and patterns are created, offering options for merging of tiles/slabs into a beautiful flooring, pleasing and soothing to the eye.

6. Granite can be glossy and highly polished or in a natural looking muted texture. The semi-glossy or coarser variety (honed finish) is ideal for bathrooms and toilets, where a non-slip finish is required.

7. There is a wide range of colour options and it has a characteristic sparkle enabled by the quartz which is part of the slab or tile.

8. It could reduce the symptoms of allergies or asthma, as granite and marble are hypoallergenic. It does not retain smells or bacteria. Poor indoor air quality is a health concern so, compared with carpeting which can harbour dust and bacteria and requires regular maintenance, stone flooring is beneficial.

9. Granite flooring requires very low maintenance, as long as the flooring is swept and mopped regularly.  Frequent inspection and timely replacement of stone tiling can keep the maintenance costs relatively low.

10. It is compatible with radiant infloor heating systems.

11. The mass density of natural stone increases its lifespan and hence the resale value of the property.  

No decision can be made without reviewing the pros and cons.  While the advantages of natural stone, specifically granite floorings have been detailed above, there are some disadvantages which need to be looked into, before you decide on the flooring option for your home.  

1. Due to the various plus points of natural stone flooring and the installation process, the cost of the same is higher than traditional flooring options.

2. The installation process is rather difficult  and time-consuming, demanding intensive labour and heavy tools due to the weight of the slabs/tiles.  It requires skill as the installation has to be done perfectly to maintain lifetime use.

3. When highly polished, granite can be slippery which can be problematic for the very young and elderly.

4. To keep the granite properly protected, it needs to be resealed when necessary, as the sealant will act as an additional buffer for protection.

5. If infloor heating is not installed, granite can be cold underfoot.  However, as mentioned above, it is conducive to radiant infloor heating.

6. Before granite flooring can be installed, it is advisable to have a professional inspection of the floor to make sure that it can withstand the weight of the granite.  

The advantages of using natural stone for flooring far outweigh the disadvantages.  If you have a liberal budget and would opt for long term quality and durability, investing in a natural stone flooring for your home will be beneficial as, not only will it be long lasting and pleasing to the eye, it will also increase the resale value of the property.  

So, before taking the big decision about flooring for your home, take into consideration the pros and cons so that “crossing the threshold” with regard to your choice of flooring will be virtually done before you realise it!

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