Are you planning to remodel your home with luxurious rustic vibes? A good flooring choice would be limestone floors.
This stone flooring material can give your room a classy feel without the need to break the bank, starting from $9 to $27 per square foot. Not to mention, these floors are effortlessly gorgeous. It is available in different tones and styles, adding an elegant touch to your living space.
Now let's talk about the pros and cons, as well as the average costs of limestone floors!
Limestone Flooring Average Costs
On average, limestone flooring will cost you $9 and $27 per square foot (covering material and professional installation costs).
Note that the price of limestone floors varies on a case-to-case basis. Depending on the tile thickness, color, and finish, prices may also increase accordingly. Tiles with a honed finish (flat matte look) are cheaper than brushed (textured) or polished/shiny finishes. (Related: Tile Installation: A Cost & Consumer Guide)
Expect to spend around $700 to $1,800 for a standard 10x10 ft bathroom. However, some contractors may charge you a flat rate for every small project.
Advantages of Limestone Floors
Here are some advantages to consider in installing limestone floors at home.
Disadvantages of Limestone Floors
Even limestone floors have their fair share of disadvantages. As long as you work the floors within its limitations, this shouldn't be a significant problem. For your reference, here are some limestone flooring disadvantages to be mindful of.
How to Properly Clean and Maintain Limestone Floors
To keep your limestone floors in their best condition, you need regular sealing. Doing so ensures no stains stick around, and the color you've chosen will stay looking its best over time.
Suppose you're not a habitual cleaner. In that case, this stone flooring option may not be the best choice for your situation. To appreciate its beauty, you will need to put in the work. Once the floors are sealed, it's also crucial to mop the limestone floors frequently, and clean/mop spills immediately.
Sweeping or vacuuming your new limestone flooring is also something you'll need to do regularly. Some homeowners also opt to use a limestone cleaner to ensure the floors remain as pristine as ever.
Don't worry. These cleaners are specially formulated to avoid damaging your stone floors. For deeper cleaning, you may want to rent a steamer to restore the prime look of your limestone flooring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is limestone?
Limestone is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, considered a sedimentary rock. Naturally, it forms when algae, corals, and shells are crystallized from water. When various sea animals extract calcium carbonate in warm waters to create bones and shells, limestone is created in the process.
What do you clean a limestone floor with?
You can use a soft broom or vacuum to clean your floors to remove any dust and hard debris. Other guides also recommend daily sweeping to avoid accidentally scratching your limestone tiles. Word of caution: This can quickly happen when homeowners unwittingly step on grime and drag them across the floor. Another cleaning method is to use wet cleaning materials regularly. This includes a soft floor cloth or mop. As much as possible, avoid using rough materials.
Is limestone flooring slippery when wet?
Different limestone flooring types also have varying levels of slipperiness. If you opt to use shiny/polished tiles, these may be highly slippery as the polish fills its natural porosity. Other limestone types, such as honed limestone or travertine, are notably less slippery.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, limestone floors are a beautiful, durable addition to any home. We're not saying it's 100% rainbows and butterflies. Just like any other natural stone flooring material, it has its own set of drawbacks to consider.
It's best to weigh the pros and cons thoroughly before making a purchase. If you're convinced the benefits are more than the drawbacks, then it's time to install limestone floors at home!