When you have decided to put natural stone flooring throughout your home, it can hard to pinpoint the best stone for the job. There are so many different stones to choose from. Two extremely popular natural stones used for flooring are limestone and marble. Both of them can be beautiful in your home, but how do you know which one will be better and last longer? Silver State Floor Restoration is here to talk about marble and limestone, and which one will be best for your flooring.
Understanding Limestone
Many people don’t realize this, but limestone is made up of the remains of marine life. It is a sedimentary rock that is formed by calcium carbonate fossils and was likely formed millions of years ago. Clams and mussels died and their shells and skeletons were broken down by the sea floor and waves. The water’s pressure compacted them into the sediment. What often makes limestone so interesting to look at is the visible fossils that give it such an organic and natural appearance.
Understanding Marble
Another plot twist is that marble starts out as limestone. When limestone is exposed to high temperatures, it has calcite crystals that interlock and turn into marble. There are impurities like clay and sand that are often found in limestone and that is what gives the veiny appearance that is found in marble. Marble is often associated with luxury and wealth, the more veining that is found throughout it.
Comparing Limestone & Marble
When you’re trying to compare limestone and marble to decide which one you would want for your flooring, it is helpful to compare the two in several different ways.
– Durability: For many people, durability is going to be high on the list. Since limestone is younger than marble, it is less durable. It is a bit softer than marble is. It is also more porous. Both stones are considered porous though.
– Stain Resistance: Since both of these stones are porous, they are going to absorb water and stain easier than other natural stones. You have to be especially careful when it comes to acidic spills such as lemonade or vinegar. This can leave etching and is permanent damage to both types of stone.
– Maintenance & Sealing: Because marble is denser than limestone, it is a bit easier to maintain and care for. Both of these stones require regular cleaning and sealing to keep them protected and beautiful. Some installers will suggest you seal them every 18 months while others recommend every few years. You have to take into account lifestyle and other factors when determining how often to seal your natural stone floors.
Natural Stone & Tile & Grout Cleaning, Sealing, Polishing & More in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
You can’t go wrong with limestone or marble in your home. They are beautiful in their own rights. Just know that they are porous in nature and have to be properly cared for and maintained. You can turn to Silver State Floor Restoration for all of your natural stone floor cleaning and sealing. Call us today!
