A beautiful natural stone floor starts long before the first tile is laid. Decisions about tile variation, layout, grout and lighting can all influence the finished result.
If you’re planning a new floor, getting these details right early can save headaches later and help your stone look its best.
1. Choose the Stone for the Room
Start with how the room will actually be used. A busy entrance hall has different requirements from a guest bathroom, while kitchens need to cope with regular spills and foot traffic.
Limestone is a popular option for flooring thanks to its durability and warm, natural appearance. Authentic Stone’s guide to limestone tiles provides more information on where the material can be used and how it should be maintained.
2. Decide on the Finish
Don’t overlook the finish. Honed, polished and tumbled stone can make the same material look dramatically different.
A polished surface can feel sophisticated and formal, while tumbled stone has softer edges and a more traditional appearance. Read our guide to the different types of natural stone finishes before making your choice.
3. Consider Natural Variation
Natural stone isn’t manufactured to look identical from tile to tile. Changes in colour, veining, fossils and texture are part of its appeal.
It’s therefore worth viewing several tiles together rather than making a decision based on one piece. This also allows tiles to be arranged so that the variation feels balanced throughout the room.
4. Plan Your Layout
Tile size and layout can completely change the impression of a space. Large-format tiles can create a cleaner, more continuous appearance, while mixed-size patterns can introduce movement and traditional character.
Dry laying the tiles before installation can help determine their positioning and identify the most attractive arrangement.
5. Don’t Treat Grout as an Afterthought
Grout colour and joint width can subtly change the finished floor. A closely matched grout creates a more seamless appearance, whereas greater contrast makes the individual tiles more noticeable.
Authentic Stone’s installation guidance also recommends considering grout gaps, tile thickness and the condition of the surface before fitting begins.
6. Check the Stone in Your Lighting
Natural and artificial lighting can alter how stone colours appear. Look at samples in the actual room where possible and check them at different times of day.
Natural stone rewards good planning. By considering the material, finish, variation, layout and installation before work begins, you can create a floor that doesn’t simply look impressive on installation day, but continues to complement your home for years.
