Stone Buying Guide

By Floor & Decor

Start with our stone buying guide, where we'll help you navigate the stone selection for your home renovation projects. This guide will detail the elements of style, durability, stone types, and applications.

Types of Stone

Marble

Marble is a luxurious, elegant natural stone that adds sophistication to any space. Known for its distinctive veining patterns, marble comes in a range of colors from white to black. It’s commonly used for backsplashes, flooring, accent walls, and countertops.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone formed by mineral deposits from hot springs. It offers a rustic, old-world look and is ideal for creating warm, textured surfaces. Modern travertine finishes provide a refined appearance while retaining natural character.

Slate

Slate is naturally slip-resistant, making it an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor applications. Its durability and layered texture make it popular for floors, walls, and mosaics.

Granite & Quartz

Granite and quartzite are both natural stones that rank high on the hardness scale, offering exceptional resistance to scratches and heat. These stones are popular for countertops due to their durability and natural beauty. Note, while similar in name, quartzite is a natural stone, and quartz is an engineered material.

Area of Installation

Different stones have unique properties suited for specific areas. Here are key considerations:

Outdoors

For outdoor flooring, choose stones with textured finishes like slate for slip resistance. Travertine and other weather-resistant stones also perform well in exterior spaces.

Bathrooms

Water and slip resistance are essential for bathroom installations. Stones like marble and slate are commonly used for floors and walls, while mosaics work well for shower floors.

Kitchens

Natural stone countertops—such as granite, marble, and quartzite—are a timeless choice for kitchens. Each stone type varies in maintenance needs, so select one that fits your lifestyle.

Quality & Maintenance

Proper care ensures your stone surfaces remain beautiful and durable over time.

Examine Color Consistency

Natural stone varies in color and pattern. Always inspect pieces before installation to ensure the overall look meets your expectations. Unlike manufactured products, natural stone does not have dye lots.

Natural Variations

Stones feature unique veining, fissures, and mineral patterns that are part of their natural beauty. Instead of avoiding these characteristics, embrace them—they make each piece one of a kind.

At Floor & Decor, we source our stone directly from around the world to bring you the finest quality and style at an unbeatable value. From Italy and Spain to Greece, our stone adds a touch of luxury to your home without the luxurious price tag.

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