Gowdy Flooring provides and expertly installs your preferred natural stone flooring indoors or outdoors for homeowners in the Amarillo, TX area. These flooring products are eco-friendly, non-polluting materials because they are natural.
We certainly realize that while the aesthetics and uniqueness of natural stone flooring is known by most, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that one of the most important factors in selection is ‘where’ and ‘how’ they shall be used. This is true since some natural stone features may be less suited to some applications than to others. Our flooring consultants will gladly help you to understand each natural stone flooring material and to determine the proper choice for your remodeling application.
As you think about natural stone flooring, these are some things that you should ask us to explain in greater detail:
Absorption Rating - Absorption rating informs you about just how porous each natural stone material will be. The more absorbent a material is, the more susceptible it will be to staining, as well as showing cracking damage during freezing temperatures. This is an important rating factor that can determine ‘where’ a particular material should be used. There are 4 levels of levels of absorption that any natural stone flooring material can have. These are:
√ Non-vitreous: This is the greatest level of absorption that any natural stone material will have. In general, non-vitreous products should never be used in any high-moisture environment.
√ Semi-vitreous: While these natural stone products are somewhat less absorbent than their non-vitreous relatives, when exposed to more moisture, they will need additional maintenance.
√ Vitreous: This is the standard absorption level for natural stone flooring products and these materials are generally considered the most appropriate choice for most low to mid-traffic indoor and outdoor applications.
√ Impervious: These materials in this group are resistant to the absorption of liquids and thus will be easier to maintain. They are most often applied in high traffic commercial applications.
For the most part, sandstone is the most porous of natural stone materials such as limestone, slate and travertine which only have mid-range absorbency. Granite, however, is almost 100% waterproof.
Natural Stone Flooring has Some Drawbacks Too!
Other than granite and some slates, natural stone is generally porous. Thus, it needs to be treated occasionally with a sealing agent in order to protect its surfaces. Some polished materials, like marble, are also easily scratched; and some others can be very brittle, and are therefore easily chipped.Gowdy Flooring certainly realizes that a bit of prior research is always a good idea when considering natural stone flooring materials. This research will help you to understand the characteristics of the specific natural stone material that you are considering before actually buying it. You’ll be wise to learn whether your preferred stone will be appropriate for your intended area, and also just how much maintenance it may need.
For additional information, or to personally review actual samples of natural stone flooring materials that we provide, phone us, email us, or stop in at our showroom in Amarillo, TX when you find it convenient and discuss your interest with one of our flooring specialists.
