Natural stone flooring. Natural stone in design: floors and walls

30.09.202027.05.2017

High-quality flooring not only pleases the eye and creates an atmosphere of comfort, but also allows you to keep the room clean.

The strength of the material is of no small importance, and there is no equal to natural stone. Marble floors are not only an expressive design and an amazing play of colors, but also respectability. This flooring is preferred by people with a fine artistic taste, for whom status in society is important.

The stone floor is not afraid of external influences - it is not afraid of moisture and mechanical damage. Reliable material ensures maximum durability of the floor. And even after many years, stone floors do not change color or performance. For example, granite floors may show the first signs of wear only five hundred years after installation, which is why granite has been nicknamed the “eternal” material. Unlike artificial stone natural material does not split during processing.

Select view flooring should depend on the nature of the room: more porous marble floors are perfect for residential buildings, and in public places (banks, offices, shopping centers) granite floors will be appropriate.

At the Keramika company you can order natural stone floors:

Benefits of stone floors

In addition to strength and reliability, natural stone has a number of other advantages:

Fire resistance. For example, quartzite can withstand temperatures up to 1800°C, so it can be used in metallurgical production. Due to low thermal conductivity natural stone can be used not only as a floor covering, but also for wall cladding in rooms where there is an increased risk of fire.
Ability to withstand large temperature changes and high frost resistance. The marble floor will perfectly retain its properties and appearance even in low temperature conditions.
Versatility. Natural stone goes well with any materials, so a granite floor will look great in interiors with different styles - from classic to minimalist.

Affordable luxury

Natural stone occupies a special place among finishing materials. Natural marble is distinguished by a variety of textures and shades: it can be dark and light tones, with pearlescent tints. Unlike artificial materials, marble floor tiles retain their attractive appearance for decades.

Thanks to the extraordinary durability of marble, natural stone floors can be a profitable investment, because their durability is incomparably superior to the same products made from other materials. At the same time, the interior of your home or institution will become truly unique.

The Stone Processing company has modern equipment that allows us to work with slabs of various sizes and shapes, so we are able to offer our customers cladding at an affordable price. Natural stone floors will decorate your interior for many years, testifying to the impeccable taste and wealth of the owner of the premises.

Natural stone has the unique ability to create a special, unique style in the interior. This material is incredibly elegant and at the same time practical. Working with stone requires the talent, experience and skill of a professional. Only in this case the result of the work is a unique work of art, distinguished by practicality and reliability. For thousands of years, stone coverings have been used in homes, and do not lose their relevance. If the ancients simply did not have a large choice of technologies and materials, now many prefer natural stone floors for the reason that they create a special atmosphere and give the room an individual character.

Natural stone is especially valued by artists and designers for its excellent compatibility with a variety of materials - fabrics, wood, metal. Stone cladding provides additional opportunities for creating a sophisticated and elegant interior.

Stone floors - advantages and possibilities

Natural stone remains one of the most durable and reliable materials for flooring. With proper care, its service life is practically unlimited. In addition, stone is a universal material for decorators. Experts highly value its properties, which make it possible to use it both in public places, and in residential premises. Natural stone has wide possibilities in texture and color for making the most intricate and exquisite ornaments.

Stone floors are made only from abrasion-resistant rocks: marble and granite. The texture of stone slabs is the starting point for the work of a decorative artist. Granite coating is not afraid of water, resistant to dirt and abrasion. It is ideal for finishing rooms with a high degree of use. Granite is distinguished by a rich color palette and uniform pattern. Marble can be yellow, pink, green, blue, brownish, red and black. This unusual color is given to it by the oxides of graphite and various metals. The veins give a special effect, creating a unique pattern.

Experts recommend choosing natural stone based not only on its decorative properties, but also taking into account its volumetric weight. This is especially true for the floors of the upper floors of the house - in this case, it is necessary to calculate the optimal load for the interfloor floors.

Mosaic as a way to decorate floors

The mosaic floor is a timeless, indelible painting, a vibrant carpet of natural stone underfoot. Mosaic made of marble with metals and other stones is a real exclusive masterpiece, demonstrating wealth and excellent taste. Mosaic flooring has always been associated with prestige, comfort and luxury.

Modern technologies make it possible to lay panels in such a way that the stone does not accumulate moisture, does not lose its artistic qualities, does not crumble, and maintains a long service life.
By decorating a room with mosaics, you will add uniqueness and individuality to its style. Our customers can always count on exclusive results!

Natural stone floors are an ideal option for those looking for a reliable, durable and luxurious flooring. In terms of aesthetics and presentability, no other type of design can compare with natural materials. In addition, natural minerals are characterized by resistance to wear and practicality, which allows them to be used for decades without the need for repairs. The choice of natural raw materials is also supported by the fact that they are available in a wide variety of types and colors. Therefore, natural stone floors can be matched to any interior design and room style.

Important! For the production of coatings they are used different types breeds Each of them is characterized by certain properties, which should be taken into account when choosing raw materials for floor slabs.

For floor coverings they are used different types natural stone. In particular, slabs from the following rocks have become widespread:

marble;
sandstone;
travertine;
granite;
slate.

Important! Before making an exact choice, it is worth comparing the performance properties of different materials.

Features and advantages of marble.

This is one of the most common rocks used for making flooring. It is characterized by a luxurious structure and a rich range of colors, with each layer characterized by a unique and inimitable surface pattern. Among the performance properties of marble:

resistance to temperature changes and wear;
strength;
low water absorption coefficient;
flexibility to grinding and processing due to the plasticity of the structure.

Interesting. This breed is able to “breathe”. This property is manifested due to the porosity of the structure. This creates a favorable environment in the room, reducing the likelihood of fungal growth.

However, marble requires special treatment. In particular, the slabs must be treated with special protective compounds containing calcium. They will help maintain the attractiveness of the stone for a long time. In addition, the protective solution prevents staining from accidental spills of colored liquids.

Features and properties of granite.

Another very common type of natural stone, which is widely used in interior decoration.

Important! Granite is the hardest mineral rock.

Among the performance characteristics of the stone:

durability;
low water permeability;
resistance to temperature changes.

It is worth noting that it is quite acceptable to use it for decorating floors on open terraces, near swimming pools and, of course, in living rooms. Granite is characterized by a large palette of shades: gray, red, green, lilac-pink. The service life of stone is tens of years, which allows it to be used in capital construction of buildings whose operation is planned for a long time.

Special properties of travertine.

The second name of the rock is limestone tuff. It is formed during the process of precipitation from cold or hot springs with a carbon dioxide environment of a special element - calcium carbonate. Travertine is characterized by a porous structure. The density indicator varies between 1400–1800 kg/m3. The color scheme is represented by shades of warm light colors.

Interesting. Travertine has been used in construction for a long time. For example, the Roman Colosseum, which is more than 2 thousand years old, was created from this rock. This fact is the best evidence of the durability of the material.

Among the operational properties it is worth noting:

strength;
resistance to moisture and temperature;
immunity to household mechanical stress;
abrasion resistance.

In addition, travertine is distinguished by its “warm” surface texture and ease of care.

Characteristics of slate flooring.

This rock is characterized by a unique layered structure and original surface pattern. It is formed during the process of sedimentation of silt on the seabed. There are two types of shale in nature: crystalline and clayey. The first is characterized dark shades, the second - lighter and warmer colors.

The special properties of slate are:

rough surface that prevents slipping;
low moisture absorption;
resistance to frost and UV;
excellent sound and heat insulation performance.

Important! Slate flooring goes well with other types of flooring: laminate, parquet.

Features of sandstone.

This rock is considered the “golden mean” between limestone and granite. By nature, it is a sedimentary material with a dense structure, resistant to abrasion. The color palette is presented in a huge variety.

Among the properties of sandstone is ease of use: in comparison with other types of rocks, it requires less labor.

Important! When choosing the type of natural stone for the floor, you should take into account not only the performance properties and color scheme, but also the cost of materials, the expected load, as well as the possibility of combination with other types of coatings.

Video review of natural stone floors.

What could be stronger than a stone floor? That's right - only correctly laid stone floor. It was not without reason that even in ancient times, the floors in the most luxurious palaces were lined with stone. It testified to the well-being and wealth of the owner, inspired confidence and calm. Therefore, such design of various rooms in our time is also very subtle. psychological technique aimed at instilling a sense of stability and permanence. If natural stone is indeed a luxury that not everyone can afford, then its artificial counterpart is much cheaper and looks no worse. Let's understand the main secrets floor decoration natural stone and its artificial analogue, We study which breeds are more preferable and why.

1. Stone floor: advantages and disadvantages

Those who are seriously thinking about laying a stone floor in their apartment or private home must have a certain amount of knowledge and skills in order to achieve a truly amazing result. Natural stone refers to expensive materials. But in in this case, we can say with confidence that you are not just spending your money, but making a significant contribution to the modernization of your home. Undoubtedly, natural stone is an inimitable material. Its shades, texture, interesting highlights and unique patterns were created by nature itself. This is why the stone is so highly valued by designers. In addition to stunning aesthetic qualities, natural stones have many other advantages:

This is one of the strongest and most durable materials. It can be said that stone floors are truly timeless;
The maintainability of the surface also contributes to a long service life. If chips or scratches occur, it is possible to quickly return the floors to their original appearance by regular sanding or polishing. Of course, this doesn't mean you can do it yourself. But the services of specialists will cost much less than completely replacing the coating;
The stone harmonizes perfectly with any other;
At the same time, a room with stone floors will always have a special atmosphere, and the interior can no longer be called boring or uninteresting;
You will receive a coating with a truly unique shade and pattern;
Minimum care requirements;
Resistance to the formation and proliferation of microorganisms;
Most breeds are resistant to moisture and chemicals.

Now let's consider flaws natural stone floors:

First of all, this is their high price;
Considerable weight this finishing material. If we are talking about laying the floor on the first floor of a private house, then there should be no difficulties. You should pay much more attention to the cladding of the floors of the upper floors, and those who want to install stone floors in an apartment in an ordinary high-rise building should think twice, and it is better to seek advice from professional builders or a house architect. He should tell you the permissible load on the floor slabs. Also, similar information can be found in construction GOSTs of the corresponding years;
The stone itself is cold material. Perhaps you should first organize a heating system;
Due to the increased hardness, all fragile objects that fall on a stone surface will certainly break;
It is more difficult to stand on a stone floor - your legs begin to feel tired faster. This is especially noticeable during cooking.

Quite a few different species are used for flooring. Let's look at each of the possibilities in more detail and highlight its disadvantages and advantages.

2. Granite floor

Granite is one of the most durable and wear-resistant rocks. Diversity color palette simply impressive. You can find unique shades of gray, black, yellow, green, red or inimitable purple-pink tints. Thanks to this, granite is a stone that allows you to experiment with design and create more and more new ones. It is noteworthy that granite with spotted colors is most often used for flooring.

Granite is best suited for installation in rooms with high humidity. Basic dignity granite floors:

The highest degree of wear resistance;
The ability to obtain not only a rough, but also a polished surface of the stone;
Compared to other rocks, granite has a low cost;
Due to their high strength, it is possible to produce granite plates of large sizes, which significantly expands the scope of application and the boundaries of imagination;
Granite is not susceptible even to prolonged exposure to water.

TO shortcomings This can only be attributed to an increased level of surface slip.

3. Marble floor

The beauty and radiance of marble was appreciated by ancient ancient architects. The most outstanding buildings of that time were lined from head to toe with this luxurious stone. Marble really differs from many other stones in its noble and sophisticated appearance. The fine veining of natural, rich shades is so chic and unobtrusive at the same time that it still gives marble its enormous popularity. You can find a variety of shades– gray, white, yellow, brown, beige, pink, green, burgundy.

Advantages of this multifaceted breed are as follows:

High strength and wear resistance;
Resilience to climate change;
Good machinability;
Antistatic.

Among shortcomings highlight:

Increased porosity of the marble structure. Because of this, marble is not entirely suitable;
High absorbency. A colored liquid accidentally spilled on a marble surface will certainly leave a mark that will be difficult to remove;
Marble consists largely of calcite and small amounts of various minerals and metallic inclusions. It is they who form the unique pattern and color. However, with prolonged contact with moisture, metal particles may begin to corrode. In this case, the marble surface may become faded and fade forever;
This breed requires careful and frequent grooming.

4. Travertine as a facing material

“” sounds beautiful, but, in fact, this mineral is limestone tuff. This breed is distinguished by the presence of beautiful, recognizable wreaths with small holes on the surface. Color range very soft and harmonious - from pale beige to brown. Such shades allow you to create a favorable, cozy atmosphere in the room. And the layered structure makes it vaguely similar to real wood.

In addition, travertine has such advantages:

It has a low density, but at the same time increased hardness, comparable to the degree of hardness of marble or onyx;
Resistance to mechanical damage;
Frost resistance;
Low thermal conductivity;
Due to the simple method of extraction and the fact that travertine is in fact calcium carbonate, that is, an intermediate rock between limestone and marble, its price is almost 4 times less than the cost of marble.

Main disadvantage is the presence of pores and small holes on the surface. This contributes to the rapid accumulation of contaminants. It can be quite difficult to get them out. Therefore, when choosing travertine as a floor covering, ask sealed whether pores special glue. Sometimes various impregnations are used as a protective coating.

5. Slate floor

Slate is a fine-grained, layered natural rock type. Its surface is rough, textured, with slight irregularities. In addition, shale has unusual design, which is specially developed with special liquids before use as a floor covering. This allows you to create an original surface look. Color range It can be either restrained beige or brown shades, or more rich and varied. Slate can be used for both interior and exterior decoration.

Advantages slate:

Affordable price;
Hygienic and bactericidal properties;
Non-slip surface;
High compatibility with other natural finishing materials, especially wood;
High level of wear resistance and fire resistance;
Resistance to ultraviolet rays and temperature changes;
Frost resistance and durability;
High level of heat and sound insulation;
Low level of moisture absorption;
Resistant to staining and staining.

Disadvantages slate is its natural coldness and the possibility of scratches due to the layered structure.

6. Sandstone as a facing material

Sandstone is a very durable sedimentary rock. We can say that it is a cross between granite and limestone. Most often, sandstone is used for finishing in rooms where the style of the ancient era is maintained. His color palette included all the diversity of each color of the rainbow. Shades of white and black are no exception.

Advantages sandstone:

Does not absorb moisture;
It is practically indestructible;
Has a relatively light weight;
Affordable price;
Resistance to temperature changes;
Easier to process and style than other breeds;
High aesthetic qualities;
Durability and high strength;

TO shortcomings include the difficulty in caring for sandstone floors due to its rough surface, as well as low shock-absorbing qualities.

7. Natural pebble floors

Natural pebbles, obtained from the sea coast, are the favorite material of many designers when creating. Thanks to natural processing, the stones have pleasant rounded shapes and smooth corners. Color palette Natural pebbles are very diverse. It is dominated by natural, calm shades.

TO benefits pebbles include:

Massage effect on the feet;
The ability to lay out entire artistic canvases;
Durability;
No need for special care;
Easy installation;
Natural and effective look of the flooring.

TO shortcomings include the duration of the installation process, which requires perseverance and painstakingness.

8. Expensive and unique stones for flooring

In addition to such “simple” stones, designers sometimes use more exclusive and expensive types of stones. Such a finish can rightfully be called “golden,” but the appearance will also be at the proper level. Often used:

9. What is a “stone carpet”?

Agree, the name is intriguing, but everything is much simpler. A stone carpet is a mix of various mineral particles. More often compound this is quartz sand, sea pebbles, marble or large marble chips, a little semi-precious stones and transparent polymer. Most of the surface is occupied by sand, which perfectly fills the gaps between larger fractions and strengthens the surface. The finished coating not only looks amazing and unique, but also has increased wear resistance, hardness and strength. Due to the presence of polymer as a binding component, after its complete hardening, such a floor is absolutely not afraid of moisture.

Besides this:

The stone carpet is resistant to chemicals and oils;
Has anti-slip properties;
Absolutely safe for health;
Easy to clean due to the absence of seams and a completely smooth surface;
Does not lose its properties even in the temperature range from -30 to +70°C;
The installation process is very simple and does not take much time;
Wide choice of colors.

TO shortcomings applies:

High cost;
If used carelessly, scratches, cracks and permanent stains may occur.

10. Stone texture

Not only the color scheme, but also the texture of the material plays an important role when creating the design of a particular room. If we look at the example of natural stone, we should know that processing method surface depends not only on its aesthetic, but also on its practical properties. After certain processing, the following types of textures can be obtained:

11. Natural stone format for flooring

Depending on the size and shape of the rock, the following types of supplies are distinguished:

Stone tiles– has the correct geometric shape and smooth surface. The sizes of the slabs can be standard - 30×30, 40×40, 45×45, etc. - and have custom sizes. Please note that slabs with a thickness of 10 mm are usually used for wall cladding, while it is better to use 20 or 30 mm elements as flooring;
Stone slabs– are solid slabs of large sizes and irregular shapes, cut from solid blocks of stone. Laying such material is quite complex and requires precise adjustment. After installation, the floor surface is sanded and polished. But it is from slabs that it is possible to lay out the most expressive and unusual floor;
Stone mosaic– represents small stone tiles. Their shape can be either rectilinear or asymmetrical. The thickness ranges from 4 to 10 mm. From small fragments ready-made modules measuring 20x20 cm are formed, which makes the installation process a little easier. However, this task is still very painstaking and time-consuming.

With the help of specialists, you can lay the floor from any type of stone, depending on your financial capabilities and preferences.

12. Stone floors in various rooms

The stone floor is a completely independent element that can become a key feature of the entire interior. However, despite this, there are rooms where it is easy to do this inappropriate. We're talking about . Even when installing a heated floor, this is not a very good solution. The stone is very hard and dangerous for a child. And if you want to solve this problem with the help of a large soft one, then what is the point of stone trim if it is not visible? In other rooms you have complete freedom of action.

Rocks that are more saturated in color with a pronounced pattern are better suited. Pay attention to marble, granite, onyx or serpentine. Also a great option the floor will be made of stone mosaic or polished slabs. Don’t forget to match the overall color scheme of the room and its design style;
more restrained and calm shades and textures are suitable. Light, monochromatic floors made of stone slabs will look noble;
It is worth focusing on the color that occupies the vast majority of the area. If it is bright and rich, with glossy facades, then the floor should be matte, neutral, and vice versa;
For bathroom Light-colored rocks are better suited for rooms, on which soap drops will be less noticeable. Be sure to choose a stone with an anti-slip surface;
Whether to install a stone one or not is a purely individual matter. But we can say that the recreation area involves the use of softer and warmer materials.

13. Artificial stone as a more affordable facing material

Due to its high cost, not everyone can afford finishing with natural stone. But this is not a reason to give up your desires. Today you can find artificial substitute, which is in no way inferior, and sometimes even surpasses the characteristics of natural material. To the main benefits can be attributed:

More affordable price;
Less weight;
Easy installation and processing;
More convenient transportation.

Cladding with artificial stone is carried out in the same way as usual - using. The finished surface is repairable.

Depending on the composition and method of application, there are three basic groups substitute.

Porcelain tiles

This material is produced using the vibrocompression method under high pressure. In his compound includes the following materials:

Several types of clay;
Feldspar;
Mineral supplements;
Pigment.

We can say that it is closer to ceramics or glass, but not stone. It has very high surface hardness, so processing and cutting it at home is very difficult. Not all tile cutters can cope with this task. Therefore, you often have to perform manual adjustments. Porcelain tiles can have a matte or glazed surface. You should be careful with the latter. Although it is super durable, it is susceptible to chipping of the decorative layer. Porcelain tiles are frost-resistant and very durable material.

Agglomerates

This is a group of materials that are made from polyester resin, quartz sand, marble chips, limestone, granite chips and coloring additives. This artificial stone has an incredibly diverse color palette and can imitate expensive breeds. Such as onyx, malachite, lapis lazuli, marble. However, the strength will be much higher. Agglomerates are able to withstand high sub-zero temperatures and have good bending and compressive strength.

Exposure to direct sunlight is harmful to them. And the degree of abrasion is much lower than that of natural breeds. In addition, liquids containing acids can leave permanent stains on the surface. Also don't fit agglomerates and for laying over heated floors. When heated, the polyester resin in their composition begins to release harmful substances. Agglomerates specially designed for floor cladding are most often made from stone chips and a cement binder. The vibration compaction method allows you to obtain a coating that is much harder than natural stone.

Artificial concrete stone

This is the most common type of substitute, which is made from ordinary cement, sand, fillers in the form of pumice, expanded clay or ceramic chips, plasticizer, reinforcing additives, water-repellent substance and pigment. The resulting material can be used for both interior and exterior decoration.

14. Technology for laying stone floors

Ideally, stone floor installation is best left to specialists. Especially if we are talking about some grandiose and complex project. However, if you chose ordinary stone slabs as a covering, then it is quite possible to lay them yourself. Main stages works are as follows:

Stone floors, with proper care and handling, can serve more 50 years old. There are no special requirements, but you should adhere to the following simple ones: recommendations:

For cleaning, it is best to use mild detergents that do not contain alkalis, chlorine, acids and abrasives;
Under no circumstances should you rub any stains with steel wool in an attempt to remove them;
It is best to wash the floor with warm soapy water, and then rinse with clean warm water and wipe dry with a soft cloth;
If a coloring or aggressive liquid gets on the floor, you must immediately remove it with a damp sponge;
There is no need to drag furniture across the stone floor or knock on it. This will inevitably leave scratches;
It is best to glue soft rubber bands or special protective pads to furniture legs.