Next up in our tile FAQ series comes the conundrums that surround natural stone. With the rumour mill circulating that you couldn’t possibly use them outdoors (nonsense, by the way; natural stone is born and bred outside) and with heads across the nation being scratched over how often you should seal natural stone tiles, there’s more than a burning question or two waiting to be answered. So much so that we’ve split our natural stone tile questions into two features with part I coming right up…
 
We posed questions to our Head of Creative, Grazzie Wilson and here’s what she said:


1. Can natural stone be used in a shower?  
Short answer, yes. Whether you’re sold on slate or in love with limestone, natural stone tiles can 100% be used in a shower. And contrary to common belief, marble tiles can join in on the fun too despite their porous nature. Be it a cubicle or a walk-in wet room, the same caveat applies when using natural stone tiles in a damp environment – they’re going to need sealing (skip to point three for tips on this) and they’re going to need TLC to keep them looking at their best. When it comes to natural stone, underfloor really is your friend.


2.Can natural stone be used outside?  
If you’re wanting a sandstone terrace to sit on and soak up the sun then you’re in luck, because yes, natural stone exterior tiles are no myth. By its very nature, stone is hardy and weather-resistant being quarried from the earth after all. Therefore sandstone, limestone and slate outdoor tiles are yours for the taking to make your great outdoors is all that you’d hoped it could be. And if you’re looking to bring in a natural stone tile for your outdoors with a difference, consider the sustainably minded Reform range – a collection crafted at a carbon neutral factory using combinations of recycled  stone in a host of earthy tones. Just make sure that the stone you pick is suitable for exterior areas, you’ll usually find this noted in a product’s suitability section of a brand’s website or brochure.

 

3. Does natural stone need to be sealed? 
Natural stone has plenty of upsides – it looks and ages beautifully, and works well with underfloor heating to name some of their most appreciated points in a bathroom. But to pick a natural stone tile is to accept they’ll be a level of upkeep and a necessity to install them properly. A key part of that installation process is sealing to form a protective layer that will help them withstand the water that will naturally come their way in a bathroom. Not only that, proper sealing makes cleaning natural stone tiles easier too, preventing any grime from penetrating the stone’s surface. It’s important to use the right sealant for your specific tile and to make sure you choose one compatible for interior or exterior use. And if you’re sealing it yourself, be sure to check the specific instructions on the sealant you’re using as some require a primary seal (pre-grouting and the most important), and a secondary seal (post grouting and cleaning) for enhanced protection.
 
You’ll need to re-seal your tiles every few years so that you can keep them looking (and behaving) at their best. 
 

4. Does natural stone stain? 
Most natural stones are porous – some more than others, for example granite is much less porous than limestone and sandstone. Their tiny holes means that stains can seep in more easily and make themselves known, which is why sealing is so important to reduce the likelihood of those stains settling. Think of a sealant as a barrier or a layer of protection on which the offending stain sits, preventing it from breaking through to your precious stone beneath.
 
Aside from sealing, acting fast is the best course of action if a possible stain threatens and using cleaners best suited to your stone, such as our Deep Clean Solution that’s compatible with all types of natural stone.
 

5. Which natural stone is best for flooring? 
The good news is there’s no one sort of natural stone tile that’s best for flooring, meaning the world is your oyster. All of them are hardwearing and all of them are compatible with underfloor heating systems, so the question comes down to function and form. Consider where your natural stone floor tiles are going to live their days. Is it a boot room that will contend with muddy shoes and paws? If so, would textured terracotta tiles be best with their rugged nature or a weathered limestone flagstone that can take some rough and tumble? Is it an elegant ensuite that will see only the gentle padding of towelling slippers? In which case, a marble floor tile will be more than up for the job.  Opting for a marble mosaic with multiple grout lines will also help with your the surface become grippier too, which could be really helpful in particuar areas of your home.

 
6. How do I decide which natural stone is best for me? 
Knowing which natural stone tile suits you best is a matchmaking test that covers a lot of what’s in point five – function and form. You’ve got to love the tiles you choose so first ask yourself which do you gravitate towards most? When you’ve got that shortlist, scratch beneath the surface to reveal which is most compatible for you and your lifestyle. If you find yourself looking at marble metro wall tiles in your kitchen but you’re someone who reaches for the stain culprits red wine and turmeric every night, then you might find yourself moving towards a different stone instead, perhaps one with more character. You’ll soon find the stone that suits you best but also makes you swoon most.
 
 
For press enquiries please email Ca’ Pietra Head of Creative: Grazzie Wilson grazzie@sarsenstonegroup.com