Home :: Home Remodeling Library :: Bathroom Remodeling :: Bathroom Flooring :: Stone Bathroom Floors

Stone Bathroom Floors

For FREE bathroom flooring installation estimates, please enter your information.

The world’s oldest building block, stone has been used to erect the earliest European palaces and ancient Egyptian pyramids. A stone floor conveys quality, richness, texture, and elegance. Since no two stones are alike, bathroom floors made from stone are always one-of-a-kind. Once installed, they are durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to a moisture-rich environment. The most expensive flooring option, stone is well worth the investment for homeowners looking to install the best in flooring material.

One critical element to a beautiful, long-lasting stone floor is proper installation. Because it is not a quick, hassle-free project, homeowners should consider hiring a qualified bathroom remodeling contractor or brushing up with plenty of research before installing the floor on their own. Failure to install stone correctly can lead to breaking or chipping under pressure, cracking, unevenness, and loosening.

The first precaution is adequate, even support. A professional will know if the structure of your bathroom can support the weight of your preferred stone. If not, it is possible to use a thinner layer of stone. Stone needs a strong subfloor, which has an important role as a support system. Depending on what the subfloor and stone floor consist of, you will need to take precautions such as reinforcement and layering with tar paper, wire mesh, a mortar bed, or a cement backer. Above the reinforcement and layering, an adhesive is required to keep the stone floor in place.

You can choose from a large selection of natural stone, such as marble, limestone, slate, epoxy, or flagstone. Each type has its own specific attributes. Granite, the hardest and densest stone, is highly resistant to staining and scratching. Marble is often associated with luxury. It comes in a medley of colors accented with a characteristic veining quality. Slate has a rustic appearance, is water resistant, and comes in gorgeous, rich colors.

Agglomerates are an alternative to natural stone. They are manufactured stone products made from natural stone chips suspended in cement, epoxy, or polyester bindings. Terrazzo and quartz agglomerates are two of the most popular agglomerates in home building and flooring.

To choose between natural or agglomerate, limestone or marble, determine what color, size, or pattern you want most. For instance, do you prefer polished or unpolished stone? Unpolished stone can be honed or textured, then sealed to prevent stains. Do you want a pattern consisting of simple squares or stones of different shapes and sizes fitting together in a natural, random design? If you prefer square tiles, they can be 12 inches or larger, with rounded or pointed edges. Stone tile can be textured by sandblasting or purchased naturally textured. Whatever the method, texture is recommended in the bathroom, where the floor can get slippery.