The Pros & Cons of Natural Stone Tiles

16 October 2024

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Natural stone tiles have been a popular choice in the worlds of design and architecture for thousands of years. Marble for example, has been used in ancient structures around the world, many of which are still standing, serving as testament to this elegant material’s immense strength, durability and longevity. If you are considering using natural stone tiles in your home’s design scheme, there are a few things to consider in order to ensure this product is the right fit for your project.

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Varieties of Natural Tiles & How to use them in the Home

Natural stone tiles are available in a wide variety of luxurious options including stylish decorative wall tiles, elegant and classic mosaic tiles and stylish floor tiles. Each of these tile options are suitable for different applications throughout the home’s interior and exterior applications. Varieties of natural stones that are most commonly used for tiling include: different types of marble such as Calacatta, Nero Marquina, New York Marble or Carrara Marble, Granite, Slate, Limestone and Travertine tiles. Each of these luxurious materials is available in a variety of striking, naturally occurring colours and patterns, allowing for a diverse colour scheme in your next design project.

Featuring a lush honed finish, our Serpentine mosaic tile collection includes an endless variety of stone varieties including elegant Ming Marble, Indiana Viridi, Travertine and more.

Natural stone floor tiles for example, will feature a flat surface finish that is either honed or textured, depending on the type of tile finish you choose. These tiles are often quite large and heavy, making for an incredibly durable and long lasting surface finish for a residential floor. Although some collections of natural stone floor tiles can be used in outdoor spaces, it is important to note that not all types of stone will handle being exposed to outdoor spaces as well others would. If you are choosing outdoor tiles, it is important to let your Perini Tiles Consultant know this information during you visit so we can ensure your chosen tiles can be safely used in an outdoor setting.

Natural stone floor tiles can often also be used as a wall tile however, if you are on the hunt for something a little more decorative and charismatic, there are many exciting options available that have been specifically designed for vertical applications throughout the home. Natural stone wall tiles can be sourced in an endless variety of luxurious patterns and shapes, allowing for any number of creative designer solutions to be achieved. From 3D effect tiles that include a combination of raised and lowered surfaces to curved or fluted tiles that will create a luxuriously tactile experience in the home, these more decorative natural stone tiles are ideal for use as a feature element throughout the home.

The Advantages of Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone tiles are available in an endless variety of luxurious colours and patterns. Their immense popularity is due to the many benefits these types of tiles provide; Natural tiles are a timeless and sophisticated option for the home, adding a luxurious quality in any application while also adding value to the home. Each individual tile is unique from the next, featuring variations in tone, colour and pattern which create a luxurious and sophisticated look. Furthermore, as natural stone tiles are available in such a wide variety of stone options and naturally occurring colours, there is always an option to suit any type of design aesthetic. These hard wearing and durable tiles can be used in any number of applications, being a popular choice as a stone tile flooring, a feature wall tile in indoor or outdoor spaces and more.

Natural stone tiles are often quite thick and unlike other options such as porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles for example, the colour and pattern of a real stone tile will run right through the product. This allows for the tiles to be professionally rejuvenated if needed, ensuring they truly last a lifetime!

Our luxurious travertine tile collection, Tumbler can be used in a variety of applications both inside and outside the home. These wonderfully tactile natural tiles can be used as both a floor or wall tile solution throughout the home’s interior spaces while also offering an excellent choice as a pool surround tile in residential settings. If you are on the hunt for travertine floor tiles in Melbourne, this stunning collection will provide the perfect choice!

What to Consider: Disadvantages of Natural Stone Tiles

If you are in the process of selecting your new tiles and you are considering natural stone tile options, it is important to keep a few things in mind in order to make the most informed decision possible and ensure these tiles will be the best fit for your needs and project.

Natural stones are porous in nature; these materials have tiny holes (or pores) on their surface and if the product is not treated properly, these pores will absorb liquid or powder spills which in turn can lead to staining or discolouration. Natural stone tiles will need to be sealed prior to installation, immediately after installation and then every few years or so thereafter (depending on their wear). You will find a detailed guide on sealing tiles here.

Available in a variety of versatile sizes and styles, the Tundra collection features a velvety soft honed finish. The lush grey tones of these natural tiles can be paired with any number of trending and classic materials such as timber, marble and more.

Aside from regular sealing, these types of tiles will also require specialised cleaning products that are sensitive enough to thoroughly clean the stone without damaging the tile sealer. You will find more detailed information on caring for different tile materials on our Resources page where you can download PDF guides specific to different tile varieties.

It is also important to note that natural stone tiles will often fetch a higher price tag to lay in comparison to other options as a result of their weight. The tiles themselves are also on the higher end of the pricing scale which of course, will add to the cost of materials for your project. If you are working with a tight budget in your tiling project but would like a natural stone look, a porcelain stone inspired tile may be a better option or instead, you can still incorporate authentic natural stone tiles as a feature element throughout the home, using them sparingly to add a sense of drama to certain areas.

Natural stone tiles offer an immensely long lasting finish in the home that will create an air of luxury and sophistication. As these tiles are available in such an endless amount of elegant colours, patterns and varieties, there certainly is an option to suit any design aesthetic! Offering impressive strength, durability and longevity, natural stone tiles will last a lifetime in the home with the right care and maintenance. Our Melbourne tiles store houses an immense collection of luxurious natural stone tiles; Visit us to start your journey or shop for tiles online here!