Limestone is a natural, alluring alternative to harder rocks, distinguished for its versatility and ease of use. Its organic character is showcased in its structure, filled with more or less pronounced fossil content. At ArchiPro, we offer a broad selection of limestone countertops, limestone paving, and limestone chips to support it.
Stone slabs and tiles can replace a broad range of other, less durable materials. Even when porous, many stones hold great for decades without showing prominent signs of damage.
Limestone is a type of organic sedimentary rock formed from algae, shells, coral, along with direct water crystallization. Their fossils accumulate on a seabed, exposed to hundreds of years of heat, pressure, and compression, slowly turning to a rock formation.
Limestone is a sedimentary stone composed largely of calcium carbonate, typically in the form of aragonite or calcite. The rest of the compound is magnesium carbonate, with minor percentages of clay, pyrite, iron carbonate, feldspar, and quartz.
Limestones can be found in a number of locations worldwide, from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. It forms wherever shellfish, algae, and corals are abundant, producing a large amount of calcium carbonate. All versions are rich in fossil content.
The style, look, colour and structure of rock are prevalently determined by its origin and location conditions. One of the most famous African types is Tura limestone, used in Egypt for the Great Pyramid together with the Mokattam version. Another example could be Galala marble that is limestone by structure, although called a marble.
Jerusalem Grey Limestone is an Israeli variety, highly sought after. Australian Tamala and New Zealand’s Oamaru stones are also quite popular among architects and homeowners.
Limestone is a moderately to very porous material, requiring a specific filling that will reduce those pores. After the sealing process, polishing makes the surface uniform and ready for application. Polishing makes the surface brighter, glossy, and more reflective, ideal for indoor use on walls and floors.
The brushed finish is the simplest of all, making a subtly coloured surface. The process uses wire brushes in order to create a clean, matte finish, ideal for outdoor spaces.
As the name says, the flaming process involves a hot torch flame creating a textured, semi-rough surface with a non-slip finish. Only certain types of limestone can be flame finished.
Tumbling is an additional part of the finishing process. A flamed finish can be tumbled further for a more matte appearance and slightly rounded edges of the individual tiles. Tumbled finishes are easy to maintain, slip-resistant, and ideal for use on driveways and patios in place of slate.
When buying limestone flooring, it’s important to decide on tile size. If the subfloor is uneven, stones in a smaller format might help to conceal it. Otherwise, large-format tiles typically define a more contemporary look, with fewer grout lines.
While most versions are of natural origin, it’s also possible to find it as engineered stone.
Limestone chips and peels are not a big issue. The separation of tiny pieces happens due to the deterioration. Repairs include poaching, slicing, and detachment repairs.