Natural Stone Tile Guide
Resource guide | 6 min read

Natural Stone Tile Guide

Marble, travertine, limestone, slate and granite tile compared by look, wear, sealing and care, with tips for choosing and living with stone.

Marble

Marble offers elegant veining and a soft, luminous look. It is softer than granite and etches with acids.

Honed finishes hide wear better than polished ones.

Seal it and use stone-safe cleaners.

Travertine

Travertine has warm tones and natural pits that are often filled. It suits floors, patios and walls.

The surface can wear and etch.

Sealing and gentle cleaning keep it lovely.

Limestone

Limestone is soft in color and subtle in texture, and it reacts to acids like marble. It suits calm, classic spaces.

It can scratch more easily than harder stones.

Use mats at entries.

Slate

Slate has rich colors and a natural cleft surface with good grip. It is popular for entries and outdoor spaces.

The surface can flake and varies in thickness.

Sealing can deepen its color and ease cleaning.

Granite

Granite is hard, dense and durable, with speckled patterns. It resists scratches and heat well.

It takes polish and is often used on counters.

Sealing is still recommended.

Living with stone

Wipe spills quickly, avoid acids and abrasives and reseal as needed. A little attention keeps stone beautiful.

Natural variation is part of the charm.

We write down a care routine for your stone.

Our advice in one sentence

Choose stone when you love its character, and commit to simple sealing and gentle cleaning.

Questions

Quick answers.

Does stone need sealing?

Most natural stone benefits from sealing, and the schedule depends on the stone and use.

Is marble practical in a shower?

It can be done with care, but it needs sealing, proper waterproofing and gentle cleaners.

Can stone-look porcelain replace stone?

For many projects, yes. It gives the look with less upkeep.

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