Types of Natural Stone Flooring in Kennewick, WA

Understanding the Primary Types of Natural Stone Flooring for Your Twin Cities Home

Natural stone flooring introduces a sense of permanence and individual character into any Tri-Cities home. 

 

Unlike manufactured tiles, types of natural stone are actual pieces of geological history, formed over millennia, guaranteeing that no two pieces are exactly alike. This uniqueness is what gives natural stone its prestige and enduring appeal.

 

As a Locally Owned Family Business since 2005, Murley's Floor Covering educates our customers on the best uses and necessary care for each type of stone.

 

Types of stone floors in Kennewick, WA from Murley's Floor Covering

 

The Three Families of Natural Stone

 

Natural stone materials are classified based on their formation, which dictates their hardness, porosity, and maintenance needs:

 

1. Metamorphic Stones (Marble, Slate, Quartzite)

 

These stones began as other rock types and were transformed by intense heat and pressure.

 

  • Marble: The standard for luxury, known for its dramatic veining. Pros: Unmatched beauty, excellent polish. Cons: Softer and porous; prone to scratching and etching from acids. Best Use: Low-traffic areas, high-end bathrooms, fireplace surrounds.
  • Slate: Formed under high pressure, characterized by its natural layering (clefted surface) and earthy tones. Pros: Durable, naturally slip-resistant, and great for rustic/industrial looks. Best Use: Entryways, mudrooms, and outdoor covered areas.
  • Quartzite: Extremely popular today for its granite-like hardness combined with the marble-like look. Pros: Highly resistant to scratching and etching. Best Use: Kitchens and high-traffic floors demanding elegance and durability.

 

2. Igneous Stones (Granite)

 

Formed from cooled molten rock (magma or lava).

 

  • Granite: Granite is one of the hardest and densest natural stones available. Pros: Highly durable, excellent resistance to moisture and scratches. Cons: Less dramatic variation than marble. Best Use: High-traffic floors, demanding commercial spaces, and kitchen countertops.

 

3. Sedimentary Stones (Travertine, Limestone)

 

Formed from layers of mineral and organic sediment compressed over time.

 

  • Travertine: Characterized by warm, creamy colors and naturally occurring pits (usually filled during processing). Pros: Soft look, warm aesthetic. Cons: Highly porous, requires frequent sealing. Best Use: Sunrooms, large living areas for a Mediterranean or rustic look.

 

marble floors

 

Contact Murley’s Floor Covering to Shop Our Natural Stone Collection

 

The key to long-term customer satisfaction with any of the types of natural stone is sealing.

 

  • Professional Sealing: All porous natural stone must be treated with a high-quality, penetrating sealer to resist stains and moisture absorption. Our experienced and certified installers ensure the stone is cleaned, sealed, and installed correctly, using specialized setting materials.
  • Professional Installation: Due to the weight and fragility of natural stone, our Lifetime Installation Warranty is particularly valuable. We ensure the subfloor is properly prepared to handle the load and that the installation is flawless.

 

Trust your Locally Owned Family Business in Kennewick to provide both the materials and the professional installation expertise needed for these magnificent floors.

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