Limestone is an ancient natural stone. The formation of limestone takes place underground, and is primarily comprised of calcium carbonate. Since limestone is often filled with marine fossils, it isn’t unusual to find evidence of these in your tiles. Limestone tiles are one of the lower cost natural stone tiles, and that, coupled with its uniqueness and beauty make limestone tiles a popular choice for Toronto home upgrades.
Limestone Tiles
Limestone has been used as a building material for many centuries. Its timeless elegance and unique character give it a classic sophistication that stands the test of time. Limestone tiles will fit in to any decor, whether it is classic, or modern. The textures and colouring of limestone tiles allow it to be a showpiece in any Toronto home. Limestone tiles are commonly used as wall tiles, floor tiles and backsplashes. Only you can decide how this natural stone beauty will fit in to your lifestyle.
Pros and Cons
Limestone shares many qualities of the other natural stones. It is a hard stone, but with that being said, it is also extremely porous. Limestone tiles can become brittle and crack or chip if they are not treated properly. The porosity of limestone tiles also makes them very susceptible to staining and damage from moisture and spills. One other natural enemy to limestone tiles is acidic foods and liquids. Items such as tomato products, vinegar, wine and coffee can do unsightly damage to limestone tiles. This porosity also makes limestone tiles more susceptible to scratching and wear. For this reason, it isn’t advisable to have limestone tiles in high traffic areas of your home in Toronto. All is not lost however because there are many products on the market that will seal your limestone tiles and allow their beauty and elegance to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Cleaning and Maintaining
Limestone is a natural stone, so care must be taken when cleaning and maintaining your limestone tiles. Limestone is very durable and beautiful, but it is much softer than other natural stones, such as marble or granite. You should avoid using limestone tiles in the high traffic areas of your Toronto home, as placement in these areas would subject this natural beauty to excessive wear and tear. Sand and dirt can cause unsightly scratches to the finish on your limestone tiles. Avoid leaving dirt to accumulate for this reason. When cleaning your limestone tiles, you should first wipe them free from dirt and dust. To achieve this, you can use a soft cloth, or microfiber broom. Wiping the tiles should be enough to keep them clean, but they will require a washing from time to time depending on where they are in your home. To wash limestone tiles you should use a very mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution. A soft mop slightly damp cloth or mop will be more than enough to clean any dirt accumulation from your limestone tiles.
Consider limestone tiles for your Toronto home. With regular cleaning and proper sealing, they will maintain their uniquely stunning look for many years to come.