Limestone Flooring Pros & Cons: Is It Right For Your Kitchen?

Prized for its durability, natural beauty, and versatility, limestone flooring is a popular choice for kitchen remodels. However, like any flooring material, limestone has its own set of pros and cons that should be considered before making a purchase. Here’s what you need to know.

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Remodeling? Pair your new limestone floor with our Townplace Cream kitchen cabinets!

What Is Limestone?

Limestone is a natural stone material primarily made up of calcium carbonate. It is formed by the shells and bones of long-gone marine animals whose skeletons break down and accumulate together on the sea floor. This is a completely natural process that takes quite a long time. Limestone is then mined from the sea floors of fossil-rich locations such as the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

The Pros of Limestone Flooring

Durability

Kitchens can be a very active part of the home, so the materials used have to be able to handle the everyday wear & tear. Limestone is a dense stone that is resistant to scratches, stains, and wear. It is also resistant to heat and moisture, making it a great choice for kitchens. As discussed later on however, proper maintenance of your limestone flooring is required to ensure its durability.

Natural Beauty

More and more homeowners are embracing nature-inspired design elements in their home. Limestone is a fully natural stone that comes in a wide variety of earthy tones that can add a unique and natural aesthetic to any kitchen. While most limestone tiles can be found in shades of beige or off-white, they can also be found in gold, rust, copper, and even plum or jet black hues.

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Versatility

Customization is a must when it comes to kitchen materials, as each kitchen space is unique. Luckily, limestone can be cut and shaped to fit any space, making it a great option for both large and small kitchens. It can also be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional to contemporary.

Mix and match tiles of varying sizes and colors to create a variety of beautiful patterns, or use simple square tiles of the same tone for a more streamlined look. There are also a number of finishes to choose from.

Easy to Clean

Limestone is a smooth surface and it is relatively easy to clean. It is resistant to most spills and stains, and can be cleaned with a damp mop or cloth. However, limestone must be sealed before being used in your kitchen space, as its porosity makes it easy to absorb liquids and other errant spills. Stained, unsealed limestone is not going to be as easy to clean.

Limestone Flooring Cons

Cost

Limestone can be quite expensive, especially if you are looking for a large quantity or a high-quality stone. This may not be much of an issue for a small galley kitchen, but if you have a large kitchen space, limestone flooring can put a huge dent in your budget. However, limestone is still a cheaper option than other common stones such as granite and marble.

Simple limestone tiles can range from $3 to $10 per square foot depending on color and thickness. The more expensive tiles tend to be the most durable, as sealants and special finishes can increase the cost. Special accent tiles can range from $6 to $30 per square foot, but these tend to be used around the edges as opposed to throughout the entire kitchen. Labor costs can run from several hundred dollars into thousands if you’re hiring a professional. Maintenance and resealing costs should also be considered.

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Porosity & Softness

Limestone is a porous stone, meaning that it can absorb liquids and stains. Anyone who’s ever spent time in a kitchen knows that spills and stains can seemingly appear out of nowhere. From oils to deeply-colored liquids like red wine, there are plenty of everyday kitchen items that can pose a real threat to unsealed materials.

Therefore, it is important to seal the limestone flooring in order to protect it from spills and stains. It should also be resealed on a fairly regular basis to maintain its water resistance. Composed of soft calcium, unsealed limestone can also be vulnerable to scratches and dents from sharp or acidic materials, or even heavy furniture.

Slipperiness

Limestone can be slippery when wet, so it may not be the best choice for kitchens young children, elderly people, or pets. If you’d still like to utilize limestone in your kitchen, you may want to opt for some non-slip mats to place on top for the safety and comfort of everyone in your home.

Limestone flooring can be a beautiful and durable option for kitchen flooring, but it does have its own set of pros and cons. It is important to consider the cost, porosity, scratches and etches, and slipperiness before making a decision. If you are considering limestone flooring for your kitchen, it’s a good idea to speak with a professional to weigh the pros and cons and ensure it is the right fit for your home.