Natural stones used in floor manufacturing can take many years to form. Because stones are natural and not man-made products, they each have very distinct characteristics - no two stones are exactly alike. Some of the most popular types of stone that are used in flooring today include limestone, marble, granite and travertine.
While most stones feel and look hard, some types are actually capable of absorbing moisture and spills. In addition to having your stone floors properly sealed, you should also take care when mopping your floors. To play it safe, wipe up spills immediately after they occur. Above all else, maintain your stone floors according to the manufacturer's recommendations; this can help ensure that you get the best results.
A number of stones are naturally reflective and can help enhance the light in a given area. Never attempt to recreate this shine by applying a chemical product on your stone floors. Certain polishes can permanently damage a stone floor's surface. If you want to restore the shine to your stone floors, you may need to have them assessed by a professional. Stone floors tend to lose their luster as dirt build up grinds away at the surface. In some cases, the only way to reinstate the shine is by having the surface leveled, or reground.
You can help maintain the shine of your stone floors by sweeping them often and attending to scratches immediately after they occur. Routine maintenance and care can go a long way towards prolonging the life of stone flooring.
