What is the best limestone for my…? A question that we are often asked. Perhaps most pertinently because we usually encounter the stone 5, 10 or 30 years after it is installed. We see beyond the sample and experience the stone in situ. We know how it wears, what it looks like in different settings and how easy it is to care for long term.
The versatility and vast range of limestone is what makes it such a popular choice for flooring. It is also our favourite natural stone to work with. Just like with choosing a worktop, selecting the best limestone for your project depends on what your goals are. Some limestones are more hard wearing and so better suited for a busy kitchen or entrance.
Two of the limestone floors that we see most often are Buscot and Dijon. Both share similar qualities that make them so popular and the main one being that they are hard wearing. Usually found in a tumbled edge/ finish this limestone means that scratches won’t show as vividly and the already rustic look of the stone can hide blemishes for many years. The fact that we see these stones so often is a testament to how long they can last.
Marble is usually associated with luxury, but limestone too can look pretty special. Not all limestones can be polished but one that can is Moleanos. This is a classic limestone tile and can be just as beautiful when honed too.
It is also worth noting that stone doesn’t have to be polished to be exquisite. Those who are looking for the best limestone for adding a touch of luxury, then the Jura Grey and Beige ranges of limestone are simply stunning. Littered with fossils and intricacies, each piece is unique. The stone has an incredible depth of colour that adds warmth, character and pure indulgence of nature.
It is the neutral tones of limestone that make it works in so many different settings. Most of the limestone floors that we see are an array of beiges and greys that enable the furniture, fixtures and fitting to really take centre stage. This is actually one of the reasons that we love natural stone – it never goes out of fashion. You can change your décor as often as you like but the stone will still be the perfect fit.
On the other hand, there is also plenty of options available if you’re looking out for the best limestone for making a statement. There’s plenty of blue hues and some darker limestone too that can have a very dramatic impact in the right space.
It might surprise you to discover that there’s a vast range of stone that is native to the British Isles. Which means that the best limestone for a sustainable build might be a little closer than you think. Although a lot of the limestone quarried in this country is used for external building, there’s lots of beautiful options for internal flooring too. In addition, many of the British quarries are investing heavily in finding even more ways to reduce the carbon impact of their work. We would highly recommend exploring the British Stone Selector from the Stone Federation to find out more.
If you are considering installing a limestone floor, then it is important to get the correct maintenance regime in place. For a copy of our Athena Aftercare guide email info@athenastonecare.co.uk or visit our Services pages to find out more about professional maintenance.
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