Flagstone flooring is made from sedimentary rock and can be highly polished or left with a dull finish. It is easy to maintain and can increase a structure’s resale value. When installing, it’s important to consider the condition of the subfloor and to seal the flooring to prevent stains and water damage. Regular cleaning is recommended.
Flagstone flooring is flooring made from flagstone, a form of sedimentary rock that is well suited for subdivision into flat slabs for floors, roofing, and other projects. Many stone floors are made with stone slabs and the practice of using stone slabs in floors is centuries old. Home improvement stores usually sell several styles of flagstone flooring, and additional variations can be ordered directly from the manufacturers.
Rather than being a specific stone, “flagstone” is actually just one type of stone. The flagstone is characterized by being sedimentary and formed in layers, making it easy to divide into flat slabs. Depending on how the stone is worked, it can be ground to create a particularly smooth surface or left slightly rough. Flagstone can be highly polished or left with a slightly dull finish and is available in a range of colors including grey, bluish, green, brown, red, yellow and cream. Sandstone is a common choice for flagstone floors.
Some people like the aesthetics of flagstone flooring, since it can look very appealing. This type of flooring is also easy to maintain, provided it is installed and sealed correctly, and can significantly increase a structure’s resale value. Looking ahead, people can also install heating and cooling systems under flagstone flooring, using the floor as a source of radiant heating or cooling during particularly cold or hot climates.
The slabs can be purchased in the form of slabs laid and grouted by hand, or in the form of tiles, which tend to have more regular shapes and standardized bases to facilitate installation. Some companies make flagstone tiles with a mesh backing, so the tile can simply be laid out on the floor and cut to size, without having to worry about spacing the tiles correctly for grouting since they’re already spaced precisely on the backing.
There are several key issues to consider when installing a flagstone floor. The first is the condition of the subfloor. If the older floor is being replaced with flagstones, the subfloor should be examined for signs of rot, mold, and mildew and should be reinforced or replaced as needed. It’s also vital to seal the flagstone flooring to prevent stains and to prevent water from seeping through and damaging the sub-floor. Many companies sell pre-sealed slabs, but the floor needs to be resealed after grouting and may need to be taken apart and resealed periodically.
When caring for flagstone floors, the best regimen is frequent cleaning and the occasional mopping with warm water only, as chemicals and soaps can stain the floor. It’s also a good idea to felt the bottoms of chairs, tables, and other furniture to prevent scratches.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
