Limestone Floor

[MattW]

Not really a period property question but... has anyone got a limestone floor in their kitchen? how practical are they? (i.e. do they need to be resealed regularly, do they stain easily etc, if someone didn't use a specialist cleaner would it be damaged?) Would you fit one again?

I appreciate that this is a bit of a 'how long is a peice of string' question as it will depend on hardness of limestone etc, but any thoughts welcome.

 

[MdB]

I've not sure I have even seen a limestone floor let alone fitted one but I have climbed on a lot of limestone. It polishes as it is walked (climbed!) on and gets very slippery especially when wet. I would want to ensure that this isn't a problem before even thinking about it.

 

[Penners]

Mrs P used to work for a company that quarried, cut, polished and laid limestone floors.

Some of the worst things to spill on this kind of floor are acidic liquids like fizzy drinks, vinegar, fruit juices (particularly citrus) and wine. They react with the limestone, and can stain the floor.

Other things can have a deleterious effect. The best way to protect the floor is to seal it really well. But of course this can bring its own problems. Chemical floor finishes will eventually wear in high traffic areas and look patchy. Natural finishes such as wax or linseed oil are more easily refurbished, but you need to refinish more often. It's best to take the manufacturer's advice on finishing and cleaning.

 

[Moo]

It all sounds far too impractical and high-maintenance for the likes of me. Where are you planning to use it, Matt?

 

[Penners]

It all sounds far too impractical and high-maintenance for the likes of me.

I rather agree. Very glamorous, but not very practical.

 

[MattW]

Am considering using limestone for the kitchen along side modern units (http://www.bulthaup.co.uk/contentview/Product-b1.html) . Being for the kitchen - i.e. highest risk of spillages etc - is what prompted the concern / question. I could use porcelain tiles if I wanted to stay with the contemporary look or possibly switch to a more contrasted approach and use reclaimed flags which I suspect actually might go quite well, but I havent seen any of the latter on the likes of salvo web http://www.salvo.co.uk/images/userimgs/26732/47248_1.jpg that would smooth/suitable for inside - or would a good clean & linseed oil be all that was required to give them a light polish / patina?

 

[Penners]

would a good clean & linseed oil be all that was required to give them a light polish / patina?

Impossible to say on the basis of a photo of the top few! It all depends on how dirty or otherwise they all are and - more importantly - what any dirt is.

 

[Nina]

We have a pale limestone floor in our kitchen. I am constantly dropping stuff on it and it has never stained (OK, I don't drink fizzy drinks but plenty of wine). It has been sealed and I find it very easy to clean (I'm not too kenn on the housewifery bit and certainly don't find it labour intensive). I use a cleaner for stone floors from S........y's. Nothing complicated or high maintenance about it ... and it looks beautiful.

 

[MattW]

Thanks Nina - good to know isn't too impractical. Have received a load of samples over the last couple of days - so time to work out what will work best

 

[robgil]

where does the limestone come from?
just asking because of the recent bad press given to Indian sand stone quarry's using children for cheap labour and its impact on the environment.