Slip-Resistant and Elegant Floors with Natural Stone Touches
Having beautiful and safe floors is everyone's dream. Slippery floors can be a hidden danger, especially for families with young children or the elderly. On the other hand, aesthetic floors can enhance the beauty and comfort of a home. The good news is, you can get both with natural stone. Natural stone offers the perfect blend of aesthetics and safety. In addition to its natural beauty, certain types of natural stone have non-slip properties that are ideal for wet areas or areas with high traffic.
Natural Stone: Unassuming Safety
Natural stone comes in various types, but not all have non-slip surfaces. The natural formation process of these rocks affects the texture of their surface. Natural stones formed from volcanic or sedimentary processes usually have a rougher texture than stones formed from chemical precipitation. This surface texture is what plays a role in creating good grip, thus reducing the risk of slipping.
Types of Non-Slip Natural Stone
Some types of natural stone that are suitable for floors and offer extra safety include:
- Granite: Granite is an igneous rock formed from the crystallization of magma below the earth's surface. This process results in a strong and dense granite structure, making it resistant to scratches and stains. The slightly rough surface texture of granite provides good grip, making it ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. In addition, granite is available in various attractive colors, ranging from black, gray, cream, to red brick.
- Andesite: Andesite stone is formed from the cooling of lava from volcanic eruptions. Its color is dominated by gray or brown, depending on the mineral content. Andesite has a more modest appearance than granite, but it is no less charming. The naturally textured surface of andesite provides good grip and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor areas. For those of you who like a natural or industrial style, andesite can be the right choice.
- Palimanan: Palimanan stone comes from the Palimanan area, Ciamis Regency, West Java. This stone is formed from the sedimentation of volcanic sediments which then solidify. Palimanan has a characteristic striped pattern and is generally cream or brown in color. The slightly wavy surface texture provides a good non-slip effect. In addition, Palimanan is also known to be easy to care for and has a relatively affordable price.
Tips for Choosing Non-Slip Natural Stone
In addition to the type of stone, the choice of finish also affects the level of slipperiness. Smooth or polished natural stone surfaces do look shiny and luxurious, but they can be slippery, especially when wet. To get the optimal non-slip benefits, choose natural stone surfaces with a natural or flamed finish.
- Natural: Natural finish means the natural stone surface is left as is after minimal cutting and polishing. Natural finishing produces a slightly rough natural stone surface and provides good grip.
- Flamed: The flaming process uses high-temperature heating to burn the surface of natural stone. This heating will make the stone surface rougher and textured. In addition to increasing safety, the flaming process can also make the appearance of natural stone look more natural and anti-mainstream.
Combining Natural Stone with Other Non-Slip Elements
In addition to choosing natural stone, there are several other ways to improve floor safety, especially in areas prone to wetness such as bathrooms:
- Slightly sloped floor surface: A slightly uneven floor surface with a slight slope can help water flow to the drain. This can reduce puddles that make the floor slippery.
- Adding a floor drain: A floor drain or floor drain plays an important role in draining water quickly. Make sure the floor drain is placed in a strategic location and cleaned regularly to maintain its function.
- Non-slip mats: For certain areas such as outside the bathtub or shower, you can add non-slip mats. Choose mats with a textured surface and non-slip rubber backing to prevent shifting.
Elegant Natural Stone Touches for Various Rooms
Natural stone is not only superior in safety but also offers unparalleled aesthetics. The natural patterns and colors of natural stone make the floor look elegant and classy. Here are some inspirations for using natural stone in various rooms:
- Bathroom: Andesite stone with warm neutral colors can create a calming spa atmosphere. You can use andesite with a flamed finish for a rougher, non-slip texture. Combine with white or cream colored ceramics to give a clean and spacious feel.
- Kitchen: Black or gray granite with a honed finish (semi-gloss) gives a modern and luxurious feel. Granite is heat and stain resistant, making it ideal for kitchen areas that are often exposed to water and oil spills. You can combine it with white or stainless steel kitchen sets to create a modern and minimalist look.
- Living Room: Palimanan with its unique striped pattern can be a statement piece that attracts attention. Choose Palimanan with a natural finish to highlight its distinctive texture and pattern. You can combine it with wooden furniture and natural-looking decorations to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere.
- Terrace: Natural stone with a flamed surface is suitable for outdoor areas because it is weather resistant and provides good grip. You can use natural stone with a color that matches the facade of the house to create aesthetic unity. Add plants and garden decorations to beautify the terrace area.
Caring for the Beauty of Natural Stone
Although known to be strong and durable, natural stone still requires maintenance to keep its beauty intact. Here are some tips for caring for natural stone:
- Use a special natural stone cleaner: Avoid using cleaners that contain harsh chemicals as they can damage the natural stone surface. Use a special natural stone cleaner formulated to clean and maintain the shine of natural stone.
- Apply sealant: Sealant is a protective material that can help prevent stains and water from seeping into natural stone. Apply the sealant regularly, according to the product instructions.
- Clean up spills immediately: Immediately clean up spills of water, food, or drinks on natural stone to prevent stains. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean it.
- Avoid sharp objects: Avoid dragging sharp objects over the natural stone surface as it can cause scratches.
Additional Tips:
- Consult with an interior design expert or contractor to get recommendations for the right type of natural stone for your needs.
- Ask for a natural stone sample before making a purchase to ensure the color and texture match your expectations.
- Make sure the natural stone you buy comes from a reliable and high-quality source.
Hopefully, this article can help you choose the right natural stone for your home floor. Have fun creating!
