The floors in natural stone both for exteriors and interiors have been part of our tradition for a very long time. Just think about how much our subsoil is rich in hard stones, like marble and granite, as well as sedimentary rocks, like quartzite and sandstone. And let’s not forget also about concrete, a valid alternative to natural stone.
Being a very versatile material, ecological and resistant, the stone can be used for the most varied applications and, with the right aesthetic devices, it will be possible to create real paving masterpieces that will frame your home, local, street and city.
Whether indoor or outdoor flooring, there is a number of important requirements to consider: impermeability, loading resistance, atmospheric agents and temperature changes, mould and stains and anti-slip.
There’s a vast world behind outdoor flooring, all is to discover… Let’s start by classifying what kind of outdoor flooring you can make:
Pavé also called sampietrino
Used for the construction of road paving (gardens, paths and porches) in porphyry and granite. The pavé can be made in a classical way, which is with cubes placed in a row, arched, or even peacock tail;
Pebble stone
Made by means of rounded pebbles usually used for paving porches and gardens;
Paved
A type of flooring used for rustic environments, usually external. Tiles of irregular size or rectangular slabs are used according to the running technique. If the stone is properly worked, the paving can also be used for the flooring of elegant and modern interiors;
Mosaic
Made with stones of different sizes laid to create a design or a decoration. The mosaic is part of that type of elegant flooring, suitable for valuable environments, such as patios, or in general the interior rooms;
Chianche
These are square or rectangular stone elements, in most cases of large dimensions, which are combined together to form a linear and precise geometric pattern. This kind of natural stone flooring is particularly suitable for gardens and outdoor courtyards.
Let’s discover now the stones that are used for outdoor paving. Do you know that each geographical area has its own local stones, with properties linked to the origin of subsoil?
Stone of lava origin such as porphyry and basalt
Porphyry is a grey, brown or purple hard stone that is very resistant to temperature changes. The most popular is the porphyry of Trentino. Once worked, it can be found in tiles, in grit and, above all, in cubes. While the worked and polished basalt is a dark stone, little porous, which is particularly suitable for the construction of road pavements;
Quartzites
The lamellar structure and unrivalled compactness make it possible to obtain thin slabs. The most popular one is the Brazilian Quartzite, a natural quarry layer stone extracted from the best deposits in Brazil, rich in bright colours and warm shades, suitable for different types of environments. In particular, for the pool edges where it maintains a lower temperature under intense sun, than other types of stone;
Sandstone
Courtyards, avenues, arcades and poolside areas are suitable places for laying sandstone, as it guarantees non-slip performance. If it is polished, it can also be used for interior floors, such as kitchens or rustic environments. The most famous are the eliolite or Stone of the Sun, the Serena Stone and the Columbine Stone;
Slate and sedimentary stones
Soft and semi-hard rock, depending on origin. The almost total impermeability of this stone makes it particularly suitable for the creation of cladding and roofing for exteriors (square slabs of fixed sizes, irregular slabs, steps, skirtings);
Gneiss like Luserna stone
Consisting of excellent physical and mechanical properties that guarantee high strength even if the stone is processed in reduced thicknesses. It is suitable for both classic and modern architectures. Pietra di Luserna is used for floors and walls with surfaces that are mainly split, flamed or brushed;
Concrete
Material composed of cement with the addition of coloured grits, used for terraces, balconies, and also for courtyards and walkways.
Let’s talk about the interior flooring… Stone or even concrete can be laid in bathrooms, taverns and living rooms, and also in kitchens, always considering the natural properties of the material. The most popular stone for polished floors, used since ancient times, is marble. A stone that has been considered of great value, but now replaced with similar materials that do not have the drawback of porosity. Seamless floors with wood, marble and concrete effect. Shiny, light and dark floors. Floors in porcelain stoneware or cement tile and concrete. Let’s discover them together!
Porcelain stoneware
one of the most popular materials in modern architecture, is extremely resistant, anti-absorbent and anti-moist. Suitable for any type of furnishing style, can reproduce the appearance of natural stones, marble or even wood, giving the environment a modern look, much sought after by architects and designers;
Cement tiles
works are proposed by companies in the branch to restore the charm of the past to modern surfaces. Cement tiles are pleasant solution used in hotels, restaurants, public places and private homes;
Concrete
one of the most appreciated materials used not only for external floors but also for internal ones. The concrete floors for interiors give an aspect of continuity and elegance to the environment, enhancing the furnishings with determination.
Well, dear friend, for today we have concluded a great chapter on the world of flooring. Granite, porphyry, marble, sandstone, slate and so on… a journey through the types of stone used for indoor and outdoor flooring. If you want to rely on experts in the field some architecture or design projects, do not hesitate to contact us, through our contact page. A team of experts will accompany you with professionalism and enthusiasm to discover this wonderful world.
