Due to the similarity in the colour tone and the brightness they lend to floors, it is often difficult to choose between Limestone and Marble. They are usually confused with each other. Are Marble tiles strong enough as a flooring material? Do Limestone pavers look cheap and prone to moisture damage? Does marble get too hot compared to Limestone? There is a plethora of questions that throw you in dilemma. Let us assist you make your best choice. These are the factors that will help you differentiate between the two and pick the best one for your flooring project.
Hardness
Marble is marginally harder and denser than Limestone since it is more compact than the latter. Though both the stones rank almost the same on the hardness and durability quotient, Marble flooring is slightly tougher than Limestone. In spite of the hardness, the Marble floor is more likely to crack compared to Limestone.
Heat Resistance
Marble pavers when installed outdoors absorb heat and tend to become quite hot to walk barefoot on. But indoors, marble floor tiles remain cool. Also because of their light colour and the tendency to reflect light, spaces seem bigger and brighter. Therefore, Marble floors are preferred indoors.
Limestone floors remain cool irrespective they are installed indoors or outdoors as they transfer the heat beneath the surface. Lighter coloured Limestone pavers absorb less heat, keeping the surface cooler to walk on. This quality makes them suitable for alfresco, patio, walkway, pool surrounds and other outdoor spots.
Porosity
Both the stones are porous and tend to stain. However, Limestone is more porous and will absorb more moisture than Marble. This means Limestone would not be an ideal flooring material for shower places or bathrooms. Marble can be used for bathroom or kitchen flooring if they are thoroughly honed and sealed.
Having said that, since both these stones are permeable in nature, they need good sealing. However, Limestone would need more sealant as compared to Marble. Because of its porosity and softness, Limestone feels warmer and softer under bare feet.
Anti-slip
Slip resistance is an important consideration for a lot of households with elderlies and kids. The stone’s area of application dictates the anti-slip property it should have. Polished stones are slippery. Naturally you will not install polished Marble or Limestone in wet or pool areas. The best bet would be anti-slip marble flooring. In Limestone choose tumbled surface for good footing. If you decide to install polished tiles or pavers indoors, make sure you add door mats or carpets to reduce chances of tripping. Anti-slip property for any stone can be achieved depending on your usage and application.
Appearance
Limestone gives your floor a more natural appearance with consistency in colours and less variation in texture. Flooring done with Limestone would generally have muted colours minus any pattern. The uniformity of the stone adds an appeal to floors and character to every space.
Marble pavers and tiles look luxurious and regal with variety in colours and vein patterns running through them. No two Marble pieces would look the same which brings a certain level of uniqueness to Marble floors. The stone has a timeless beauty and never goes out of style.
Maintenance
The care requirements for both type of stone flooring s somewhat similar. Firstly, both the stones must be sealed to keep them protected from damage or stains and retain their shine. Marble is susceptible to staining and Limestone is prone to scratching. But sealing the stones helps to protect their surface and becomes easy to maintain. Limestone and Marble are sensitive to acid and strong cleaners. Hence pH neutral cleaners are recommended for cleaning both.
The best flooring option?
With a lot of similarities between Limestone and Marble floors and few areas of differentiation, it should not be difficult to choose one. If you are looking for a flooring material that adds a luxe feel to your property and makes rooms appear bigger, then undoubtedly Marble is the stone. If you are looking for a stone with an earthy appearance that also remains cool outdoors, choose Limestone. In any case, the choice would rest upon cost and availability in your region.
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*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.
