Not too long ago the must have floor covering was the fitted carpet, considered as the ultimate in comfort and a sign that you had made it, along with the hostess trolley! But along came Ikea. Carpet was history, wood was king and you didn’t even need the trolley to impress your visitors. No more carpet mites and other unmentionables adding to your carpet’s pattern, the wooden floor made you room look bigger, modern and not to mention, easier to clean and maintain.

Today people looking for something different choose stone. Stone is something of a paradox. It has been used for thousands of years as the natural choice for floors yet somehow it can also be modern - ancient AND contemporary. A stone floor has a superb natural look about it and really cannot be beaten on its elegant appearance. It is obviously very durable and will last for years adding value to your home.

Some never consider a stone floor because it conjures up pictures of drafty English castles and cold halls. Yet, in summer stone will keep you cool, and in winter it will help radiate the heat from your fire around your room – plus a few tasteful rugs can help to compliment your natural floor. Others see stone as too expensive an option but, unlike any other type of flooring, stone will give you a return on your investment when you come to sell your house.

There is a wide choice of stone available including limestone, slate, quartzite, marble, granite and terracotta. Each has its own qualities and character that means at least one would be suitable for your needs. Most coverings will require one application to help protect the appearance or seal porous floor tiles such as limestone – this can usually be done by your supplier. It is also recommended that a professional fits your floor to get the best appearance and durability.

So the next time you consider replacing your floor, take the time to look at the impact a quality stone floor can have on a room and I guarantee you will take a lot of convincing to choose anything else.