There is a wide variety of stone floor and they are commonly found in both domestic and commercial settings - and are chosen for a variety of reasons. The choice of stone floor may be as a result of a mix of design shape and colour (aesthetic reasons), the fact that it scores highly in terms of cost durability or a host of other reasons. There is often a perception that durability translates to a floor that will look good for many years to come and that it is subsequently a 'low maintenance' floor when in fact the opposite can be true.

There are many types of stone and a variety of finishes, but the most common is a smooth yet slightly rough and natural finish which looks wonderful and also possesses a slip resistant quality which can be useful in an area where spillages are common such as wash rooms and kitchens. However such a surface can stain surprisingly easily as a result of spillages, and the grout can also stain very easily, as it is a relatively porous substance.

The key to keeping a floor looking good is actually regular cleaning and maintenance, and without this there is no way that a floor can be kept looking good - but it is important to clean and maintain the floor correctly. Common steps include avoiding surface scratches and abrasions, so regular sweeping and vacuuming and placing doormats at entrances all help avoid grit and dirt, usually walked in on the soles of shoes, scratching and damaging the surface. Floors should be regularly mopped with warm water and then dried to keep the floor clean.

Incorrect cleaning or corner cutting can lead to a build-up of grime and bacteria which can cause staining over time. By the time a stain becomes noticeable, layer upon layer of bacteria may have built up to the point where regular cleaning efforts cease to be effective, and in this case you may be forced to contact a stone floor cleaning company to restore your floor to its original condition.

Another way to protect your floor is to apply a good quality commercial sealant which will provide an extra layer of surface protection and reduce the chances of spillages causing surface staining - it should, in effect, aid cleaning efforts. It is important that sealants are applied to both the tile surface and the grout (there are special grout sealants which should be used) and that the type of sealer is appropriate for the surface of the stone. An example of this would be to avoid a wax based sealant on a floor where the slip resistant quality of the stone is an important factor, as this will be reduced.

A company which specializes in stone floor cleaning will be able to recommend and apply the appropriate sealer in each case.

Whichever type of floor you have, thorough cleaning is important, if the floor is not maintained correctly it can quickly acquire a dull, uneven or unsatisfactory appearance which can be very difficult to change. The grout and the surface of the tiles can both affect the appearance of the floor greatly, and care should be taken to avoid 'sealing' a floor which has not been properly cleaned.