Stone Tile That I Love

Disclaimer  – This post is sponsored by Floor & Decor.  All opinions are 100% my own. 

Sticks and stones may break my bones but they also make REALLY great DIY projects 🙂

Someone in the back yell “Keep on preachin’ Katie!”  Ok ok if I must.

Stone is one of those things that probably gets the worst reputation but in actuality it steals hearts left and right.  It’s like on Boy Meets World….remember Shawn Hunter?  That is stone.  The reputation is that it is a heavy and dirty material….not like ceramic tile or glass and requires maintenance to keep it in tip-top form.  But in reality, stone has come a long way and I bet that you probably are already obsessed with it in some form or fashion.  I know I am!  I wanted to talk about four different types of stone tiles and my favorite ways to incorporate these into your own home.

(slate 1, slate 2, slate 3)

I have always been a fan of slate.  It is dark and dramatic but it can also be lighter and still provide a straight-from-the-earth charm that adds interest.  I used slate in our old house for the fireplace and it held up great.  I also love it in outdoor spaces like porches and hardwearing areas like mudrooms and laundry rooms.  Slate is very coarse in appearance but you can also get it polished, honed or brushed.  It is also very resistant to water so outdoor applications are GREAT.  I think that a fun way to update slate appearance is the pattern in which it is laid.  You can lay it in herringbone or cut it down into longer strips and do chevron or any other unique pattern.  It’s a very cost effective item too!

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(ledger 1, ledger 2, ledger 3)

Ledgers are gonna be your new EVERYTHING.  I am so excited to use these somewhere ANYWHERE in my house.  Basically ledgers are basically thin cross cuts of stone tile that are stacked tightly on one another.  These are lighter weight than actual stacked stone but still give that rich appearance.  They also do not require grout!  I love them on fireplaces and for accent walls but some backslashes are perfect (think more bar and less messy areas).  I also think that using them outside is a great way to add curb appeal.  You can put them on outdoor fireplaces, kitchens or porch columns!

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(marble 1, marble 2, marble 3, marble 4)

You know me and marble.  We have this long standing relationship going.  Like if someone else looks at marble, I get all NO ALL THE MARBLE IS MINE…..IT”S ALL MIIIIIIIINE!!!!  And then my head explodes.  I get insanely jealous because I literally want ALL. THE.  MARBLE.  It’s just so darn pretty!  There is a reason why the Taj Mahal is completely clad in marble.  Now marble does require sealing and it is lighter colored so it can stain but if you are obsessed with it and still need to be able to relax with your glass of red wine….go for a backsplash!  Marble in bathrooms are great too (our guest room bathroom is all marble) just make sure to schedule your sealer 🙂

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(random 1, random 2, random 3)

I was perusing the stone section of Floor & Decor’s website and I found some GORGEOUS stone tiles.   The first one is marble but in a great shape and pattern that is much more personality than normal marble.   The other two are TRAVERTINE and look so amazing!  I think in general when people say travertine, you think of that 90’s warm colored tile that is in every bodies bathroom.  It has so many great applications and it is easy to replace and shape so builders love it!  I am still thinking that maybe travertine would be the way to go in our kiddo’s bathroom.

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So now that you know all my favorite stone tiles, what are you dreaming about?  Slate? Travertine?  Or are you like me….completely addicted to marble?  I can’t wait till my next tile job….which should be rather soon!  I told Jeremy that I need the laundry room finished by Christmas….so yeah….time to get on that!