Limestone is a beautiful stone that many homeowners choose as a flooring material for their homes. If you are considering limestone flooring in your home, you may want to know if it can get slippery when wet. The last thing any homeowner wants is an unexpected slip or fall.
When polished, limestone can be very slick when wet. This is important to know if you are going to put limestone in your back patio or bathroom. It's best to do a non-slip treatment on the stone to increase its traction when wet.
Understanding the potential for slippery surfaces with limestone is important, but it shouldn't keep you from selecting this beautiful stone. In this article, we will discuss how to combat the issue of slipperiness and ensure that your limestone flooring remains safe yet attractive. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about limestone, so read on!
How Do You Make Limestone Less Slippery?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It can often be very porous, which means that it can absorb moisture. Limestone is used in a variety of applications, including paving, driveway stones, and for home flooring.
One issue with limestone is that it can be slippery when wet. This can be an issue if your floors are in a high-traffic area or if you have small children. For example, if you choose limestone for your patio, if it rains or your pool splashes, it can become slippery and dangerous.
Not only is this a risk for you and your family, but also for your guests. To combat this, you can use a non-slip treatment on the stone. This will add texture and increase traction, making it less slippery when wet.
Here are a few types of non-slip treatments for limestone:
Natural Stone Non-Slip Products
If you have natural limestone, you can use a natural stone sealer to reduce slipperiness. These products work by adding texture and filling in any gaps that may exist on the surface of your flooring, making it more slip resistant.
These products won't change the look of your limestone, and they are easy to apply with just a mop or spray. Natural stone sealers are also water resistant, so they can help protect against moisture damage as well.
Deck Grip
Commonly used around pools and outdoor patios, Deck Grip is a type of non-slip coating that provides traction on wet surfaces. It can be applied to all types of stone, including limestone.
This product is available in various colors and textures, so you can choose one that best matches your limestone flooring. You can also use a clear coating if you prefer.
Deck Grip is easy to apply and can be brushed or sprayed onto the surface of your limestone flooring. It's a great way to ensure your floors stay safe, even when wet. Deck grip is also chemical and chlorine resistant, making it perfect for outdoor areas.
Non-Slip Polish
Commonly used on marble and granite, non-slip polishes can also be used on limestone. These products reduce the slipperiness of the stone by adding texture, similar to a natural stone sealer.
It also will keep the natural look of your stone and is easy to apply. It can be applied with a mop or by hand.
Muriatic Acid (31% Hydro-Chloride)
Polished limestone can be very slippery when wet. In this case, you can use muriatic acid to remove the polish and increase the traction on the stone.
If you try this method, less is more. This means you should only use a small amount because it can damage the stone if too much is used. You can then add more to increase the traction if needed.
Muriatic acid is a powerful chemical that should be handled with extreme caution. It's best to use some type of protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when handling it. You should also ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area when using it.
What Are The Best Outdoor Flooring Options For Non-Slip?
If you have an open outdoor patio, walkway, or pool area, it's important to choose a slip-resistant flooring material. While stone flooring is popular for its durability and stylish options, it can be slippery when wet. Here are other outdoor flooring options to consider:
Rubber Pavers
If you're looking for an outdoor flooring option that offers good traction even when wet, you may want to consider rubber pavers. These interlocking rubber mats are available in a variety of colors and textures. They offer excellent grip even when wet and provide cushioning for your feet.
Anti-Slip Tile
Another option is to use an anti-slip tile. These tiles have a gritty surface that provides excellent traction when wet. They come in a variety of colors and shapes and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Poured Concrete
An affordable option that offers excellent traction when wet is poured concrete. It's also very durable and easy to install. You can choose from a variety of colors and finishes so that you can create the perfect look for your outdoor space.
Concrete Pavers
If you want a more decorative option, concrete pavers are a great choice. They come in many colors and designs, so you can have fun creating a unique look for your outdoor space. Plus, the textured surface of concrete pavers offers good traction even when wet.
They are also more durable than poured concrete, and you can replace individual pavers if needed.
Brick Pavers
Like concrete pavers, brick pavers also offer good traction when wet and come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. They are also more durable than poured concrete and can be easily replaced if needed. Plus, they add a classic look to any outdoor space.
Porcelain
Porcelain flooring has several benefits to consider. First, it is easy to clean and maintain, and it is also stain resistant.
It can also be used both indoors and outdoors, so you can continue the same look throughout your home. Plus, porcelain tiles are slip resistant, making them a great option for wet areas.
Laminate Outdoor Flooring
Another great option is outdoor laminate flooring. While it is scratch and slip resistant, it isn't the best for open patios.
If you choose to go with this option, it's best for covered areas that don't get wet. However, it is easy to clean, inexpensive, and easy to install.
These are just a few of the outdoor flooring options available for non-slip surfaces. It's important to consider your needs and budget when choosing one for your home or business. Whichever option you choose, make sure it is slip resistant, durable, and easy to maintain so you can enjoy it for years to come.
How Much Is Limestone Flooring?
Unless money isn't an issue, you'll want to know how much it will cost to install limestone flooring in your home. The price of limestone flooring will depend on the type and size of the stone as well as other factors such as installation costs. On average, expect to pay $3-10 per square foot for basic quality.
However, some limestone tiles can get more expensive depending on their design and color. The best way to determine how much your limestone flooring will cost is to get a quote from a professional installer. They can provide an accurate cost estimate after factoring in all the necessary materials and labor costs.
Does Limestone Need A Lot Of Maintenance?
Since it is a porous stone, limestone flooring can be prone to staining and scratches. To keep your limestone looking its best, it is important to seal the stone with a natural stone protector. This will help protect the stone from dirt and spills as well as make it easier to clean up any messes that occur.
In addition, you'll want to sweep and mop your limestone flooring regularly. This will help preserve the stone's natural beauty and prevent dirt and grime from accumulating.
This can be a drawback of limestone flooring and is something to consider before committing to this type of flooring. However, with proper care and maintenance, limestone flooring can last for many years, making it a great option for long-term use in your home or business.
Final Thoughts
While it may not be a deal breaker, it's good to know that limestone flooring can be slippery when wet. If you are set on limestone flooring, you may want to consider adding a textured finish or using tiles with a more aggressive texture. Weigh the pros and cons of other outdoor flooring options available and choose the one that best suits your needs.
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