Limestone is a beautiful, affordable natural stone yet most people don’t even consider it. It’s sometimes seen as the poor relation of marble, yet it’s formed in a similar way and has an equally versatile appeal. If all you’ve seen of limestone is country kitchen flagged floors, and that’s really not your style, then look again because there are loads of great ways to use this stone.
1. Stairs
Many older buildings have limestone stairs indoors and out. The stone is easier to work than granite and many types have a lovely, even texture which is ideal for a sweeping flight. It’s well worth lifting the carpet on old stone stairs as limestone flooring can be repolished and made new at a very reasonable cost.
2. Kitchen worktops
Yes, marble, granite and quartz get all the headlines, but limestone worktops have been quietly making families happy for decades. Properly sealed, limestone is easy to clean, food safe and easy to care for, making it a great choice for busy family kitchens.
3. Fireplaces, hearths and surrounds
There are lots of innovative options for limestone fireplaces, from rustic stone bricks to sleek marble-like finishes. As limestone can’t catch fire, it’s suitable for hearths, fireplaces, lintels and surrounds.
4. Patios, terraces and garden paths
One of the places you’ve probably seen limestone, even if you didn’t spot it, is in the garden. This stone is frequently used as slabs for patios and other outdoor areas. Limestone flooring outdoors typically has a rough finish which makes it more highly textured and thus less slippery in the rain.
5. Bathroom tiles, floors and vanities
Limestone is naturally porous, but when properly sealed its waterproof and stain resistant, making it a great choice for wet or damp areas such as bathrooms. The stone can’t be damaged by moisture and is easy to clean so it’s ideal for wet rooms and family bathrooms.
6. Statement splashback
Make your walls easy to clean with natural stone tiles. Limestone is a great choice as it combines natural beauty with a practical finish at an affordable price. Sealed stone is waterproof and non-porous and won’t absorb damp, dirt or mould as other materials can.
7. Limestone flooring
A key feature of the traditional farmhouse kitchen look, limestone flooring has broken out of its mould in recent years. The stone is now available in a range of finishes which run from sleek, ultra-modern tiles to more natural slabs. It’s a great choice for any aesthetic and a hot trend.
8. A stunning feature wall
As a beautiful natural stone, limestone is a great choice for a feature wall. Made of sand fused together over thousands of years, the stone is more uniform than marble while still having its own rich textures. If you know what to look for, you can even spot fossils in some limestone slabs!
9. Dining or coffee table top
Combining all the practicality of a stone kitchen worktop with the flexibility of free standing furniture, a stone-topped table is a great choice for a living or dining room. The sealed stone is easy to wipe clean and won’t stain or chip easily. It’s also heat resistant, meaning you don’t need to panic if your guests don’t use a coaster!
