Stone is a hard, earthen substance that forms from large rocks and boulders. Stone is also a material for tile flooring. Stone tiling is one of the most practical and attractive forms of floor covering. There is a natural beauty and authentic feel to a stone-covered floor. Stone isn't limited to use on indoor floors but can also be used in patios and outer living areas. It's cost- efficient and requires little maintenance to keep it clean and lustrous. Here are several types of stone used for floorings and the advantages and disadvantages for each of them.

Terracotta - these tiles were traditionally made by small factories in Mexico and Spain, although recently France, Peru and Italy have been active in the production of terracotta tiles. The surface of terracotta tiles depends on the production methods used. Some tiles have a smooth surface because the clay is finely sifted and molded. On other tiles, the clay used is slightly coarse and irregular. Terracotta tiles sometimes have embossed designs on them - in France, leaves are a popular choice for the imprints left on the tile. Rough Sawn Saturnia Stone - a natural stone in the West Australian market. It is mostly extracted from the ancient spa areas of Central Italy. It has a high density and has natural texture. It has both a rough and a smooth side and some stone tiles have occasional pits, sand holes, fossils and other flaws but these are the more unique characteristics of this stone. This stone is not saltwater-proof, so you'll need to seal the tiles and clean them more often if they will be exposed to water and salt water. Sandstone - these tiles have their own individual colors and textures which you can match to the area you'd want to use them in. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that is composed mainly of sand size mineral or rock grains. It is extremely durable which makes it ideal for high traffic areas at home.