Limestone vs Porcelain Floor Tiles

[charmi]

Hello. I'm getting a new kitchen fitted and am trying to decide whether to go for Limestone floor tiles or limestone effect porcelain. The tiles will be fitted over a wet underfloor heating system, so is either more efficient for heat conductivity? I have also received conflicting advice from shops over the maintenance of limestone tiles, ranging from having to seal once every 2-3 years to 2-3 times a year. Could anybody out there please provide advice on sealing and cleaning and the benefits of one type over the other please.
Thanks

 

[grumpygrouter]

Limestone looks fantastic if installed correctly but it is not an easy job because of how easy the stone stains. Aftercare is also very important too and sealing will be very important. Porcelain is the most durable non natural tile and is very easy to clean. If it was my kitchen, I would lay porcelain every time.

 

[DHTiling]

Limestone..??

Now this depends on which limestone you choose..?.. quitre a few varitaions of it and some not swuitable for a working kitchen and some very suitable..

So any idea which limestone.. do you have a name.?

As for sealers then you have been told some rubbish.... If the right sealer and method is used then you can get quite a few years from the first initial sealing applications.

 

[doug boardley]

A good quality limestone for me every timeI think maybe one tile shop have suggested a topical sealer and the other suggested an impregnating sealer

 

[Spud]

it a matter of personal taste but american studies suggest that they life span of a correctly installed 10mm thick porcelain tile is 50years with little to no maintenance ,a natural product has less life span and far more maintenance and after care , therefore in the long run porcelain will be better value and less environmental impact if you dont intend changing the flooring, good luck with your decision

 

[charmi]

Thanks all for your responses. I'm starting to come down on the side of porcelain rather than limestone based on your responses and my original concerns around staining and proper / repeated sealing. Limstone as some of you say can look superior but just one serious stain in a working well used kitchen, as this will be, would soon spoil that look.
Thanks again for you advice.