Most Durable Flooring Stones: Granite, Basalt and Andesite

Of granite, basalt and andesite, granite and basalt are usually the hardest-wearing floor stones because both are dense, hard igneous rocks with low porosity. Andesite is also a durable volcanic stone and widely used for paving, but its porosity varies more from quarry to quarry, which affects frost and stain resistance. In practice, how long a stone floor lasts also depends on the finish, slab thickness and the base it is laid on.

What "durable" means for a stone floor

A floor stone faces several kinds of stress, and a stone can do well on one and less well on another:

• Abrasion: wear from foot traffic and grit, which dulls or hollows the surface.
• Impact and load: dropped objects, furniture or vehicles, which can chip or crack thin slabs.
• Water and frost: stones that absorb more water can be damaged when that water freezes.
• Stains and chemicals: oils and acidic liquids can mark porous or calcareous stone.
• Slip resistance over time: a surface that polishes under traffic becomes more slippery.

Granite, basalt and andesite compared

The comparison below is general and qualitative. Values for a specific product, such as water absorption or abrasion resistance, should come from the supplier's data for that stone.

Granite

Granite consists mainly of quartz and feldspar, two hard minerals, which is why it resists scratching and wear so well. It comes in a wide range of colours and patterns and takes a high polish, so it is common in kitchens, lobbies and busy commercial floors. Outdoors, choose a flamed or textured finish: polished granite is slippery when wet.

Basalt

Basalt is dense and compact, so it handles heavy foot traffic and has a long history as street paving. Its uniform dark colour suits contemporary and industrial designs. On sunny terraces keep in mind that dark stone heats up. See our basalt natural stone for available formats.

Andesite

Andesite's grey tones and natural texture give good grip without extra treatment, which makes it popular for terraces, garden paths, steps, cube stones and curbs. Because porosity varies, ask for water absorption data if the floor will face freezing winters. Andesite paving slabs are a common format for walkways and terraces.

Which stone for which floor

• Interior floors with heavy traffic: honed or polished granite, or honed basalt.
• Terraces and pool surrounds: textured andesite or flamed granite; basalt if the area is shaded or heat is not a concern.
• Walkways and public spaces: basalt, granite or andesite with a textured finish.
• Driveways: thicker slabs or cubes of any of the three, laid on a base designed for vehicle loads.

Whichever stone you choose, a compacted, well-drained base and the correct thickness for the load do as much for durability as the rock type. If you are still comparing stone with other materials, read stone flooring or ceramic tile, or browse the full natural stone range.

Jidar Group supplies and installs natural stone flooring. Contact us with the floor area, whether it is indoor or outdoor, the expected traffic (pedestrian or vehicle), your preferred stone and the project country.