There are over 400 different colours and textures available from around the world. This makes it possible to find limestone which will weather the effects of boots and stilletos, children and animals with the greatest of ease.

Stone is a natural material with inherent variations of colour, tone, markings and surface textures. Limestone, travertine and marble are often packed wet in the factory and are unable to dry out properly until unpacked. They will often lighten in colour as they dry.

In use as a flooring, limestone must be able to resist the wear it will be subjected to. As a general rule to determining durability, stone with lower porosity which is easier to polish indicates the stone's strength.

Batches of stone should be shuffled to ensure evenness in distribution of variations.

Sealing the stone is strongly recommended. If it is being used outdoors, the frost resistance of the stone to be used must be determined. Sealing can improve frost resistance but adequate fall must be provided for proper drainage.