Why Natural Stone Floors Are Trending in 2025: Flagstone, Limestone & More
Why Natural Stone Floors are Trending
Natural stone flooring is having a comeback—especially in coastal homes across North County San Diego. Homeowners in cities like Encinitas, Del Mar, and Carlsbad are leaning into durable, earthy materials like flagstone and limestone for a timeless look that’s both practical and design-forward.
Natural stone floors bring an organic, high-end feel that works perfectly in coastal environments. They’re cool underfoot, long-lasting, and age beautifully when maintained properly. With their unique textures and natural variation, each install feels custom—even in more minimalist spaces.
At Soho Construction Company, we’ve seen this trend firsthand through two of our recent Encinitas remodeling projects, where we used natural stone floors in both kitchens and bathrooms. Below, we’ll break down the benefits of these materials, where we used them, and how to keep them looking great for years to come
Flagstone Flooring
In one Encinitas bathroom remodel, we used Eco Outdoor flagstone flooring to bring a raw, earthy contrast to clean white finishes. We also used the same flagstone in the kitchen of a second Encinitas home, creating an indoor-outdoor flow that tied in with the landscape.
Flagstone is a great choice for anyone looking for a more rugged, textured surface. It's naturally slip-resistant, which makes it ideal for bathrooms, pool areas, or entryways. Sealing it properly ensures easier maintenance and protects against stains or weathering.
Limestone Flooring
For another Encinitas full-home renovation, we installed Eco Outdoor limestone flooring throughout the entire home. The soft, muted tones of limestone create a serene, coastal aesthetic while still offering the durability that natural stone is known for.
Limestone is lighter and smoother than flagstone, making it ideal for large interior spaces. It offers a natural, refined finish that complements a wide range of styles.
Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Flooring
Like any material, natural stone floors come with their strengths and considerations. One of the biggest advantages is their durability — stone like limestone and flagstone can last decades with proper care. They're also eco-friendly, naturally cool underfoot, and add long-term value to your home. Visually, they offer timeless texture and character that tile or engineered flooring often can’t replicate.
That said, natural stone isn’t for everyone. It can be more expensive to install than other flooring types, and it requires sealing to prevent stains and moisture absorption. The surface can also be a bit uneven depending on the stone, which might not suit every style or household.
Many people ask: “Is natural stone flooring hard to maintain?” or “What are the pros and cons of stone floors?”—and it’s a valid question. The truth is, maintenance is simple when done right.
How to Maintain Natural Stone Floors
We always recommend sealing your floors as soon as they’re installed. This helps prevent staining, makes cleaning easier, and protects the stone from daily wear. Regular sweeping, occasional mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner, and re-sealing every couple of years is usually all it takes to keep natural stone looking fresh.
What’s the Best Sealer for Natural Stone Floors?
For all of our flagstone and limestone installations—especially in coastal homes like those in Encinitas—we recommend sealing with Stain-Proof Original by Dry-Treat. It’s a premium penetrating sealer that protects against stains while still allowing the stone to breathe, making long-term maintenance much easier.
Thinking About Stone Floors?
If you're renovating or building in North County San Diego, especially along the coast, natural stone flooring is a solid option. Whether it's the rugged texture of flagstone or the soft, coastal look of limestone, we can help you find the right fit and make sure it's installed to last. If you’d like to learn more, reach out below — we offer free walkthroughs to help you decide if natural stone flooring is the right fit for your home.
