Introduce a layer of "Balanced Geometric Order, Weathered Textural Luxury, and Bold Organic Contrast" to your design canvas with the Graphite Antiqued 2” x 2” Limestone Square Mosaic. This mosaic masterfully refines the timeless, clean proportions of a traditional square grid by casting it in a deeply dramatic, dark stone palette. Precision-cut into 2" x 2" segments and securely mounted to a flexible mesh backing, this tile offers a structured yet deeply soulful surface that installs cleanly across shower floors, complex architectural backsplashes, and framed decorative accents.
The selection profile highlights a highly specialized Antiqued distressing process. Rather than displaying sharp, rigid, factory-machined straight lines, each 2" square undergoes a gentle tumbling treatment. This softly eases the corners and creates a rich, subtly undulating matte texture that scatters incoming room light with a warm, velvet effect while remaining incredibly safe and comfortable underfoot. The color story is dark and complex: a dense background of stormy charcoal and graphite black is intricately detailed with light-grey mineral webbing, smoky mottling, and faint fossilized impressions embedded deep within the stone.
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| SKU | GRANLIMMOS976693 |
| Material | Limestone |
| Size | 2”x2” |
| Thickness | 3/8” |
| Shape | Square |
| Color | Grey |
| Finish | Tumbled |
| Sold By | Box |
| Items in Box | 8 |
| Coverage | Square Feet |
| Usage Area | Floor, Wall, Backsplash |
| Room | Kitchen, Bathroom, Shower, Fireplace, Entryway, Laundry Room, Bar |
| Weight | 5.50 lbs/Sheet |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is limestone and what makes it suitable for tiling?
Limestone is a natural sedimentary rock formed from ancient marine deposits, giving it a soft, muted palette of creams, beiges, greys, and warm browns. Its understated, natural appearance suits both contemporary and classic interiors and it's a popular choice for floors and walls.
Is limestone durable enough for high-traffic kitchen floors?
Yes, high-density limestone varieties are fully capable of handling high-traffic residential kitchen floors, provided they are properly sealed. While limestone is slightly softer than marble or granite, choosing a honed or tumbled finish will beautifully camouflage minor everyday wear, scratches, or tracking.
How do I prevent limestone tile from staining?
Prevention relies entirely on a strong penetrating sealer and rapid cleanup. Because limestone is highly sensitive to liquids—especially acidic spills like wine, citrus juice, or tomato sauce—any spills should be blotted up immediately rather than wiped. Applying a premium stain-resistant impregnating sealer creates an invisible barrier that gives you a vital window of time to clean up spills before they penetrate the stone matrix.
What are the most popular finishes for limestone?
The two most sought-after options are honed and tumbled finishes. A honed finish offers a smooth, matte, contemporary look with straight edges, perfectly suited for elegant indoor floors and walls. A tumbled finish passes the stone through a churning drum to round the edges and roughen the surface, delivering an old-world, antiqued aesthetic that gracefully hides imperfections.
Where can limestone tiles be used?
Limestone works well on floors, walls, bathrooms, hallways, living areas, and feature walls. It's also used outdoors in milder climates, though its softness relative to granite or slate means it requires more care in high-traffic and exposed settings.
Can limestone be used outdoors?
Yes in suitable climates, but limestone is softer and more porous than many other natural stones, so it's more vulnerable to frost, weathering, and heavy wear outdoors. Always check the specific tile's frost rating and use an appropriate exterior-grade sealer and adhesive.
Does limestone need to be sealed?
Yes, and this is especially important with limestone. It's porous and calcium-based, making it vulnerable to both staining and acid etching. We recommend sealing before grouting and re-sealing regularly with a penetrating sealer to keep the stone protected.
Is limestone sensitive to acids?
Yes. Like marble and travertine, limestone is calcium carbonate-based, so acidic substances — lemon juice, vinegar, wine, coffee, and many household cleaners — will etch the surface, leaving dull marks. Always use pH-neutral cleaners and wipe spills immediately.
How does limestone compare to marble and travertine?
All three are calcium-based stones that share similar care requirements — sealing, pH-neutral cleaning, acid sensitivity. Limestone tends to be more understated in appearance with less dramatic veining than marble, and without the characteristic voids of travertine. It's often chosen for a quieter, more natural look.
Why do limestone tiles vary in color and texture?
Limestone is a natural product formed over millions of years, so shade, fossil detail, and surface texture vary between tiles and batches. Some limestone contains visible shell or fossil fragments, which are a natural feature of the stone and not a defect.
Is limestone suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and showers?
Yes when properly sealed, and a honed or brushed finish is recommended over polished for better slip resistance. Limestone is a popular choice for bathroom floors and walls, but consistent sealing and maintenance are more important here than in dry areas.
How do I clean and maintain limestone?
Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft mop or cloth. Avoid acidic, abrasive, or general-purpose household cleaners entirely. Wipe spills promptly, use mats or rugs in high-traffic areas, and re-seal as recommended to keep the stone protected over time.
What are the mosaic sheets backed with?
Most mosaics are supplied on a mesh or paper backing that holds the individual pieces in position for easy installation. Sheets are designed to butt together so the joints stay consistent.
Where can mosaics be used?
On walls and floors, including splashbacks, feature walls, shower areas, and borders. For floors, check that the specific mosaic is rated for floor use.
How are mosaics installed?
The sheets are bedded into adhesive like standard tiles, then grouted once set. Because of the many small joints, a slightly more flexible adhesive and careful grouting give the best finish.
Can mosaic sheets be cut to fit?
Yes. Individual pieces can be removed from the backing, and sheets can be trimmed with tile nippers or a wet saw to fit edges and corners.
How much area does one box cover?
Each box covers approximately 8.0 square feet. Measure the area you need to cover and add about 10% extra for cuts and waste.
Can I order a sample before buying?
Yes — for this product you can order a swatch sample or a full-size sample before placing a full order.
