Best Tiles For a Barn Conversion

 During the past years Barn style properties have become the most popular ones with homeowners in the Uk. These countryside buildings with large open spaces, high ceilings and exposed beams are a perfect combination of rustic environment and a modern finish.

 To achieve a balanced and authentic look you have to choose the right flooring which is going to set the mood and the identity for the house. At Tilejob we are always happy to help you to find the most suited materials.

 What are the dominant features for Barn Conversion Style?

Old Course Fossil Cream Limestone 60X Free Length x 2cm

The key is to keep the balance between old and new. With natural oak beams, stone walls and vaulting ceilings you can add clean architectural lines in a minimalist style. Usually these for this type of property there are expansive and uninterrupted floor areas which work as a foundation for the entire design. Big tiles in stone or porcelain with natural textures and muted earthy tones are the perfect materials.

 What are the most popular tile sizes?

Large tiles will create a beautiful flow for the flooring, with less grout lines and  a broader spaces:

        60x40cm- a sizes which works in medium sizes areas.

        60×90 cm – the classic choice for rustic-modern barns

        90×90 cm – ideal for large open-plan rooms

        100×100 cm – contemporary and architectural

       120×120 cm – bold, luxurious and seamless

Usually natural stone comes in 60x40cm or 60x90cm. Porcelain comes in a few more sizes like 60x90cm, 90x90cm, 100x100cm and 120x120cm. Both of these materials are suitable for underfloor heating and high-traffic areas.

 What are the most popular stone tiles for barns?

Natural stone acts as a favourite for barn conversions due to its authenticity and organic variation of prints. Let's have a look at the beautiful variety of stone available:

Sandstone- bring the rough surface inside with a with a soft finish. Comes in a beautiful array of colour variation from off whites, creams, grey and rust. You can choose  the finish options from riven (rough/textured), honed (smooth) to tumbled or brushed.

 Limestone- a traditional and elegant solution for the flooring.

 Adds  a soft, natural tones that suit rural settings.It comes in tumbled or brushed finishes which accentuate the rustic appeal.These tiles are perfect for large open kitchens and living spaces.

Oakmoor Rustic Olive Limestone 60 x Free Length x 2cm

Travertine- a warm touch to the surface

Injects  Mediterranean-inspired texture and style, works beautifully with timber beams and neutral, pastel colour walls.These are great for creating a relaxed, calm setting.

Fossil look limestone - adds a subtle shell and fossil markings

Perfect touch to enhance the visual interest without overwhelming the space. An elegant  choice for character-led conversions.

Old Castle Fossil Tumbled Limestone 40x60x1.5cm

Natural slate -  a dramatic and intense addition to the floor. Comes in dark charcoal, grey, green, brown/ rust slate and multicoloured. Thanks to its colour variation, natural slate fits perfectly into a barn conversion project. Easy to accessories with natural elements like wood, stone and metal.

Wentworth Heritage Grey Antiqued Limestone 60x90x2.2cm

Natural stone is a classic materials which adds depth, texture and personality, transforming every floor into something unique.

 What are the rules of maintenance for natural stone?

Natural stone is a porous material, it requires sealing at the installation and on a regular basis afterwards. There are special products designed for cleaning which won't harm the surface of the stone. For weekly routine we recommend a good vacuum cleaning  and occasional moping when dealing with spillages. Do not use a steam cleaner, the heat will destroy the sealant. Also do not use supermarket cleaners the bleach in them will strip off the sealant.

Marshland Drift Grey Limestone

 What are the most popular porcelain  tiles for a  barn conversion?

Porcelain is the most durable and reliable material which can replicate natural stone with no hassle of maintenance. Its special glazing doesn't need sealing and is not afraid of harsh chemicals. Let's have a look at different designs available for porcelain tiles:

 Stone-Effect Porcelain - mimics natural materials with high definition

Available in large formats from 60x40cm, 60x60cm and 60x90cm, 60x120cm, 100x100cm up to 120×120 cm. If you are looking for sandstone, limestone, travertine or fossil effect tiles, porcelain can create wonderful copies which will be hard to differentiate from the organic materials.

Barco travertine beige porcelain tiles 60x120cm

Lombardy Travertine Almond matt porcelain tiles 100x100cm

 Concrete-Effect Porcelain - a great solution for barns with a flair of industrial style. 

An interesting flooring option for a barn is a modular tile with stone or polished concrete finish which works very well for spaces which are different in size and require a seamless transition.

Pietre Lime Sabbia modular tiles porcelain

Tilejob recommends to use concrete effect tiles:

 If you are looking for modern barn interiors.

 If  you  want a polished or matt finish which suits minimalist spaces.

If  you need a beautiful combination with steel, glass or wood.

Porcelain tiles are great in barn conversions with underfloor heating, kitchens and high-use areas. Porcelain tiles will get warmer quicker than natural stone and will distribute the warmth evenly with less energy cost.

  What are the main styling tips for barn conversion tiles?

1. Minimise the grout lines by choosing colours which blend in.

Choose grout colours that blend with the tile to emphasise large areas.

2. Introduce a large tile for an expansive look.

 Bigger tile creates an elegant finish.

3. Organise a balanced look

When your tiles have strong texture or variation, go for neutral walls and furniture.

Keystone Mocha Slate Effect Matt Porcelain Floor Tile 600x400mm

4. Create an expansive layout

By having the same tile throughout kitchen, dining and living areas to keep the flow and to accentuate the neat appearance of the floor.

Kenford Sand porcelain tiles 60x90cm

5. Mix with Natural Materials

Try a combination of stone or stone-effect tiles with:

-Oak or reclaimed timber

-Linen, wool and leather

-Soft neutral colour palettes

These specific things will increase the organic feel of the project.

Final thoughts

The best tiles for a barn conversion should  be a part of the building’s heritage while reinforcing a modern living. There is a big variety of natural limestone, fossil stone, travertine, sandstone or high-quality porcelain replicas, in a large format which will set out the character of your space.

At Tilejob, we specialise in tiles that will complement your barn conversion project – from rustic natural stone to contemporary porcelain in large formats – guiding you through the entire process. Create your dream floor that is able to inject personality and specific style!