Kadappa Stone (Cuddapah Black Limestone)
Kadappa stone, also called Cuddapah black, is a dense black limestone from the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. Traditional Indian flooring stone with a deep black base, used for kitchens, bathrooms, courtyards and pooja rooms across South India for generations.
Material notes, Kadappa (Cuddapah) Black Limestone
Kadappa stone is a dense black limestone quarried from the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. It has been a staple flooring material across South Indian homes for generations, particularly in traditional kitchens, bathroom floors, pooja rooms, and courtyards.
The defining visual is a deep, uniform black surface, more saturated and consistent than most black granites, with a subtle natural texture that holds up under daily use. We hold Kadappa in 20mm, 25mm and 30mm thicknesses at our Kundannoor godown.
Why Kadappa stone keeps getting specified
- One of the lowest-cost natural stones, well under granite or marble for equivalent area.
- Deep uniform black, more saturated than commercial granites, no busy mineral pattern.
- Heat-tolerant, traditional South Indian kitchens have used it as a floor for generations without thermal damage.
- Cool underfoot, particularly suited to Kerala summers.
- Easy local repairs, individual tiles can be lifted and replaced without disturbing surrounding work.
Where it suits in a Kerala home
- Traditional kitchen flooring, especially homes that retain Indian-style cooking with regular floor-washing.
- Pooja room and prayer-space floor, the dark stone reads well under brass lamps and traditional textiles.
- Bathroom floor in honed or sandblasted finish.
- Courtyards and verandahs with annual sealer reapplication.
- Staircase treads in mirror-polished, with anti-slip nosings.
- Wall accent in traditional or modern interiors, the deep black contrasts beautifully against laterite, terracotta and brass.
Where it does not
- Kitchen counter use, too soft and porous for active cooking surfaces. Specify a granite or quartzite for counters.
- Pool deck, the deep black absorbs sun and gets very hot. Use Kota or porcelain instead.
- Acidic-spill-prone spaces without sealing, lemon, vinegar, tomato will leave visible marks on unsealed surfaces.
Finishes in stock
| Finish | Use case | Stock status |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | Traditional courtyard, exterior | Ex-stock |
| Honed | Kitchen floor, bathroom | Ex-stock |
| Mirror-polished | Drawing room, pooja room | 5-7 days |
| Sandblasted | Pool deck, exterior steps | 5-7 days |
Care and sealing
Sealed at the godown before delivery. Daily care: dry sweep, then damp mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid bleach, vinegar, citric cleaners. Reseal every 12 to 18 months for kitchen and bathroom use, every 24 months for low-traffic rooms.
Used unsealed, Kadappa develops a darker matte patina over years, which many traditional households actually prefer.
Get in touch
Email sales@kohinoorfloors.com with area, location and preferred finish. WhatsApp +91 95392 42111 if you’d like to send a site photo or reference image.
Common questions on Kadappa Stone (Cuddapah Black Limestone)
What's the difference between Kadappa stone and granite? +
Kadappa is a fine-grained limestone, softer than granite (around 3.5 on the Mohs scale vs granite's 6-7) but denser than Kota stone. Visually, it has a deeper, more uniform black than most granites. Practically, it costs significantly less per square foot but needs sealing and is not suitable for kitchen counter use.
Is Kadappa stone the same as Kadapa stone? +
Yes. The two spellings refer to the same material, named after the Kadapa (also spelled Cuddapah or Kadappa) district of Andhra Pradesh where it is quarried. The town's name was officially changed from Cuddapah to Kadapa in 2005; older trade still uses 'Kadappa stone'.
Why is Kadappa stone used for traditional South Indian kitchens? +
Its deep black surface is heat-tolerant and hides daily kitchen marks. The natural slight texture grips even with water and oil. It's also one of the most affordable natural floor materials per square foot. For these reasons, it has been the default kitchen-floor specification in many South Indian homes for decades.
Can Kadappa stone be used in a bathroom? +
Yes, in honed or sandblasted finish for slip resistance. Sealed correctly with a penetrating limestone sealer reapplied every 12 months. Avoid mirror-polished Kadappa in wet zones, slippery when wet.
Visit the godown. See the slabs.
Photographs only go so far. Kadappa Stone (Cuddapah Black Limestone) is one of 3 thicknesses we hold at the Kundannoor godown. Walk in any working day to inspect the actual stock.