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Stone Industry Trend - Granite Tile Countertops

In recent years, granite tile, along with marble tile, has quickly gained popularity as a decorative finish for walls, floors, table tops and other architectural applications. Granite tile countertops in particular have become especially popular and practical in modern kitchens for many reasons. Foremost among these reasons is the seemingly endless decorative options available with granite tile.

Polished granite has a elegancy and beauty that rivals some of the more expensive types of marble tiles. There are virtually countless different colors of granite, and each type is unique due to variations, streaks, and splotches of supporting colors in the form of various unique patterns found in each tile. No two granite pieces ever have exactly the same colors, patterns or appearance.

Tile patterns range from swirls and swooshes, to more evenly textured and dispersed patterns with veining and striations that streak throughout the tile piece. People have noted that some patterns in granite tile often give the illusion of movement, much like one of those optical illusion patterns found in art books. Larger patterns draw the eyes attention, while smaller patterns tend to be gentle soothing and uniform in appearance.

Durability is another reason for granite tiling popularity for kitchen countertops. Granite is second only to diamonds in terms of resilience amongst natural materials. Raw granite is, of course, even tougher than polished granite, but even cut granite tiles feature good durability over slate or ceramic products. It can sustain heat extremes, making granite tile ideal for holding hot pots and pans during kitchen cooking without surface damage.

Just like any stone, granite certainly is subject to being chipped if bumped with a hard object directly with sufficient impact. In the event of such damage, there are products manufactured that boast claims of being able to repair such chips.

Granite tile kitchen countertops are relatively easy to maintain, and while other countertop materials usually require some form of protective coating like varnish, polished granite remain a slick and smooth finish without any additional chemical coating. But granite tiles should remain stain free with just a little cleaning. Usually, applying a wet rag to a granite countertop is enough to restore it's shine. Persistent stains can be removed using products specifically designed for the job of granite cleaning.

An important note: do not use ammonia based cleaners on a stone tile countertop. Ammonia based products, if used over time will dull the originally brilliant finish. If you are unsure about the cleaning product you are using, then play it safe and purchase cleaning products specifically designed for granite tiles. For your convenience, you can purchase products we recommend here. Buy a stone cleaning product here, or buy it elsewhere. The most important thing is to absolutely avoid using ammonia based cleaners on a granite slab or tile kitchen countertop.

It is the fact that granite tile kitchen countertops increase the resale value of any home. It's obvious that the kitchen is one of those deal-maker rooms when it comes to home sales - second only perhaps, to master bathrooms. Cut granite is more expensive than other tile materials, but because of it's durability, its value is not depreciated over time when properly cared for.

After purchasing a set of granite tiles for your countertop, self installation is not recommended unless you are quite confident in your skills. For instance, cutting the tiles to fit remainder spots of the countertop requires the use of a diamond edged saw. Tile saws are available for rent or even purchase at any tool rental shop; and slicing up tile to fit is fine if you have the skills

If you're unsure of your abilities to cut and fit granite tile to suite the kitchen countertop, then by all means, at least talk to a professional and get an idea of the cost involved in the hiring of a professional tile installer. A professional tile installer will also be able to offer loads of information and guidance if the tiles have yet to be purchased.

Granite tiles are great choices for kitchen countertops. A professional can help with information specific to the tiles available in your area. Furthermore, installing granite tiling requires the use of special adhesives, and during the installation the tiles must all be set level with the countertop surface to avoid risking the tiles chipping off during normal usage.