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In recent years, granite tile, along with marble
has quickly gained in popularity as a decorative finish for walls, floors,
table tops, and more. 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 sheen and beauty that rivals
some of the more expensive types of marble tiles. There are countless different
colors of granite, and each type is unique due to variations, streaks, and
splotches of supporting colours 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 - veins and striations that streak
throughout the piece. Observers have noted that some patterns in their 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 take heat extremes, which makes granite tile ideal
for holding hot pots and pans during kitchen cooking - without surface damage.
Of course, like any stone, granite 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, and they probably do a great
job.
Granite tile kitchen countertops are ridiculously 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. Check the warranty, 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.
Important note - do not use ammonia based cleaners
on a stone tile countertop. Ammonia based products, if used over time will
dull that 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.
One last thing... There's no disputing 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 a great product of choice 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.
Common typos: ganite, tlie, granie, grante, itle, granet,
ranite, tiel, granit
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