You are here > Westside Tile and Stone > Resources > FAQs > Granite Floor Tile and Countertops FAQ

Granite Floor Tile and Countertops FAQ

If you are questioning about granite flooring and countertops, this FAQ will help you to clear up some of the confusion about granite. Granite tile is an excellent material for floors and your countertops for many reasons. Read all FAQs about granite tiles.

Read about Granite Floor Tile and Countertops FAQ

What is Granite?

Granite is composed of several minerals, including quartz, feldspar, and mica. These minerals composition usually gives granite a red, pink, gray, or white color with dark mineral grains visible throughout the rock. Granite is an incredibly strong, durable, and heat resistant natural material. Granite has 0% water absorption capacity, so it is the preferred choice for the bathroom and kitchen.

What Does Finished Tile Look Like?

When you use granite tile, you can get a wide range of surface finishes. You can get popular finishes that are matte, shiny, and flamed. An important thing to keep in mind when selecting a finish for your granite is that the different types of finish on the same stone can alter the color. The appearance of the natural stone can transform during the process. To help you select the ideal finish for your granite tile application, here’s an overview of the most popular and inspiring granite tiles picture gallery.

Where Can Granite Tile be used?

As we know, Granite has 0% water absorption capacity, so it is the preferred choice for the bathroom and kitchen. Because of Granite tile’s resiliency, strength, and the number of unique color options, you can use granite tile for every flooring areas, whether it is for residential or commercial use. Granite tiles are ideal for decorating in a rustic-themed room and are resistant to stains and moisture. This tile is quickly becoming the most in-demand material for countertops in the kitchen.

Does granite tile Stain? How to prevent stains?

Granite is very resistant to stains. If you spill something on it, you should wipe it up right away. To decrease the chances that you get a stain, you should use a water-based sealant. This will protect the granite from stains and water patches. Many types of liquids especially oils, fruit juice, and wine can leave the stains on Granite tiles. But the good news is that oil stains can be lifted with a homemade paste made of baking soda and acetone, and organic stains can be removed by soaking a paper towel in bleach and placing it on the affected area. You can reseal the tile every one or two years, depending upon how much the surface is being used. By doing this, you will help prevent stains on your granite.

Are Granite Tiles Slippery?

Some people think that granite is a slippery material. There are new finishes on granite now that reduce the chances of slips and falls. The only type of granite that is going to be slippery is one that is highly polished, such as a glossy tile. Most granite flooring is not going to be wet.

Why Are Granite Floors Not Seen Everywhere if it’s so Great?

Granite floors look amazing, but the material isn’t for everyone. It cost quite a bit to install a granite floor. You have to have the right subfloor underneath, and you have to hire professionals to install and correctly cut granite. Granite should be considered a high-end flooring choice. It does pay for itself over time in its beauty and value, but the initial cost upfront is going to be quite a bit.

I Want a Granite Countertop is it Expensive?

Granite Countertop cost will depend on the size, thickness, level, and type of granite installed. Granite is a popular choice among homeowners and comes in many different colors, designs, and patterns to choose from for every budget. Another plus to having a granite countertop is that it can increase the home resale appeal. When people come to look at the home, and it has a granted countertop, this can be a focal point of the kitchen and create more excitement for the potential home buyer.

Is a Granite Countertop Hard to Maintain?

Other materials used for countertops are natural to scratch or become discolored from chemicals or food staining. Granite is scratch, stain, chemical, and heat resistant. It’s one of the hardest materials you can use to make a countertop. Granite is not easily damaged. Some sealants will give you a lifetime warranty against staining, and some granite won’t require sealing at all. You should be wiping up spills, dusting granite, and using potholders to ensure that your granite looks great. Compared to other materials, there is not a lot of maintenance that you have to do when you have a granite countertop.

Is Granite Just a Fad?

Granite for countertops and tiles is not a fad. This is a magnificent building and material. You’ll find granite countertops in more homes today because it is an excellent material to build with. When you have a granite countertop, you have something that is solid and is going to last a very long time. It may last for the lifetime of the home. It’s not going to age or become outdated. When you have granite tiles, you’re going to have tiles that will last a long when compared to something such as laminate or other similar materials that are used for tiles. Granite will maintain its look over time. It can become a focal point of the home because of its look.

Is Granite Safe to Prepare Food On?

Granite countertops will sometimes come in contact with food. This is especially the case for a countertop that is in the kitchen. Granite countertops are safe for food preparation. They exceed standards and have been certified by NSF or the National Sanitation Foundation. Greenguard certifies granite. You should use a proper cutting board for food preparation, but granite countertops are resistant to bacterial growth, so if you happen to spill some food on your granite countertop, you don’t have much to worry about. Granite is usually sealed, or you can have it sealed before you use it. You won’t have to worry about granite when you use it as a building material for your countertop.

Conclusion

It’s clear to see that granite is an excellent building material. It does cost more than other building materials, but it maintains its value over time. You will have flooring or a countertop that looks amazing. It is well worth the investment to install a Granite simply because it is a high-quality building material for floors or countertops.

More Resources

Canoga Park
818.704.92224
Beverly Hills
310.276.9222