Granite Tile Counter Top Installation - Rich look Costs Less
Vera Sang

Defined Tag: Granite Tile Countertops.

You are ready to choose the countertops for your kitchen. You have looked at so many samples that your head is spinning but one seems to be stuck. Granite tile counter tops seem to speak out a little louder than all the other ones you have seen.

One reason this type of countertop is used is because the tiles are cheaper than an actual slab of granite. Due to the durability of granite you won’t have to replace your countertops as often as you have done in the past. These tiles can be laid out to look just like a solid piece of granite.

Granite is made of cooled molten rock with crystallization above or below the surface. The colors can range from pink to black. When in its natural state it is huge. Because of its size it is used in construction. Granite is not specific to one certain region however the commercial grade granite can be found in Africa, Sweden, Finland, and Spain among other areas of the world.

Granite contains minerals which formed when the molten rock cooled. Depending on how fast it cooled is what determines the unique patterns that are formed. When it cools rapidly the minerals form smaller patterns and the opposite is true when it cools slowly. Polished granite is shiny while honed granite has a softer look.

If you have ever laid tile you can install a granite countertop. The steps are basically the same and not too complicated. Just make sure you use the correct adhesive for granite. Make sure you place the tiles tightly together. An epoxy grout works better than a cement based grout. It is a fairly simple do it yourself project if you have any knowledge of laying tiles.

When cleaning your new countertop use only products that are made for granite. Other products will strip the seal and make it look cloudy. This also leaves it open to stains. You should reseal your countertops at least once a year depending on how much use they get. One product that sounds odd but is recommended by people who have had this type of countertop for years is car wax. Supposedly it has the same ingredients as a regular sealant and will keep your countertop from becoming stained.

Granite is one of the hardest natural materials that we have. That is what makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Due to the durability of granite, using it for your kitchen countertop makes a lot of sense. If you remove a pot from the stove and set it on the countertop it has no lasting effects. It doesn’t burn like Formica or butcher block. It is moisture resistant, another reason for the high desirability for use in kitchens.

Granite tile kitchen counters are lovely to look at and very economical. They can also add value to your home. When you look at your kitchen and the finished product you will be amazed at the beauty. Granite countertops are quickly replacing most other types of counter surface material. The kitchen is the heart of most homes and with a granite tile counter top your kitchen will not only look the part but have the feel that simply says home.