Granite TileBeautiful, Natural EleganceNearly indestructible, the durablility of granite will survive almost anything short of demolition! It is also the heaviest and hardest of all stone flooring materials... More commonly used for countertops, back-splashes and fire place surrounds, but sales over the past 10 years show the use of granite for flooring has caught on big-time and expected to continue, indefinitely!
Granite is very versatile and suitable for any flooring area, including outdoor settings such as a patio, as long as you choose the right variety of granite. It's unique imperfections and distinct characteristics definitely add to the beauty and eye appeal, making it an exceptionally attractive floor covering. Like all stone flooring, granite floor tile is hard and cold to the touch. When placed in a bathroom, or any other area, consider installing underfloor heating to keep the floor warm and cozy underfoot! There are many similarities between granite, marble and travertine, but appearance is not one of them. The characteristics of each are very distinct from the other, but either one is bound to give you great pleasure to own... More About GraniteGranite is made from a combination of fine to coarse grained rock containing quartz, feldspar and mica crystals. It's incredible hardness and durability can be attributed to the quartz found in granite. In most cases, tests have proven granite to be even more durable than marble. It isn't cheap to buy or install! Smaller flooring areas, like bathrooms and entryways, are great places to lay granite and the costs won't hurt so badly ... but if price is of no concern, it looks absolutely marvelous in any room! Remember that you will NEVER have to replace this flooring, so choose wisely... You have so many colors and patterns to choose from, actually thousands of them, that it may take awhile for you to make the final decision. But all good things take time! Granite tile is more commonly found in 12 x 12 or 18 x 18 inch squares, but can be cut to specifications to fit your floor design. Thickness of granite flooring pieces are usually 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick, but can also be thicker if that is what you need. Staining is generally not an issue with granite tile, and they do not etch like marble and limestone can.
What To Do TipsFor All stone flooring:
MaintenanceSweeping regularly with a soft broom and damp mopping with the proper stone cleaning agent is all that is necessary to keep your granite flooring looking it's best! One sure way to know you are using the right cleaner is to follow whatever the manufacturer or flooring distributor recommends. Granite is a terrific flooring material and it only makes sense to give it the best possible care. Routine cleaning and maintenance will keep it looking rich and lustrous. Spillages should be wiped up ASAP to prevent slipping accidents and etching. For added protection against staining, apply a pH breathable sealer once the flooring has been installed, and routinely thereafter every 12-18 months depending on how much use the area is exposed to. The beautiful, lustrous shine of granite is created from grinding the stone, not a sealant. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendation on how to care for your granite tile flooring, and especially if there is a warranty in place. You don't want to risk that coverage... InstallationHave a floor plan layout drawn up and hire a reputable professional installer to install your granite tile. Each tile must fit perfectly according to your floor plan, and specialized tools are required. A professional installer will know exactly what to do. Unless you absolutely, positively for certain know how to install granite tile flooring, don't take on the project... The high price of materials increase the cost of a mistake. Hiring a professional is worth every penny.... Your reputable flooring distributor will be able to answer any questions you have about your choice of granite tile flooring. And if you want to see what it will look like when in place, ask your sales person to create an actual, small display for you. Granite tiled floors are truly magnificent! ...
back to Flooring HOME... from Granite Tile
|
