Granite Tiles

Build An Affordable Granite Countertop Using Granite Tiles

Granite tiles are smaller pieces of granite carefully cut from big granite blocks. They usually come in three sizes. The smallest is 12 inches by 12 inches, followed by 18 inches by 18 inches and the biggest is 24 inches by 24 inches.

These tiles get thicker as their size gets bigger. The thinnest granite tiles are 3/8 inch thick, followed by tiles which are ½ inch thick, and the thickest is 5/8 inch thick. You have probably seen them in commercial establishments as wall claddings and flooring. In the home, they are commonly used in making beautiful and strong granite countertops.

As you well know, granite is a very expensive material that only a few can afford. To make granite more affordable to a wider sector of consumers, granite fabricators have developed granite tiles. Now, the average homeowner can build his granite countertop without breaking his budget. In the past, if you want a granite countertop for your kitchen, you must be willing to shell out at least $60 to $120 for one square foot of granite. But with granite tiles, you only have to spend somewhere between $5 to $30 dollars per square foot. That is a tremendous amount of savings. You get the same beauty and elegance at only a fraction of the cost.

Granite Tiles Are Also Strong
You might say that granite tiles are thinner therefore they’re not as strong as granite slabs. Yes, that’s true, but only to a certain extent. You see, granite tiles are also made of granite. These are igneous rocks that are formed hundreds of miles down the earth’s crust. Granite is formed when liquid magma is forced between other layers of rock. Then the stone cools down and forms its own layers. The rock contains quartz, feldspar, mica and other trace elements. The lengthy process by which granite is developed makes its surface extremely hard and strong. Therefore, granite, in whatever manner it is created, is definitely tough.

How They Are Made
Granite tiles are cut out from granite slabs. They are cut according to the size requirements or the demand in the market. Each tile are then shaped and polished on one side. Granite edges are also formed or installed on two and even three sides on some of these tiles. With this feature, you won’t spend money anymore for granite edge installation.

Where Are The Typical Uses of Granite Tiles?
Being made of granite, these tiles have the same elegance and style of this exceptional stone. As such they are a popular material used in industrial, commercial as well as residential building constructions.  Some of the uses of granite tiles are the following:

• Flooring – in halls and foyers, living rooms, bathrooms and in walkways
• Walls – as accent walls or decorative walls
• Countertops – as kitchen, vanity and other forms of table tops
• Backsplashes – a very good decorative accent to kitchen countertops
• Outdoor applications – since granite is a durable material, it can also be used outdoors, such as garden tables, terrace, passageways, etc.

Things To Consider When Using Granite Tiles
Here are some of the things you need to consider if you’re thinking of using granite tiles in your home or office.

• Since granite is a very expensive material, it is better for the professionals to do the installation, not only to get the job done expertly but also to minimize costly mistakes.
• Take into consideration the physical conditions in the place where you will use these tiles. Matters like foot traffic, moisture levels, slip resistance are some of these things.
• In choosing granite tiles, it is helpful to keep in mind that there will always be some color variations between the tiles that you will get. This is only natural because granite is an organic material. Use your imagination in using these color variations to your advantage.
• In this connection, before buying your granite tiles, inspect the batch where they will be taken from. Look for imperfections, breakage and other physical conditions that may make or break your installation. Try to see if there are any recourse for unforeseen eventualities.
• Before finally installing them, ask your installer to lay out all the tiles in a mock-type assembly. This will help you determine the best way of putting them together.
• Select a sealant that is most appropriate for your granite tiles. Your installer can help you on this.
• If your granite tiles are installed as kitchen, bathroom or outdoor countertops have them sealed and laminated before using them. This will protect the granite tiles from the damaging effects of water, dirt and grime.
• In cleaning the tiles, use stone cleansers that do not contain acids and harsh chemicals. When wiping or drying the surface, use only soft and non-abrasive cloths.
• Schedule a daily and periodic maintenance for your granite tiles. The natural beauty of granite can only be preserved this way.