Granite Tile Countertops

There are several options for countertops available in the market like laminate, concrete, ceramic and granite. When buying a kitchen countertop, one of the basic and the foremost things to consider is to have a countertop that is durable and easy to maintain. Granite countertops perfectly fit in this basic criteria for the perfect countertops. Let us know more on it.

Granite Tile Kitchen Countertops
Granite is a naturally found igneous rock. It is as hard and strong as the diamond and considered to be one of the hardest known building stones. Secondly, it is resistant to heat, air, water and bacteria and hence, very durable or long-lasting. Also, it is one of the most easily available stones which is also found in a variety of colors and patterns. Granite tile countertops are prominently used for their beauty and easy maintenance. It does not react to any of the acids like vinegar, citric acid, etc. used in cooking. Granite tile slabs are available at a starting price of about USD 60 per square foot and above. The cost depends and varies according to the type, color and pattern. Installing these tiles is a simple process that can be carried out at home. The other way round, you can always seek professional help for the same which may cost you around USD 700 to USD 1500. Having all these properties, granite tile is one of the most favored materials for countertop over laminate or ceramic.

Pros and Cons
As mentioned above, granite tile countertops have several pros or advantages. Firstly, they are beautiful and can be ordered in any color or design of one's choice. Therefore, you can have a countertop that matches or is in contrast with the color of your kitchen. Secondly, these countertops are also available in polished and non-polished varieties which can be used according to individual preferences. Also, the properties of granite tile like durability and resistance to heat, water and acids adds to its numerous advantages. One should note that the advantage of granite tile over laminate or other countertops is the durability of the former. Granite tile is one of the most durable countertops available in the market. On the other hand, the only disadvantage of it is its cost as it is more expensive than other countertop options available. However, this can be overlooked as granite is long-lasting, and you don't need to bother about it in the years to come.

Maintenance and Care
Countertops made of granite can only last long if they are cared for and maintained properly. There are simple granite countertop care and cleaning tips that you should remember in order to make your countertop last longer. They include:

• You should immediately blot any spills of coffee, oil and other liquid products with a tissue paper or a soft cloth.
• You can make use of a mixture of water and detergent to clean the countertop.
• Stains of butter or other greasy products can be cleaned with the help of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water.
• It is not recommended to use harsh chemicals for cleaning granite countertops as that can ruin the surface.
• Granite countertops need to be resealed regularly, roughly around 2 - 3 years, as the sealant tends to get off due to exposure to heat.

Remember, these tiles are the best among all the different options available for kitchen countertops. Just have a simple look at it and buy it without hesitation; it will last longer with the same elegance as earlier!