Use Granite Tile Countertops And
Have The Beauty Of Granite For Less

Granite hardness and density makes it perfect for the kitchen where countertops take a lot of use and abuse. Because the surface is so hard, very little will penetrate or scratch it. For instance, a stainless steel knife is not as hard as granite, and usually doesn't leave a mark even when cutting through something placed right on the top. With many other types of tops, you have to be very careful not to scratch them.

This type of material is available in an endless array of colors and grain patterns. The main ingredients in granite are feldspar and quartz which not only give it beauty but also provide extreme hardness. The varying amounts of these minerals account for the different colors and patterns from one piece to the next.

Beyond how durable they are, this material has such a unique and stunning appearance! Are you thinking of having granite in your kitchen but want something that is easier on your budget?

Granite Tile Countertops Will Save You Money

Solid kitchen granite countertops are made from a single slab or slabs pieced together to fit the base cabinets.

Making solid tops require the fabricator to use heavy duty equipment to cut and polish the slabs. This is all done in a large warehouse and there is a lot of overhead and labor involved.

Granite tile countertops, on the other hand, come in tiles and the price can be less than a third of what the solid tops cost. For the best price on some of the most gorgeous tiles that you can get online, go to BuildDirect. You can get free samples on certain tiles if you see something that you like!

Tiles countertops have a look that is somewhat different from solid granite, in that you will have joints, of course, but granite tiles still make for a stunning surface.

The beauty of a granite tile countertop is not really any less then the look you get from a solid piece. The surface is made of the same materials, endures wear the same, and resists chips and stains the same way too. If a professional installs the tops, the installation provides a very handsome and durable countertop that will maintain its beauty and last for a long time.

Tile Sizes to Consider

With any of these tiles you will have a minimum of one joint from the front to back. To minimize joints you will need a special bullnose tile to finish off the front edge. This special front piece will make up the 1 1/2" difference that is left over with either the 12" x 12" or 24" x 24" tiles (with the 18" x 18" tile, it is not an issue).

12" x 12" tiles are used to span the surface of the top as shown in the photo above and then finished off using a special curved front edge bullnose. If the special radius front edge is not available for your tile selection, you will have a smaller tile at the back of the counter and a piece will need to be cut for the front edge resulting in a 90 degree corner at the front edge.

A Tile Top Adds Value to Your Home

If you're designing your home with granite in order to have something durable that looks great, you can't go wrong with granite tile. If the countertop tile is installed properly, you will most likely never have any reason to change it. It's also unlikely you will grow tired of such a luxurious top either.

Many home sales has been made because the kitchen sold the wife, and quite a few sales have been lost because the kitchen didn't have anything eye catching.

You won't have to worry about the appeal of your kitchen with this material installed. Most folks realize how much it adds to the value of a home. Look into granite tile countertops and see if they will not only work with your kitchen design ideas but also get you the countertop you want without such a high price tag!

For great looking granite tiles that you can get online, go to BuildDirect and see a large selection at low prices that will save you money. They offer several free samples of certain tiles with a few clicks of your mouse!

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