Are Granite Tile Countertops Practical?
Most people considering a granite tile countertop realize it’s a natural stone product. What they may not know is that granite originates from hot liquid magma. Granite, one of Nature's igneous rocks, comes close to the extreme hardness and strength of diamonds. And the density of granite causes it to be highly resistant to bacteria, making it an ideal material for kitchen countertops.
When you look at your granite tile countertop, you are looking at a combination of feldspar, quartz, and mica minerals; proportioned differently according to the granite. Each type of granite possesses different colors, textures, and structural features based upon these minerals. A granite tile countertop costs less than a third of what a solid-granite countertop costs because of special tools needed and the installation required for the solid stone. At $60 to $100 per square foot, it makes sense to consider a granite tile countertop rather than one made from solid granite.
A homeowner can retain the same natural beauty and wear resistance with a granite tile countertop as with solid granite, and some handy souls can even install it themselves. Many online retailers offer materials for your granite tile countertop. Stone Tile Depot offers 14 different types of granite ranging in price from $3.95 to $9.95 per square foot. This site also provides an excellent Frequently Asked Questions section and comments extensively on granite as well as other natural stone.
Another Internet natural stone seller, found at www.sssto.com, features an amazing selection for your granite tile countertop and offers free shipping on select stone. Additionally, this company also offers a sample kit featuring all 31 colors they typically stock. So don’t spend a fortune on a solid granite tile countertop when you can get the same qualities for so less! Browse around and check out the Web sites listed above. You’re sure to find all the information you need to soon have a beautiful granite tile countertop of your very own!