Installing Granite Tile Countertops

Today, as readers asks:

Diva, we just finished replacing our laminate flooring, and the floors look great, now I want a new counter top. I can’t afford slab granite countertops after all the money we spent on the flooring. I’ve heard bad things about granite tile countertops. What do you know about them and their durability?

Granite countertops are nice. But there are a few things you should know before installing new granite counter tops:

1. If your heart is set on the seamless design of slab granite, you may not be happy with granite tiles. In fact you may even look for something to be wrong. Granite tiles require a grout line, even a 1/16″ of inch grout line may be seen. Also consider the fact that there is more to choosing solid surface countertops than simply going with granite. Choose a grout color that blends with your tile to minimize this but it may still be seen. Granite tiles are not all exactly the same thickness, you may have tiles that are slightly higher or lower than the ones next to them.
2. GRANITE NEEDS TO BE SEALED. The first time it needs to be sealed until the sealer pools on your tiles. After that I’d recommend sealing every 6 months - 12 months. You can also use a cleaner/re-sealer for everyday cleaning and maintenance. If don’t keep the sealer up on your granite tiles, you will get staining and if water pools on your countertops in the same spot often, you might get mold growth.
3. A lot of places don’t sell granite or natural stone bullnose pieces. If you are having your countertop install by a professional this isn’t a big deal, they will polish the edges down for you, and your bullnose edges and tiles will have a better chance at matching if from the same batch. If you are installing yourself, you can go to a specialty shop but the edge pieces may be from a different batch or quarry and might not match exactly. So you might need to buy extra to find the pieces who’s grain pattern is closer to what you have or you may need to look around a bit. Another alternative is to put a finished wood edging around your counter tops or to use Schluter metal. They come in a variety of finishes to help coordinate your kitchen.

Update: Looking for a kitchen backsplash ideas?

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet or wall treatments (blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Flooring Diva Blog!

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