DOMESTIC STONE MARKET KEEPS CHANGING

　　The demand of stone market appears differentiation, high grade and high quality material is n great demand. With the rise of decoration industry, people for the understanding of the stone material is also more and more deep, meanwhile the requirements are gradually increasing, this have driven the high grade stone material gradually become the mainstream of the market, and become the darling of the stone market. All infrastructure and key project for the demand of the high-grade stone material is rising, parts of high quality stone material appear gaps in some areas, and cause the import of stone greatly increased, which mainly used for the relief of imported variety, the products is mainly for the joint venture enterprise and more high-grade public buildings.

　　At present, our country stone market has become an important role in the international stone market. Based on the current trends, the production of the world stone material and trade center will turn from Europe to our country in the near future. In the international market, the increasing speed of the stone products is even faster than the world economic growth. The prospect of the stone market is great. Small city and developed areas of the rural will be the hotspot of the stone market consumption. With the increasing of the construction levels in small town, especially the new rural, the investment of construction is also increasing. There is no doubt that the potential of the stone market is huge. The stone decoration has become the hot spots of a rural family adornment. It is reported that more than half of residence decorate in small city in our country select natural stone.

　　But for our domestic affairs, the enterprise can only use a lot of cheap labor to fill the skilled holes with the backward condition of the production process. This will not only make the benefits of enterprise shrink, but also indirectly cause a series of problems, like the product quality, product maintenance and so on. Then leading to the bottleneck of this industry and bring the risk for the field and the enterprise. Facing the current various circumstances, stone material enterprise should try to improve the production technology, and strengthen the development application of the new products, new arts and crafts and try to improve the added value of the products, and there is no doubt that you will win a wider development business opportunities.

SKILLS OF STONE SELECTING

　　If you are Chinese, you may have heard about the folk “blind imitation with ludicrous effection”, if not, it mainly talked about a woman who live in the east village try to dress-up to compared with another beautiful girl in the west village, but she wasn’t able to more pretty. Why we would like to mention this story is that a good natural stone material depends on the quality and processing technology. High quality material does not contain too much pattern in surface and color, and cloth color even, no too light or too strong. While for the inferior quality of the stone material, though after processing, there are still many defects that can’t be discovered. Thus, the surface pattern of stone material is an important quality indicators to evaluate whether the quality of the relative stone material is good or bad.

　　In the process of stone material processing, the surface has to go through the following process of cutting, saw cutting, grinding and polishing. Then the beautiful "looks" to be revealed. If the processing technology and process are not good enough, the finished product will appear warp, sag, splash, stains, lack edge drop horn, crack, splash, color line, pit nest and so on, so they can’t be the same lever of the top grade stone products.

　　In addition, the whole piece of stone material is not level off, the arch of bending arch plate and big side or small axe side board, which are all belong to the bad board. After the shop is stuck there will be un-even surfaces, joint not neat phenomena, especially in the facade decoration process, not neat decorative faceted line will influence the whole decorates the effect. High quality natural stone material plate cutting edge tidy perfect Angle, surface is bright and clean, high brightness, no rough feel with the hand. At the same time, when choosing the stone material, besides that you should pay attention to the color, surface gloss, decorative pattern and other decorative function of stone material, you should also consider the following performance index of the stone material, like compressive strength, flexural strength and durability, frost resistance, abrasion resistance.

Guangxi White,Guangxi White Marble,Guangxi White Marble Slab

　　Guangxi White is a white colored marble , with thin to medium grain and uniform background. It presents a very uniform white colored background, some vein and a slight brownish or greyish color. Its main variations depend on the presence of colored vein, more or less defined.
  

Guangxi White

　　It is a well-known white from China, which is one of the first Chinese white marbles to conquer its place on the international market. Because of the white slab, landscape texture, as well as the low cost makes it to be the first choice for the construction decoration. Thus, it has a considerable market in China and a growing international market. It is extracted by several quarries and blocks can have any dimension.

Guangxi White Marble Slab

 　　The type of finishing that we most recommend for the Guangxi White is definitely the polished one, for that most highlight the white color and uniform background of this stone . We also recommend the honed or sandblasted finishing. You just need to choose according to the whole effect of your house.
 

 

Guangxi White Marble

 　　At last, we would like to mention you that this type of white marble is a preferential marble to be used in flooring. Its uniform white color does a great job in flooring applications, especially if combined with other colors. It is also common to find this marble in coverings,work and decoration.
 

 

Guangxi White

Royal Onyx,Royal Onyx Slabs & Tile,China Yellow Onyx

　　Royal Onyx
  

Royal Onyx

 　 Color ：Yellow

　　Type ：Marble

　　Size ：Customized

　　Style ：Natural

　　Payment terms ：T/T and L/C

Royal Onyx Slabs

 　　Marked ：We can take orders according to photo or drawing from you

　　Surface Finishing ：Antiqued, Polished, Honed, Sandblasted, Brushed etc

　　Quality standard ：High

　　Size ：According to the customers' requirements

　　Advantage ：1.Suitable for indoor and outdoor usage

　　2.Dust – proof and the color never fade

Royal Onyx Slabs

 　　You are warmly welcome to visit our company and Factory at your convenience. And we are looking forward to a fruitfully mutual beneficial cooperation with your esteemed company.

　　E-mail:deqinuo@gmail.com ; Web:www.xinhaoleistone.com

 

Royal Onyx Tile

Silver Green Onyx,Silver Green Onyx Slab,China Onyx

　　Silver Green Onyx is one of the rarest stone in jade varieties, the quality is very delicate; the effect of pervious to light is good, moisture, bright and beautiful. The texture of overall is elegant which is as the Milky Way, natural freehand brushwork, free clever and easy, it could provide a simple and elegant living space.

 

Silver Green Onyx Slab

 　　Since the jade is very rare, the applicable scope is not possible to be used in large area, which act only as adornment.

 

 

Silver Green Onyx Countertop

　　Features: it is in fine texture, the processing performance is good.

 

Silver Green Onyx

 　　Application: high quality BaiYun Jade in reseda linings lighten out flowery effect of "gold" or "Venus", which is suitable for making into ink stone, pen rack and other writing utensils, as well as the other crafts. The works have been sold to the United States, Canada, Germany, France and other countries, as well as Hong Kong, Macao, etc. from China.
 

 

Silver Green Onyx

　　Excellent product and perfect service can help you achieve set objective. Your success is our hope to cooperate profitably and develop each other.
  

 

Silver Green Onyx

 　　E-mail:deqinuo@gmail.com ; Web:www.xinhaoleistone.com

 

Silver Green Onyx

Sky Onyx Slabs,Sky Onyx Slabs Price,Sky Onyx Supply

　　Sky Onyx Slabs

 

Sky Onyx

　　Color ：Multicolor

　　Type ：Onyx

　　Size ：Customized

　　Style ：Natural

 

Sky Onyx Slab

　　Payment terms ：T/T and L/C

　　Marked ：We can take orders according to photo or drawing from you
　　Surface Finishing ：Antiqued, Polished, Honed, Sandblasted, Brushed etc

 

Sky Onyx

　　Quality standard ：High

　　Size ：According to the customers' requirements

　　Advantage ：1.Suitable for indoor and outdoor usage

　　2.Dust – proof and the color never fade

 

 Sky Onyx

　　We will try our every best to offer you our best price .Welcome to contact with me at any time.

　　E-mail:deqinuo@gmail.com Web:www.xinhaoleistone.com

 

Sky Onyx

THE NEW FAVORITE KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS--IMPERIAL WHITE GRANITE

　　Imperial White granite has a white and pinkish background with light grey movement with variations in grey movement. It has light pink and black flowers in a beautiful pattern on a white background. These are available in various shades of color with pink and black colored patterns.

　　Imperial White countertop always gives a royal look to the entire appearance of that particular applicant area. Polished to perfection, ours can improve the look of any kitchen or bathroom interior.

　　The is very much durable and has a low absorption capacity which makes it highly stain resistant as well. This excellent granite countertop comes in various finishes such as honed, famed, shot blasted, scored and polished. Its soft and smooth touch gives a glorified appearance. Its tremendous ability to withstand heavy pressure makes it apt to be used in high traffic areas like bathrooms ands.

　　Imperial White granites are tough and durable and possess high gloss. They possess properties like rich colors, stiffness and density which make it an ideal choice for countertops. Its beautiful white background is a mark of elegance and prosperity.

HOW TO BUILD OUTDOOR STAIR RAILING

　　Stair railings make exterior steps easier to climb and safer. For an informal exterior, you don't need to get fancy, but you do want a railing that is sturdy and durable. Building a simple outdoor stair is a straightforward job that can be accomplished with a few simple tools and a basic knowledge of carpentry.

　　Instructions as follows:

　　Firstly, cut back the stair tread on the highest and lowest step if they overhang the stair stringer. The tread is the flat part that you step on when you climb the stairs. The stringers are the diagonal boards underneath the stairs that hold up the treads. The easiest way to do this is to simply cut the whole tread flush with the stringer, but if you cut out a notch just large enough for a post, it will look better and make the post stronger.

　　Secondly, place a 4-by-4-inch post against the stringer at the bottom of the granite stairs. Drill two pilot holes through the post and into the stringer, then secure the post to the stringer with two lag bolts. If you can access the inside face of the stringer, you can also use flat bolts with washers and nuts, which will make the post even stronger.

　　Thirdly, attach a 4-by-4 post to the highest step in the same way that you attached one to the lowest step.

　　Fourthly, hold a 2-by-6-inch board up against the sides of the two posts, at the height where you want it when the railings are finished. This is easier if you have someone to help you. Trace a line across the sides of the post where they meet the bottom of the 2-by-6. Remove the 2-by-6, and cut off the tops of the posts along the lines you drew using a circular saw.

White Wood Vein Marble Slab , White Wood Grain Marble Slabs & Tiles

　　Name ：White wood vein marble slab
 

　　Color ：White

　　Type ：Marble

　　Size ：Customized

　　Style ：Natural

　　Usage ：House decoration, wall panel, floor tile, wall cladding, Columns ,etc.

　　Payment terms ：T/T and L/C

　　Marked ：We can take orders according to photo or drawing from you
　　Surface Finishing： Antiqued, Polished, Honed, Sandblasted, Brushed etc

　　Quality standard ：High

　　Tile, Floor and

　　Wall sizes ：305x305x1.0cm (12''x12''x3/8'') ;
　　305x305x1.2cm (12''x12''x1/2'') ;
　　400x400x1.0cm (16''x16''x3/8'') ;
　　457x457x1.2cm (18''x18''x1/2'') ;
　　610x610x2.0cm (24''x24''x3/4'') ;

 

 　　Excellent product and perfect service can help you achieve set objective. Your success is our hope to cooperate profitably and develop each other.

　　E-mail:deqinuo@gmail.com ; Web:www.xinhaoleistone.com

DIFFERENT ABSOLUTE BLACK GRANITE

　　The first common misunderstanding is that of all Absolute Blacks being the same material. They are not and they can vary widely in colour, quality and price! The original Absolute Black, also known as Sutareboda, is the name for a Swedish black granite which has been quarried for many years.

  

 

black granite

　　Probably the most famous Swedish black granite is Ebony Black. It is very hard and durable, takes a beautiful polish and has an almost metallic "ringing" tone when struck with a hammer and chisel. It is also very expensive.

　　Depending from which quarry it originates it is known as Hallandia AKF No 1, AKF No 25, EGC Black Fined Granied, EGC Black and SS1. We would like to list these correctly therefore please advise if you do know the full details but we do know of the following diabase quarries BRNNHULT, DUVHULT, GYLSBODA and HGGHULT.

　　In 1962, Belfast Black from South Africa was first exported and shortly afterwards the trade in Italy started calling this granite Nero Assoluto, the literal translation being Black Absolute. Alternative names have been South African Ebony, South African Black and Prairie. Some of the Southern African granites can actually have a "rice-grained" effect similar to the Canadian Cambrian Black, and the less black qualities also a silver star reflector.

　　Since the 1960's, Nero Assoluto has become the generic name for many black granites supplied from Italy including Angola, China, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe and many other countries, therefore unless one is specific the granite could actually be from anywhere!

TO KNOW ITS NATURE, TO BUY IDEAL GRANITE PRODUCTS

　　Granite said to be the pleasant igneous rock which is formed in the earth for millions of the years from heat and fusion. It comprises of quartz, feldspar and mica. Granite is the hard course igneous rock. When the purchase dealing has been made with the granite, the granite work surface should be considered.
  

 
　　Since granite is the natural stone, it is graded as suitable for the given task. The granite is even graded based on the region it originated. This grade is given for general use. But some stone professionals advice the architects, surveyors to use for the maximum efficiency in the building or stone. Granite is the heat resistant rock ant it has the capacity of durable scratch resistant. It is easy for the granite users to remove the strains and scratches using repairs.

　　When granite, marble and limestone are purchased on the internet, some samples will be shown for the best. You should be aware that the stone you received is what you have seen. When you purchase the granite now see to that you are purchasing the same granite, because the granite you purchased today may differ on the next day. So, check that the granite purchased after some time is also the same with that you acquired before. The stone you purchased should belong to the same batch that you purchased before. When the stone purchased have difference, then it looks terrible especially for larger crystals. The batch stone should have the same consistency though out the surface.

　　When the installer break off or scratch the granite surface, then you surely need a replacement piece for the damage. If the stone is not available for replacement, then you find difficult. When granite started fading then the beauty of the granite will be lost. So, granite should not fade. Before purchasing the granite top perform some inspection in the granite you are purchasing.

　　Apply some acetone or nail varnish remover on the surface with the clean white cloth. When a residue or black color surface is observed on the top, then the granite is dyed one and do not accept it. If the surface does not observe anything on the surface then the granite is said to be perfect and it can be accepted.

　　If you are interested in purchasing the granite, then spill some few drop of lemon juice on the piece of the granite. When you spill the drop of lemon juice on the granite you can see that it develops quickly some dark spots on the stone. Then the stone is the absorbent stone and then dont purchase the absorbent stone. If you find that the stone takes some time to absorb any thing like oil or juice, then it can be said that it is a quality stone. The application can be removed with the high quality impregnating sealer.

　　So, be careful and precaution is to be taken while the purchase dealing is take place by the buyer for the granite. If any default activity takes place, then wont be fooled. Seek some specialist advice, when you decided to purchase granite stone. Choose the perfect granite for surface to make the building, homes and monuments more beauty.

HOW TO DISTINGUISH FAKE & REAL MARBLE TILES

　　Since the natural stone belongs to the non-renewable resources, and it is quite expensive, the artificial is therefore emerging with the decoration requirements. Well, but do you know how to identify the fake and the reals ?
 

　　Reals have the characteristic of being durable, but it is actually not that durable. Its durability will be defined on how you take care of it, making it more of a hassle and a problem to have around. Caring for real marble tiles is more complex than your regular style of cleaning, wherein mopping and sweeping not enough in terms of caring for your marble tiles. Marble tiles are more susceptible to stains from common households, such as citrus-based drinks, shampoos, nail removers, or anything that is acidic, since these things may chemically react with the marble tile's surface. This means that people who have marble tiles for their flooring, for example, will need to clean up any spill immediately using soap and water, in order to avoid staining their marble tile.

　　Fake marble tiles, on the other hand, need not require the same amount of care when cleaning it since these fake marble tiles are not made of 100% marble, but contain only a percentage of marble in their composition. Fake marble tiles are actually combined with other elements, such as liquid polyester resin, making it a more durable product as compared to the real marble tiles. This means that the products that would easily stain marble tiles are not that effective with fake marble tiles due to their resin coats, making them more impervious, although they could still stain it if not taken care of.

　　Also, real marble tiles are more expensive than fake marble tiles for obvious reasons, although there are some people who sell fake marble tiles for the same price range as real ones. The more expensive real marble tiles will have some differences with fake ones, such as the texture, finishes, patterns and design, some of which are more difficult to detect over others, but with careful scrutiny and observation, these differences can be seen.

HOW TO BUILD STONE WATER FOUNTAINS

　　There is something delightful about the sound of splashing water in the garden on a hot day. Water fountains are a source of relaxation and can serve as a handsome conversational piece in your yard. For those on a budget, a circular paving stone fountain is a refreshing water featured suitable for both large and small gardens. Add attractive landscaping around this fountain for a do-it-yourself refreshing oasis.

　　Instructions as follows:

　　Firstly, locate a suitable spot for the fountain. This spot should be level, close to an electrical outlet and highly visible. Clear all debris, including sticks and overgrown vegetation. Use a rake to smooth out the area.

　　Secondly, lay a piece of landscape fabric over the area for the fountain, and secure it with landscape pins.

　　Thirdly, trace the base of the sump you will use on the landscape fabric, using marking chalk. Cut around the chalked line.

　　Fourthly, dig a 10-inch-deep hole for the sump. Lay a carpenter's level across the open hole to ensure that it is level. Put the sump in the hole.

　　Fifthly, place an 18-inch paving stone on a flat surface and find the center point of the stone. Make a mark at this point.

　　Sixthly, use a drill with a 1/2-inch masonry bit to make a hole in the center of the paving stone that is large enough for the extension pipe of your submersible pump to fit through.

　　Seventhly, secure the submersible pump in the bottom of the sump. Attach an extension pipe to the fountain pump. Pull the electrical cord for the fountains outside the plastic bowl, and thread it under the landscape fabric.

　　Eighthly, fill the sump halfway with water. Plug the fountain pump into a ground-fault-interrupter outlet, and ensure that the pump is working. Place the lid on top of the sump, making sure that the extension pipe is centered in the lid hole.

LATE FLOORS PROTECTION

　　Slate is a beautiful and extremely durable floor covering for many rooms in your home including kitchens, bathrooms and patios. Slate takes special care to keep it looking new. While sealing slate floors is not a necessary project, it does help to protect the floor from stains and other damage. Applying a sealant can also give you different looks for the slate depending on your preferences. Proper care helps your slate floors last a lifetime.

　　Instructions as follows:
   
　　Firstly, choose the type of sealant you want. Different sealants offer glossy, matte or a wet finished look. Use a matte finish to keep your slate floors looking more natural.

　　Secondly, think about how much traffic your floor receives when deciding on which sealant to use. Choose a sealant that penetrates into the slate for better protection of high traffic areas. Use a topical sealer for low traffic areas.

　　Thirdly, clean the slate floor using a mop and a diluted all-purpose cleaner. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your floor. Allow the slate countertop to dry completely.

　　Fourthly, open the windows to provide better ventilation while applying the sealant to the slate floor. Pour the sealant into a paint tray.

　　Fifthly, apply the sealant in a thin layer using a natural bristle paintbrush. Use a paint roller for more even coverage and quicker application of larger areas. Make sure to follow the grain of the slate.

　　Sixthly, let the sealant dry for 2 hours. Apply a second coat of sealant. Check the manufacturer's recommendations of how long to let the sealant dry completely, usually a week, before setting any furniture on it or cleaning it again.

　　Tips & Warnings

　　The best protection you can give your slate slab floors besides sealing is sweeping them on a regular basis. Sweep up any dirt and other debris as soon as messes happen to prevent them from scratching the surface of the sealant and the floor itself.

　　Clean your slate floors using only warm water or a very mild cleaning solution for best results.

HOW TO EDGE GRAVEL WALKWAYS

　　A gravel walkway offers a casual, low-maintenance path through your yard. Inexpensive and simple to install, gravel walkways present few challenges for do-it-yourselfers. Once the walkway is installed, its most common problems have one simple solution. Adding edging to the walkway blocks encroaching grass and also keeps gravel from scattering into the lawn. Installing edging is a simple project you can finish in a day.
 

　　Instructions as follows:

　　Firstly, decide on the type of edging material. For a structured look, or to add definition to the walkway, use natural stones, bricks or pavers.

　　Secondly, measure the width of the edging material, and mark an equal distance from the edge of the walkway with a tape measure and garden stakes. Wind a string around the stakes down the length of both sides of the walkway.

　　Thirdly, rake back the gravel from the sides of the walkway. Unearth dirt and grass within the outlined space with a shovel, and keep digging for 4 inches if you're edging with paving stones or pavers. Tamp down the dirt at the bottom with the back of a hoe or a tamper tool.

　　Fourthly, pour 2 inches of coarse masonry sand along the trench and tamp it down.

　　Fifthly, set the bricks or natural stones in the trench side by side, or set the bricks end to end lengthwise for a narrower border. Place the materials flush together, leaving as little space as possible between them. Hit each brick or stone with a hammer to embed it in the bed of sand and make the pieces level with each other. Continue setting the materials until the trench is filled.

KITCHEN REMODELING WITH GRANITE TILES

　　Granite is a hard crystalline stone that gets its color and character from quartz, mica and feldspar. Its beauty, durability and easy maintenance make it an excellent material to use in your kitchen remodeling project. Although granite is generally a high-end stone, granite tile is a budget-friendly alternative to granite slab. It’s also more versatile than slab. Granite tile is as suitable for kitchen floors and backsplashes as it is for countertops.

 

Granite tile

 

　　The Design Process

　　The first step in the remodeling process is designing your new kitchen. Your design choices serve as the foundation on which the success of your project depends. Choose a design that's compatible with your home's architectural style. Start with the cabinets, because they're a kitchen's strongest element. Pick your appliances next. Then plan the flooring, counters and backsplash.

　　Design Considerations

　　Although granite tiles can produce stunning results in a kitchen remodel, keep some considerations in mind. Natural variations in color and grain are interesting if you use small tile, but mismatched 12-inch tile can make for a poorly executed look. The same is true for the backsplash. An additional concern with the backsplash is where it should begin and end. The backsplash fills the spaces between your counters and appliances and your upper cabinets. Tiling walls beyond the backsplash is overkill. Because granite tile is a bold material, use it on just one type of surface -- counter, backsplash or floor. Alternatively, use it sparingly on a second surface. For example, tile your entire floor with granite, but mix granite tile with other materials on your backsplash, or tile a center island but not other countertops.

　　Choosing Granite Tile

　　Granite tile comes in neutral colors such as white, brown, beige and black as well as blues, reds and greens. The grain, or crystal pattern, can be dense and tight or loose and dramatic. Several finishes are available, the most common of which are polished, honed and fired -- the latter two lack polished granite's sleek finish. Choose a combination of color, grain and finish that complements your kitchen design style. For example, polished tile works well in contemporary spaces, while matte finishes and rougher textures work better for an old world look. Tile colors should pick up color from elsewhere in the room. Tailor your choice of grain to other patterns you're using. If you're using a bold pattern elsewhere, for instance, stick with a tight, subtle grain in your tile. If other surfaces are fairly solid, it's safe to opt for a bolder tile grain.

　　Granite Tile Installation

　　Granite tile needs a solid, stable substrate. Plywood covered with cement backer board works well on horizontal surfaces such as counters and floors. You can install tile directly to your backsplash walls as long as the walls are in good repair. Use thinset to adhere tiles to surfaces. Unlike ceramic tile, which you space apart, you butt granite tile edges together. Grout the joints to fill any spaces, preferably with a grout that matches the tile color to make the joints less noticeable. Always seal your grout to protect it against staining. Also seal the tiles if they'll be exposed to standing water or to substances that might stain.

HOW TO CHOOSE MATERIAL FOR BARBECUE COUNTERTOPS

　　In a high-end barbecue kitchen design, the grill itself is only one part of the equation. The material you choose for your countertops will not only determine how your barbecue looks, but also how it performs over time. Granite and tile are both durable materials that can stand up to the rigors of cooking in the great outdoors, but differences in cost, maintenance and installation requirements could make one of them more obviously the best choice for your barbecue.
 
　　Appearance

　　Granite is elegant and luxurious, and it's widely considered to be the mark of a high-quality countertop. It's available in a wide variety of colors, and it can be worked into custom designs and edge profiles. Tile has the advantage of being even more versatile than granite in terms of color and style. Tile can also be made from many different materials, ranging from porcelain to unglazed ceramic -- although unglazed tile, because it's porous, is not a good choice for a barbecue countertop -- and even natural stone, including granite. Each of these different tile materials has a distinct visual character, and they offer more design choices than slab granite does.

　　Durability

　　Granite is one of the most durable materials you can choose for your outdoor barbecue countertop; it's a hard stone, it can tolerate heat, and it doesn't chip or scratch easily. Depending on the material that it's made from, tile can be almost as durable as stone, but most ceramic tiles will be more vulnerable to cracking and chipping than granite. In the case of outdoor countertops, the substrate on which the tile is installed is more important even than the tile itself; a plywood substrate will deteriorate when exposed to the elements, so you have to be sure to use a waterproof material such as concrete backer board as the base for your barbecue countertop.

　　Maintenance

　　Granite is more resistant to stains than some other types of natural stone, but it still needs to be sealed in order to make it as impervious to staining as possible. Regular application of sealant is a necessity, as is prompt clean up of spills. Glazed tiles are resistant to stains and don't need to be sealed, but the grout between the tiles is susceptible to staining, discoloration and bacteria. It will benefit from the application of grout sealant.

　　Installation Process

　　Installation of a granite countertop is complicated by the fact that granite is very heavy, and a massive slab of stone is not something that you'll be able to handle yourself. Working with granite also requires special tools and skills that the typical homeowner is not likely to possess. Tile, by contrast, is relatively easy to install. If you're handy and resourceful, you can do it yourself.

　　Cost

　　A granite slab will be the most expensive option for almost any countertop, but tile is not necessarily cheap, either. If you don't install the tile countertop yourself, the labor costs for the installation will probably be higher than those for a granite countertop. Also, the labor cost difference will begin to eat into the material cost savings. However, if you install the tile yourself, a tile countertop will probably be significantly cheaper than a granite one.