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.