Granite Flooring 101: Types, Pros, and Cons

What Is Granite Flooring?

Granite tile flooring is the most popular choice indoors as well as outdoors owing to its various advantages. It also gives an aesthetic appeal along with being durable.

Granite Flooring is known for a few decades now and it is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. One of the reasons for its increasing popularity is that it offers wide design options at a reasonable rate.

So, if you are thinking of having your tiles replaced because either you are renovating your home or just want to have your tiles replaced, granite flooring may be the best choice for you.

Read further to know its advantages so that you can decide whether it is suitable for you or not. Do not forget to read the disadvantages if you are planning to install the granite tiles so that you may not regret it later!

What Is Granite?

Granite is one of the types of natural stone- it is an igneous rock that comes into existence after volcanic activity. It has a crystalline structure. The tiles are dense and possess strength too.

Read More: Types of flooring and Tiles for Your Perfect Home

Types of Granite Flooring

The following are the most popular granite flooring types,

1. Kashmir White Granite

It is durable and has a glossy finish. The tiles having a thickness of about 2-3 cm are much more durable.

These tiles are available in sizes:

• 60 cm * 30 cm
• 60 cm * 60 cm
• 24” * 24”
• 12” * 24”

2. Platinum White Granite

Platinum white granite tiles come in bright colors. Also, they are economical. If you are planning for a tight budget, then these tiles can suit you. Its durability is also high. Also, you get options for finish- polished, flamed, or leather-finish.

These tiles are available in sizes:

• 60 cm * 30 cm
• 60 cm * 60 cm
• 24 cm * 24 cm
• 12 cm * 24 cm

3. Absolute Black Granite

Yes, absolute black granite tiles are also available and used as flooring tiles. The countertops of absolute black granite are costly but the tiles of this granite type come in an affordable range.

4. Black Galaxy Granite

It is also a similar choice to absolute black and is now used for flooring as well along with countertops. These tiles are sorted out without a line.

5. Crystal Yellow Granite

Crystal yellow granite comes in a bright color. it is quite suitable as an indoor flooring option. It has evenly scattered crystals and is one of the most uniform tiles.  It is available in a thickness of 1.8 cm or 2 cm. it can be used for outdoor usage too.

6. Tan Brown Granite

Tan brown granite is another dark color option for your flooring. These tiles also come in a wide range of finishes like flamed, polished, and leather finishing.

7. Rosy Pink Granite

These pink granite tiles are one of the most economical granite tiles. It is also called zero-maintenance granite because of its high durability. It does not even require sealing, thus saving the cost of sealant. However, it is polished heavily.        

8. Steel Grey Granite

These granite tiles resemble silver pearls in the ocean and are one of the most popular types of granite tiles used.

Above the given options, there are other types of granite tiles too like vision white granite and so on that are widely used.

Read More: All About VITRIFIED TILES- Know How Are They Different?

Installation of Granite Tile Flooring

The installation procedure for the granite flooring is explained below in a step-by-step manner along with the equipment required.

Equipment Required for the Installation of Granite Tile Flooring-

• Plastic spacers
• Floor tiles- made of granite
• Rubber mallet
• Wet saw
• Backer-board
• Screw
• Notched trowel
• Grout sponge
• Grout float
• Penetrating grout sealer
• Paper towel

How to Install Granite Flooring?

The installation procedure for the granite tile flooring is as follows-

1. The subfloor should be cleaned and dried before the installation of tiles.
2. During the cleaning, the paint and residual sealants should be scrapped by using sandpaper or other suitable paper.
3. The granite floor tiles in use should be 90-degree corner tiles.
4. Then the floor tiles are laid with the help of a plastic spacer so that the alignment of the tiles is properly maintained.
5. The thin-set is mixed as per the guidelines and the mix is then spread with a trowel in an even layer over the subfloor.
6. The backer board is then placed down and screwed to the subfloor. Thus, the surface is smoothened and the tiles are protected from damage.
7. The trowel is held in such a way that consistent ridges are formed.
8. The granite tiles are pressed into the mortar and with a slight twisting motion and then a rubber mallet is used to tap the tiles. The tapping is done to ensure that the entrapped air is forced out.
9. The grout is mixed in small batches and used within 20 minutes of its preparation. The grout float is used to apply the grout to fill the tile joints.
10. Float is used to clean off the excess grout from the joints. then, the grout is allowed to remain in the atmosphere for about 3 days.
11. Then after, a grout sealant is applied and the excess sealant is removed.
12. Thus, granite flooring is completed.

Size of Granite Tiles

Granite tiles are available in a number of sizes. The most commonly available sizes comprise:

• 60 * 30 cm
• 60 * 60 cm

Granite Finishes

The following are the most popular granite finishes types,

1. Smooth Finish

Smooth-finished granite floor tiles are mostly suited for indoor use. Polished tiles give a smooth finish. Matte finish tiles are also available. They are also smooth.

The possibility of slipping is avoided in this type of tile. Besides this, the natural look of these tiles adds to the elegance of the interiors of your home.

2. Rough Finish

Rough-finished granite floor tiles are most suited for outdoor use. The outdoor tiles should be resistant to slipping and they should also be able to resist the action of sun, rain, or frost.

Outdoor tiles are mostly preferred to be grey in color so that the stains are not easily visible. This is done because the non-slippery tiles have a tendency to accumulate dirt on their surface.

Most Popular Granite Colors

The most widely used popular granite colors are as follows,

1. Black Pearl Leather Granite

This granite stone is semi-solid in nature and is of dark color. black, gold, silver, brown, and even different shades of grey are present in this stone. These tiles give a beautiful texture.

2. Alaska White Granite

This type of color mostly has a lighter background against the darker minerals present on its surface. Also, every type of stone of this type is different especially in the patterns of the darker colored minerals, therefore your home will surely have a unique design.

3. White Ice Granite

One of the most popular granite slabs in the trend with a blue and grey tone.

4. White Sparkle Granite:

It has a cool white tone and greys present in the form of highlights. These are quite durable.

5. Blue Pearl Granite

Blue, grey, and beige shades are present in this tile design. It gives an almost metallic background.

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Advantages of Granite Tile Flooring

Some of the major advantages of granite flooring are described below,

1. Durability

The durability of granite flooring is unquestionable. The proof of its durability lies in the fact that granite is preferred as a countertop material. It can resist the scratches of knives and the kink of cookware.

If a proper sealer is used for the granite flooring and a recommended cleaner is used for cleaning, the granite flooring can last for decades.

If you are still not convinced, then the proof of the durability of granite flooring can be found in the aqueducts or roads constructed by the Romans ages ago.

The characteristic of durability makes granite flooring an excellent and preferred material for outdoor flooring too.

2. Low Maintenance

Another perk of granite flooring is that it requires little to no maintenance over its life span though it lasts so long.

3. Variations in Patterns, Colour, and Design

Dark granite is a popular choice out there when it comes to countertops or granite flooring. However, you do not have to stick to it, for it is available in numerous options.

You can select the design such that it matches the interiors of your home. As it is formed during the natural volcanic processes, it is exposed to varying degrees of temperatures and a variety of minerals. This makes granite available in a number of forms.

White, black, beige, brown, blue, and red are some of the most popular colors of granite tiles used for flooring.

4. Resistance to Stains

As granite flooring is used for your kitchen countertops, it also has an added characteristic of resistance to stains. The spilled material can be wiped off easily provided the tiles are sealed properly with a sealant and the material does not penetrate inside.

Many cleaners are available readily in the market for granite flooring.

5. Hypoallergenic

Most of the natural stones are porous on which bacteria and other germs can form a breeding ground. However, granite stone is not a porous stone even though the stone is available naturally.

Therefore, hygiene can be maintained and you can be relieved, as the granite flooring will not cause you any allergic reactions. Asthma patients can rest relief with such a flooring option. Granite flooring also reduces the runny nose and sore throat.

Granite flooring improves indoor air quality which can reduce the risk of cancer, heart problems, and respiratory tract disorders.

6. Moisture Resistant

Granite tiles are resistant to moisture. Hence, these tiles can be installed in wet areas without a second thought.                                 

7. Easy Cleaning

To clean the granite floor on regular basis, just wipe the floor with a wet and clean cloth. Alternatively, you can also opt out of mopping. If the stains are tough, then you can use warm water and add soap solution to the water.

Ammonia or bleaching products or products containing solvents or caustic products should be avoided. Using such products will remove the sealant and the flooring would be prone to stains.

8. Eco-friendly

Granite flooring is done with granite, which is a natural stone. Thus, it is biodegradable. Hence, the usage of granite tile flooring would not add to a load of environment.

9. Enhance the Value of the Property

Granite stone flooring can boost the value of the property.

Most homeowners are looking for granite tile flooring in bathrooms and kitchen countertops. So, the house having these tiles has an increased value.

Disadvantages of Granite Flooring

The following are granite flooring disadvantages,

1. Granite Tiles are Heavy

As the granite tiles are heavy, some of the floors may not support their weight. The weight of the granite stone can be predicted from the following data:

A granite floor tile of size one sq ft and depth 75 inches may weigh around 12.8 pounds while a standard slab of granite of depth 1.25 inches may weigh around 18 pounds.

Thus, it can be estimated that for a kitchen floor area of 300 sq ft, the weight it will have to bear will be around 3840 pounds. So, if the construction of your home is quite old, think twice before going for granite flooring.

You can check the feasibility of granite flooring for your home with a professional inspector.

2. Difficult Installation

The installation of the granite tiles is somewhat tricky and it requires skilled experts for the same. One of the reasons for its difficult installation is its weight. As the tiles are too heavy, everyone cannot handle them, let alone installation.

3. Time-consuming Maintenance

Though it does not require much maintenance, however, if it is required then it consumes much time.

Granite is sensitive to chemicals and is very delicate. Hence, it is to be carried out carefully.

Check the Quality Before You Buy

To ensure the quality of granite tiles is essential before you buy the tiles, here are a few tips for ensuring that the quality of the granite tiles is up to the mark:

1. Dimension

The dimension of the granite tiles used for flooring should be as per the size mentioned. Tolerance of 1 mm in length and breadth while tolerance of 15 % in thickness is allowed.

The thickness of any of the granite tiles should be at least 15-20 cm.

The tiles should have the same measurement when measured along the diagonal.

It can come either in a square or rectangular shape as demanded by the consumer.

2. Uniformity

The granite tiles should exhibit uniformity in color, thickness, and texture.

3. Characteristics

Granite tiles should be hard and sound. Check the tiles by pressing a stone against their surface. If the stone breaks off, then the tiles are to be rejected.

The tiles should produce a clear ringing sound when struck together.

The polishing of the tiles should be smooth and without any defects.

The top layer of the tiles should not have any cracks or holes in them.

4. Sharp Corners

The granite tiles should possess sharp edges and the corners should not be broken.

5. Colour

The color of the tie should not fade away easily. This can be checked by rubbing a cloth dipped in kerosene or petrol. If the tiles leave color on the cloth, then it indicates that the color is artificial.

6. Quality

the quality of the granite stone is indicated by its porosity. If the tiles are porous, then it means the quality of the granite is not up to the mark.

This can be checked by dropping a few drops of lemon juice on its surface. This test can confirm two things- if the lemon juice is absorbed quickly, then it indicates the tiles are porous.

On the other hand, if the lemon juice leaves a white stain on the surface, it indicates the presence of a huge amount of calcite in it.

Granite Flooring at a Glance

Granite tiles come from granite stone, an igneous rock. Granite tiles are widely used and they can be used for indoor as well as outdoor purposes.

Different types of granite floor tiles are available to choose from and in a wide range of finishes. Also, do not forget to check the quality of the granite floor tiles before purchasing for dimension, color, edge, scratches, finish, and uniformity.

Granite tiles have become popular as they are quite durable and require low maintenance and the consumer gets many options to choose from. Moreover, granite tiles are resistant to moisture and stains. Also, it is an eco-friendly material.

However, granite tiles are very heavy and pose difficulty in installation.

Conclusion

Granite flooring can be used in your home, especially in wet areas like baths and also kitchens. Countertops are also made of granite. It is scratch as well as stain resistant.

Granite can have a bright as well as a smooth finish. So, look out for all the options available out there in the market and chose the one that best suits your requirement.

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