Granite Flooring Tiles
Granite Floor Tiles Bring the Colors and Textures of Nature Home
Granite tiles have long been considered a luxury material, purposefully selected to lend prestige to the halls and lobbies of buildings, mansions, fine hotels and skyscrapers. At Floor Coverings International®, we see more homeowners look to granite tiles as the ideal combination of form and function. These beautiful materials are some of the most durable flooring options, and none is more popular than granite. While more commonly associated with countertops and backsplashes, granite is also an ideal flooring material. Learn about the advantages of granite floor tile and everything you’ll need to know about installing natural stone flooring.
Granite Flooring Tiles: The Basics
While granite flooring designs vary, the material is renowned for its durability and elegance. As the name suggests, granite flooring tiles are sold in square or rectangular shapes and are available in a range of colors and textures. Granite is made from igneous rock and bears the unique waves and lines of cooling magma.
Types of Granite Flooring
Most granite flooring products are categorized by the color of the stone and the pattern, or veining, on the stone’s surface. The colors of granite flooring vary widely, and while black is the most common choice, you’ll also find white, grey, and beige. For a bolder impact, choose red, green, or blue granite, though these are less common and tend to be more expensive.
Granite Flooring: Advantages and Disadvantages
While the benefits of granite flooring make it a smart investment for many homeowners, there are potential drawbacks to consider before choosing large granite tiles or small accents ahead of your flooring project.
Advantages of Granite Flooring
- Durable. Perhaps the greatest asset of a granite floor is its durability. Installing granite tiles often means getting a floor that will last a lifetime – or longer – with little to fear from scratches, dents, or heavy foot traffic.
- Water-resistant. When properly sealed, granite is very resistant to moisture and can be used with little worry in kitchens or bathrooms. It’s also resistant to stains, like those from acidic foods, which is why it’s such a popular material for countertops.
- Beauty. Granite’s natural beauty is one of the main reasons people choose it as a flooring material. No two slabs of granite are identical, creating the potential for beautiful and diverse patterns and designs. Granite tiles are available in a range of finishes, including highly polished, glossy slabs or more muted, brushed textures. There are plenty of color choices to consider, and the quartz that helps make up the stone gives it a bit of characteristic sparkle.
- Care. Granite floors are easy to clean. Care and maintenance are minimal. Most manufacturers recommend regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep your granite tiles looking brilliant.
- Value. Granite is an excellent investment in your property and may increase the resale value of your home.
Disadvantages of Granite Flooring
There are some drawbacks to granite tiles that homeowners should be aware of.
- Price. Granite is a premium flooring material and is often one of the priciest options by square foot. Why is granite flooring expensive? The stone itself is costly to extract, finish, transport, and store. And because of its weight and the installation process, labor costs are typically higher to install granite than other flooring types.
- Coldness. You’ve probably heard the phrase “stone cold.” It’s true: granite flooring is cold and less than ideal in colder climates. Luckily, granite is an excellent heat conductor, which makes it a great pairing for radiant in-floor heating.
Not sure if granite is the right fit for your home or budget? Your local flooring team will help discuss all your granite flooring ideas to find the option. With our Mobile Flooring Showroom®, you’ll also be able to explore other flooring materials, like vinyl tile, that achieve the look of granite at a more affordable price.
Is Granite Flooring Slippery?
Yes, granite flooring can be slippery, especially when wet. Granite is non-porous and lightly textured, which means a very smooth surface area. Most granite tiles are also polished. In these cases, moisture in any form, including water, cooking oil, or even humidity, can make the polished surface quite slick. For homeowners looking to age in place, choose a honed or flamed granite finish, which has more texture and, therefore, more grip.
Can Granite Floor Be Polished?
Most types of granite flooring tiles can be polished or re-polished. The process requires special equipment to refine the tile’s surface and achieve that high-gloss, almost reflective appearance homeowners love. Talk to your local flooring team to learn more about polished granite floors.
Explore Granite Flooring Ideas in Our Gallery
Add a touch of luxury to your home with a flooring material that will stand the test of time and requires minimal upkeep to maintain its naturally classic appearance. Explore our granite flooring gallery to inspire your next upgrade. Our Design Associates are always ready to answer your questions, compare materials, and explain our installation process. We offer more than granite tiles for flooring; we provide design expertise and fast, professional installation, too! Find a flooring team near you or schedule a consultation today to get started!
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