Granite Tiles: Tips for Kitchens, Bathrooms, Countertops & Flooring
Granite tiles have many applications from exterior and interior wall cladding, to kitchen flooring, tub and shower surrounds, to bathroom and kitchen countertops where tile is a much less expensive option than a slab.
Not only is granite versatile, but it also offers far more color choices (thousands in fact!) and is more durable than any other material available.
Sizes of Granite Tiles
Granite tiles come in squares measuring:
- 6-inch
- 12-inch
- 18-inch
- 24-inch
For pleasing bath or kitchen designs, you'll want to choose a granite color with a more uniform pattern and minimal movement (see patterns in photo) to avoid a sense of chaos in the design where the pattern / color clashes with the grout lines. Also, mixing colors can be tricky.
Cost and Buying Granite Tiles
Granite tiles will cost on average more than ceramic ($1-$10/sq. ft.) or porcelain tile ($3-$20 sq. ft.), but in the same range as marble or travertine tiles.
- Expect to pay $6 - $30 per square foot for granite tiles
Granite is more expensive but you get some additional benefits. Granite will require less maintenance, is easier to clean, and much more difficult to damage than all other options.
You can buy granite tiles at Home Depot, Lowes, and other big box stores, at stone warehouses, flooring stores, and online.
Granite Tile Flooring
Granite is a commonly used natural stone floor tile in commercial buildings, but many people like it for kitchen flooring too where provides an extremely long-lasting surface that is easy to maintain since it does not etch.
Staining is also easily controlled with a sealer, although many colors are nearly stain-proof and do not require sealing as is commonly (but incorrectly) claimed.
Granite is an excellent choice for bathroom flooring as well... again for it's unmatched durability, simple maintenance and the broad range of color options. A honed finish is the best choice for secure footing.
It isn't as popular as marble or travertine floor tile in the bathroom, which tend to have a warmer look and feel, but it has fewer maintenance concerns and can look warm and inviting too.
Granite Tile Countertops
Just like a granite slab, tile is a great idea for kitchen countertops. Tile countertops will require additional maintenance compared to a full slab due to the grout, but you can still achieve an upscale and elegant look with a granite tile countertop and a much smaller dent in your wallet!
- You'll pay about 50% to 70% less for granite tile countertops vs. slab.
It's a good idea in this instance to simply carry the tile
up the wall for a full granite backsplash to match the countertop. This style maintains cohesive grout lines while creating a dramatic anchor to your kitchen design.
Of course, granite tiles have all the same qualities, characteristics, and advantages that make slab granite the most popular choice for kitchen countertops... superior durability, heat, scratch and stain resistance, easy clean up and maintenance and a wider variety of colors than any other material.
