Why You Should Choose Granite Instead of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile and granite are both popular options for flooring, shower surrounds, and even countertops. While both offer many options for customization, there are several ways granite comes out ahead. Granite is a versatile, beautiful, and long-lasting material that can complement any décor. Here's why granite is a better choice for your home than ceramic tile.
Granite Increases Your Home's Value
Granite is the most in-demand material for flooring, countertops, and showers, and its popularity is not fading. It has been used for thousands of years and retains its appeal while other materials, including ceramic, go in and out of fashion. In some areas, you might even have difficulty selling your home without granite countertops. Most real estate agents agree that granite offers a great return on investment, whereas ceramic tile, if not popular in your area, could be detrimental to your home’s value.Granite Retains Heat in the Shower
No one enjoys stepping into a cold shower in the morning. While ceramic tile is more affordable, it doesn't retain heat. This means the shower will always feel cold, especially during the winter. Many homeowners are surprised to learn granite and other types of natural stone can retain heat quite well. Choosing granite can eliminate drafty showers by absorbing the conditioned air in the summer and retaining heat during the cold months.Granite Is Affordable and Lasts Long
Granite has a higher upfront cost than ceramic tile, but it's more cost-effective in the long run. No matter where it's installed, granite can last a lifetime with minimal care that involves cleaning with a stone-safe granite cleaner and sealing with a stone-safe sealer, which you can do yourself. Ceramic tile is unlikely to last as long as granite because it is easy to chip or crack if you drop something on it. Over time, ceramic tile can also appear dull or simply outdated. In this case, costly reglazing or refinishing may be necessary. Because granite never goes out of style and can last as long as your home, you know you are making a long-term investment.Granite Is Easy to Customize
Ceramic tile comes in many colors and styles, including some that mimic natural stone. However, you can't easily get a one-of-a-kind look with ceramic. Even ceramic that looks like natural stone is only available in a select number of popular styles. Every slab of granite is unique, and there are endless colors, patterns, and textures available. If you want something that will be a centerpiece in your kitchen or bathroom, you can choose granite that has fossils or fossilized river rocks embedded in the stone. Granite comes in solid colors as well as slabs with heavy veining or speckles, depending on if you want a conservative or dramatic effect. In addition to thousands of color and pattern combinations, you can further customize granite by choosing edge profiles and finishes. For a shower, you may appreciate a nonslip honed surface. When cleaning granite, marble, slate, travertine, and other types of natural stone, don’t use common household scrubbing pads, as they could cause damage that leads to costly repair. Instead, use a granite cleaning pad such as Granite Gold Scrub Sponge®, which is safe to use on natural-stone countertops, shower walls, tub surrounds, and more. To learn more about our high-quality, safe-on-stone products, call Granite Gold® today at 1-800-475-STONE.
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Posted on November 22 2017