Granite Tile

A Guide to Granite Tile

Granite is an igneous rock formed from slowly cooled magma deep within the earth. This slow crystallization produces the interlocking mineral grains that give granite its legendary hardness and the distinctive speckled patterns that make each tile unique. Granite's combination of beauty and durability has made it a preferred material for both countertops and flooring.

Granite Colors and Patterns

Black granite tiles (including Absolute Black and Black Galaxy) are the most popular, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. White and silver granite feature crystalline mineral flecks against a light background. Gray granite spans from pale silver to deep charcoal with complex mineral patterns. Multicolor granite tiles display combinations of pink, green, gold, and black minerals. Blue Pearl granite offers an iridescent blue shimmer that's highly sought after.

Why Choose Granite Tile

Granite ranks 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it significantly harder than marble, limestone, or travertine. This hardness translates to exceptional scratch resistance, minimal wear in high-traffic areas, and resistance to chipping. Granite is also highly resistant to heat and moisture, making it practical for kitchens, outdoor areas, and commercial spaces.

Finishes Available

Polished granite has a mirror-like reflective surface that showcases the stone's full mineral depth and color. Honed granite provides a smooth, matte finish with a more understated look and better slip resistance for floors. Flamed granite (also called thermal) has a rough, textured surface created by exposing the stone to intense heat - ideal for outdoor applications with excellent traction.

Best Applications

Granite tile is outstanding for stone floors in high-traffic areas - entryways, kitchens, commercial lobbies, and hallways. It's also used for countertops in tile format, wall cladding, stair treads, and outdoor patios. Black granite is a popular choice for contemporary bathroom designs. The stone's thermal properties also make it suitable for radiant floor heating systems.

Maintenance

Granite is the lowest-maintenance natural stone tile. Its dense structure makes it naturally resistant to staining, though sealing upon installation is still recommended. Reseal granite every two to three years - less frequently than marble or limestone. Clean with any pH-neutral cleaner. Granite is resistant to acid etching, which means kitchen spills from citrus or vinegar won't damage the surface like they would with marble.

Is granite tile good for kitchen floors?

Granite is one of the best natural stones for kitchen floors. Its exceptional hardness resists scratching from foot traffic, dropped utensils, and chair movement. It's also resistant to heat and won't be damaged by hot items. Unlike marble and limestone, granite resists acid etching from common kitchen spills. Choose a honed or flamed finish for better slip resistance.

Can you cut granite with a tile saw?

Yes, granite can be cut with a wet tile saw fitted with a diamond blade. Because granite is extremely hard, use a blade specifically rated for granite or natural stone and cut slowly to avoid chipping. A wet saw is essential; dry cutting granite will damage the blade and produce excessive dust.

What is the difference between granite tile and granite slab?

Granite tile comes in standard sizes (12x12, 12x24, 24x24) and is installed with grout joints like any other tile. Granite slab is a large, continuous piece - typically used for countertops. Tile is more affordable and easier to install but has visible grout lines. For floors and walls, granite tile is the standard choice.

Does granite tile need to be sealed?

While granite is denser and less porous than marble or limestone, sealing is still recommended. Apply a penetrating stone sealer after installation and reseal every two to three years. Dark granites like Absolute Black are very dense and may not require frequent sealing - test by placing a few drops of water on the surface. If the water absorbs within a few minutes, sealing is needed.