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Granite Tile Counters: The Economic Investment |
 Natural stone is one of the most admired
installations in any home because it's elegant and unique, and it's also tough
and durable. Of course, countertops are a popular remodel and amongst all the
materials in the world, granite has been elected king. It is a wise investment
for several aesthetic and practical reasons since it matches any cabinetry
system or kitchen décor and it's a hard-rated stone so it won't easily
scratch and can withstand hot surfaces, such as pots and countertop pans.
However, the biggest drawback is that solid stone slabs are extremely
expensive. They are quarried and cut in one piece from a single block, making
them costly to create, shape, transport, and install. Therefore, a more
economic solution to your remodeling budget is to invest in granite tile
counters.
The Investment
Question
Instead of a solid slab,
granite tile counters arrive in several small segments and are easily
financially feasible. Stone slabs can cost up to $50-$60 a square foot, and if
you have a large kitchen with lots of surface space, natural stone will be a
huge investment. There's nothing wrong with a large investment as long as you
know you'll get a return on it, and oftentimes natural stone does increase the
value of a home. However, if you live in a limited area of the market or if the
rest of your house isn't up to par, solid stone installations will actually set
you back. In other words, it may never have a chance to live up to its
potential since it'll generate too much value in a single space of your home. A
better way to invest is to recreate the look of natural stone while still
saving money. Even if you have a small kitchen, it is often smarter to save
half the money on granite tile countertops and invest in other areas of the
kitchen that require renovation, such as floors, cabinetry, accessories, and
new appliances. |
One Piece at a Time
Granite tile counters aren't
a cheap imitation of the original. They're still made from the exact same
material as the solid stone slab; it just comes in sections instead of one
piece. They retain all the same physical properties, both in terms of minerals,
sheen, and design, but instead of coming from a single giant block, these
portion pieces come from smaller, unusable blocks at the quarry. If the block
isn't big enough to fulfill an order, they'll cut up the excess into 12, 24, or
even 36 inch squares and sell them at a cheaper rate. It's the best of both
worlds: an inexpensive bargain for the exact same product. They're also easier
to install and can be placed anywhere in the home. |
They're Everywhere
The true beauty of granite
tile countertops is that they come with tons of options. Since they're so large
and cumbersome, stone slabs can only be used for big surface installations.
However, small squares can be installed anywhere. You can use them to construct
a decorative backsplash or even to replace your flooring. Maybe order extra and
have a matching bathroom theme. Put them up in a shower stall. Make them into a
focal point by laying the squares within preexisting surfaces, such as wood
cabinets or Formica tops. Place an inlay near the stove to act as a trivet for
hot cookware or a cutting board for chopping. Save money and just install them
on an island for a unique counterpoint in the kitchen. As you can see, due to
the durability and versatility of granite tile countertops, they could be a
more functional and useful investment than most stone slab additions. |
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