Be warned – it
will happen to You!
It happens to us all, sooner or later. We're at a friend or colleague's
house. A convivial social occasion and, as often happens, you end up
congregating in the kitchen. And then it hits with you…
Kitchen Envy.
Your friends have torn up their old laminate floor and replaced it with granite tiles. It
looks so good that you start to think about how you are going to afford it. You
know the tiles cost more than many other floor coverings – but you're also
aware that they are durable and a brilliant long-term investment that will increase
the value of the home.
The case for
granite Tiles.
Strength and beauty come together in granite tiles. A blend of
materials, tiles are hard to differentiate from solid granite slabs. Tiles come in a
variety of colours, patterns and styles and are less costly, easier to install
and extremely low in maintenance. Their toughness is an asset; they are stain,
scratch and burn resistant, and replacement is easy. When granite or granite
tiles are used as a countertop there are other advantages as well – including
the fact that stone is bacteria and heat resistant.
The care and
treatment of Granite
Maintenance is a breeze with granite. For flooring, sand, grit and dirt
can damage stone surfaces because they are abrasives. Vacuuming is fine but a
dust mop works well too. Damp mopping is advised; there are special cleaners
but good old fashioned soap (not detergent) will do the trick. Some cleaning
products can dull the floors lustre: avoid products that contain lemon juice,
vinegar and other acids, abrasive or ammonia-based cleaners.
Stone floors can benefit from sealing. Here is where a professional is
advised. The sealing will make it less porous, more stain resistant and will
protect the stone's original beauty.
The best dealer
for your stone flooring needs…
There are, of course, any number of home renovation dealers who can sell
and install a limestone
floor or counter that will cure your case of kitchen envy.
But not all dealers are created equal. Rather than go to one of the big
international chains, search out a local importer and distributor who
specializes in flooring. If stone is
their sole source of income they are going to be focused on giving you the best
possible assistance. Look for a dealer who has some decades of experience under
its belt; this is a highly specialized industry that requires in-depth
knowledge both of the product being sold, and its correct installation. Find
out how much stock the company carries – do they actually have a sufficient
quantity of the stone you desire to uniformly upgrade the entire area in
question? And check out what warranties they offer.
Granite floors and counters enhance the beauty of your kitchen, giving it
the look of luxury and class. With a professional on the job, it is easily
installed, and will last a lifetime. And you will go from being envious of your
friend's kitchen – to being a host who is proud to welcome your guests into
your own.