Q1. How long do granite tiles last?

A: Granite rock is one of the sturdiest ways of accentuating up the décor of a home. There is practically more than one reason to choose granite over other materials like porcelain, clay, and marble. Granite tiles are more long-lasting than others and it is their profound durability that makes them a good choice for home decors. The igneous rock is formed under very high heat and therefore has a layered structure. Tiles made from granite are very dense and give an aesthetic appeal to the interiors. No matter where they are installed granite tiles last a lifetime with minimal care.  

 

Q2. What is the best cleaner for granite?

A: Granite is everywhere today. It is so popular in the construction business and has slowly become one of the popular materials to grace the interiors of hotels, home, and dining areas. Granite isn’t porous as marble and therefore cannot soak up oils, stains, and spills. It is even very easy to clean and extremely resistant to bacteria. Granite slabs, countertops, and tiles shall be cleaned on a regular basis to keep its shine intact. The best way to clean granite is by using mild soap and hot water and for stain removal opts for a solution of baking soda and water.

 

Q3. Can you use baking soda on granite?

A: Granite is a naturally formed rock that is a result of vigorous volcanic activity. The rock is characterized by a glazed surface and therefore finds usage in a variety of things. Granite is very easy to maintain and is resistant to bacteria, spills, and stain. Baking soda is a very active ingredient that can be used to clean the granite easily. It is very important to keep the glossy shine intact by scrubbing the surface of the granite with a solution of water and baking soda. Thus it can be rightfully said that baking soda can be used on granite.

 

Q4. Why is granite so popular?

A: Granite has lately become a popular choice for all consumers nationwide. The natural beauty of the stone makes it a top pick for everyone in the architectural and construction business. There are many reasons that make granite popular out of which durability and strength rule out as the prime reason. Granite tiles and pavers signify luxury and the USP of the stone lies in its glossy appeal. The stone is also an affordable and long-term investment for everyone and is appreciated for its timeless beauty. Granite forms an integral part of every interior and thus is deemed an ideal fit.    

 

Q5. Is granite tile outdated?

A: Granite has remained a popular choice for homeowners and people in the construction business since its time of discovery. The stone is a symbol of luxury and has is an epitome of class. However, for some years now it has been seen that granite is losing its charm. The main reason for its downfall is its popularity. Ever since granite was discovered it has been a builder’s grade. There are many stores that started selling everything based on granite be it countertops or tiles. This is the main reason why it feels like granite shine has fizzled out over the years.

 

Q6. Is granite slippery when wet?

A: Granite is one of the hardest substances found on the earth’s crust. It has an indisputable reputation of being a rock-solid surface when molded into floors, pavers, tiles, and slabs. The prime reason for the rise in popularity is because granites are naturally blessed with a glossy surface that is practically impermeable to liquids. However, as with every other natural rock exceptions do exist for granites also. Granite surfaces today are polished to protect it from scratches and give it an anti-slip grip. It is seen that these polished granite surfaces are the ones that get quite slippery when wet.

 

Q7. How much does a granite patio cost?

A: Granite patios have quite recently gained momentum due to their rich and aesthetic appeal. Granite becomes the first choice for everyone looking to amplify their outdoors because of its natural appearance. Apart from that granites are also easy to install and last for a lifetime. Their durability and strength have made them a top pick for interiors. Patios can be made from either crushed or decomposed granite. The cost of a decomposed granite for patio costs between $1-$3 per square foot. The total cost of installing granite patio accounts for more than $30 depending on the size of the area.

 

Q8. Does granite absorb water?

A: It is a well-established geological fact that rocks do absorb water. Granite is a form of igneous rock that can absorb water. The porous surface of the stone allows moisture to seep in and cling to it for a longer time. The area where water gets absorbed turns a shade darker within time. However, if there is a granite countertop or slab that has been polished spilling water or oil on it will not damage it. Usually, when water spills on the polished granite surface it evaporates, but oils will leave a permanent mark if not scrubbed out properly.

 

Q9. Are there different grades of granite?

A: Granite surfaces add a hint of striking beauty to the kitchen and home interiors. The reason for its raging popularity is due to the different grades it is available in. The heat resistant and durable stone is quite a stunner and thus stays one step ahead of both marble and quartz. There are three grades in which granite is available for customization. They are low-grade granite, mid-grade granite, and high-level granite. All these three grades of granite slabs, tiles, and pavers are characterized by design, color, thickness, softness, and the country in which it was quarried.

 

Q10. Do I have to grout granite Pavers?

A: Granite is a hard material that can be installed in a variety of places in the interiors and exteriors of the home. Grout is a mixture of sand, water, and cement that is used to connect the space between two tiles or pavers. Granite cannot be installed without proper grouting. Grouting protects the tiles and pavers from external damage in case of any accidents. If two tiles are placed together without grouting then they would damage each other in the long run. Hence proper grouting is required while installing granite otherwise it becomes really risky to maintain.

 

Q11. What happens if you don’t seal the granite?

A: Granite surfaces are very functional in day to day life. They showcase style and elegance and even are a status symbol for many. Granite slabs, tiles, pavers, and countertops are regularly subjected to wear and tear. This is why to protect them and maintain their look, sealing is a necessary step to be taken. Sealing the granite not only prevents it from looking dull but also makes it stain resistant. Granite countertops also become easy to clean when sealed. Sealing also prevents etching on the granite surfaces due to the accidental spilling of acidic food, liquid, and also protects them.

 

Q12. Does outdoor granite needs to be sealed?

A: It doesn’t matter whether granite is embedded inside or outside; sealing is an important procedure to follow. Sealing of the granite protects it from sudden accidents and keeps it strong in the long run. The main argument that is rolled out in favor of the sealing process is due to the moisture-locking property of the stone. Even in the driest of regions night condensation can form water droplets on the granite surface that will lead to the appearance of cracks. Therefore, to protect the outdoor tiles, pavers, and patios, it is advisable to seal the granite and prevent fissures.

 

Q13.  Is granite good for the patio?

A: It is a well-established fact that granite is the strongest material found on earth. The tough, resilient stone is also famed for its durability and long-lasting attributes. Patios are a great addition to a home landscape as they increase the overall beauty of the exteriors. Granite is a good addition to the patios because of its low maintenance quality and aesthetic appeal. Granite is available in many colors, designs, and shapes and therefore is a good choice for a patio. Granite patios add a contemporary look to the garden and walkway giving a solid finish to the design of the house.

 

Q14. How often should granite be sealed?

A: Granite is hugely popular with the crowd due to a variety of reasons such as tough, easy to install with a long-lasting impact. However, as with every other material, proper care shall be taken to ensure its maintenance. Sealing is a process carried out to protect the granite from regular wear and tear. A properly sealed granite surface avoids the damage at all costs. Granite sealing depends on the usage and therefore must be done at regular intervals for surfaces such as kitchen sinks and countertops. The average time for sealing ranges between 3 months to annually depending on the use.

 

Q15. How do you take care of granite?

A: Granite is an igneous rock that is hugely characterized by its irregular shape and grainy pattern. The main reason why it is quarried all across the globe is due to it being easy to install in the building and architectural sector. The rock is available in both irregular and cut stone shape that acts as a bonus to its durable attributes. There are many ways to take care of granite such as dusting off with a microfiber cloth, cleaning it with a mixture made from baking soda and water. Sealing is another way of taking care of granite annually.

 

Q16. Can you acid wash granite?

A: Undoubtedly no. Though granite is hard as compared to marble but still has the probability of getting damaged. Granite does not require high maintenance but it is crucial to make correct use of cleaning products for granite flooring or countertops. Though it is durable but porous also owing to which it absorbs liquid resulting in etching or staining. Granite gets easily damaged due to contact with acid and gets easily exposed to it causing etching. The etching is shown in the form of dull etch spots on the granite floor. This can spread to the whole surface if there is the continuous use of acidic cleaners.

 

Q17. Why is my granite turning green?

A: The process of turning of granite stone into green colour is known as blooming. The appearance of discoloration is common to appear on granites having a high quantity of quartzite. This is caused when resin reacts to granite slabs with solvents containing acetone. In case when the activator is placed in high quantity also leads to green coloration within a few days of installation of granite flooring. Fabricators utilize activator spray and epoxy glue which on reacting with sealer causes a green colour, especially on white or light-coloured granite countertops. Mostly, the staining appears on edges but it might spread on the entire surface.

 

Q18. Can you pressure wash granite pavers?

A: Yes, you can use a pressure washer for granite pavers. However, you need to be extra careful while doing this. Also, pressure washing new granite wavers can damage the finish of the surface quite easily. So, it is always suggested to pressure wash pavers using the correct equipment and technique. A mild detergent and lukewarm water can always be used for getting pavers clean. Apart from this, adding granite outdoor gold stone cleaner in soap dispenser of a pressure washer can also be utilized for washing pavers. If a more concentrated formula is required then both tile floor cleaner and granite gold stone should be utilized together.

 

Q19. Is granite hard to maintain?

A: No, granite is not hard to maintain but it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Granite has chemicals and heat resistant making it quite hard which is not damaged easily. The prime requirement to maintain granite is sealing. Sealing should be done periodically to ensure that it looks beautiful for a long time period. Stains should be dealt with quickly to get the best results. Regular cleaning can be done with a dry microfibre cloth so that dust particles are removed. You also need to examine granite once in a year for any cracking or shifting at seams. Scratches and stains also should be checked regularly.

 

Q20. What is the best way to seal the granite?

A: Granite sealing is not quite difficult. Prior to sealing it is required to test whether granite countertop requires sealing or not. Following this, you should clean the countertop to remove residues or debris with granite cleaner or acetone. Use only sealing specific products. A penetrating sealer works effectively and protects granite surface from stains. A carbon resin sealer is the best suggested. These provide protection for a number of years but are expensive. Other options for sealing include silane or siloxane. The sealer that is water-resistant is easier to apply as compared to solvent-based and is suitable for the environment as well.

 

Q21. Does sealing granite change the colour?

A: Yes, colour of the granite countertop will darken after applying sealer if water absorbs immediately after it. It is because granite is porous in nature. The porous surface creates room for water to cling to it and absorb making a dark appearance. It is required to seal granite countertops with a clean and dry surface when there is no possibility of any water or moisture. Also, the use of a colour-enhancing sealer will also darken the colour of granite. In addition, if your household has hard water containing high deposits of minerals like iron then these minerals will react with granite resulting in a change in colour.

 

Q22. Can you lay granite without grout lines?

A: Unfortunately, no you cannot lay granite without grout lines. It is not possible to install granite without grout lines. The reason behind is that grout lines protect the tiles in the event of the house or floor shifting. If the tiles are made to butt against one another it would cause damage to granite tiles and will also not make straight tile lines. Granite tiles can get damaged by getting rubbed against each other. You can use back epoxy grout for dark granite while white for light coloured tiles. Tiles are to be grouted with un-sanded grout and notch float in a diagonal swipe so that grout is placed neatly between tiles.