Granite Flooring on Your Mind? Here’s a Handy Guide

Using granite in your home is not a novel idea. However, using one for your floor tiles is a different matter altogether. Whether you need to spruce up your bathroom or kitchen, you can depend on granite to do the job.

One of the best aspects of using granite is that it can blend into any home interior–from modern and traditional to minimal and rustic. Furthermore, it is one of the most versatile and durable materials for your home. Let’s explore this natural wonder in greater detail.

What is Granite?

Granite is a naturally-occurring stone made of molten rock that cools in the ground. This granite stone is quarried from stone quarries and cut into thin slabs. It is then polished and fabricated for various uses such as flooring, countertops, etc.

As you might have imagined, granite formation is a time-consuming and high-pressure process–one of the reasons why it demands premium pricing. Granite comprises minerals such as feldspar and quartz, which lend it its sparkly feature. Due to its inherent composition, granite is one of the hardest and densest materials (second only to diamond!) and is not prone to scratches or stains. Additionally, it also does not harbour harmful bacteria, pathogens, and other forms of dirt as carpeting does. This makes it one of the best options for home flooring.

Key Characteristics of Granite: At a Glance

Parameters	Granite
Advantages	It is one of the most popular materials for flooring as it is strong and sturdy. Plus, its natural beauty makes it an attractive addition to your home. It is available in shades such as gold, cream, pink, grey, and black. It is also available in several grades (generally from 1 through 5),  patterns, colours, and thickness, making it a versatile material. It is also available in various textures, such as matte, muted, or rustic. No two pieces of granite ever look the same, allowing you to experiment with exciting patterns and possibilities. This means that your home’s flooring will always be unique, making it a highly-coveted natural stone. It is available in various finishes such as polished, honed, leathered, flamed, and so on. Since it is a natural stone, it is an eco-friendly substance.
Disadvantages	Granite is a costly stone as it takes years to form. The imported varieties are even more expensive due to additional logistic tariffs and tax additions. Since it is a heavy-weighted material, it needs professional installation, which can further skyrocket your budget. It requires sealing upon installation and periodic sealing on an ongoing basis to maintain its sheen and quality. Since it is a natural stone, it may contain flaws, making it susceptible to cracking or chipping. When using for floors, remember that granite can become slippery, particularly when wet. So, it is not ideal if you have children and elders at your home.
Price	Granite is not an ideal material for penny pinchers. The general cost of granite is between ₹50- ₹300 (and upwards) per sq ft.
Availability	Generally sourced from hills and mountains, some countries that have emerged as big suppliers of granite include Italy, the USA, Canada, China, India, and locations in Africa as well as South America.

Top 4 Trending Granite Design Ideas to Make Your Own

Idea 1: Polished Granite Flooring for Your Kitchen

Here’s an excellent example of polished granite tile flooring for your kitchen. Granted, most people use granite only for their countertops. But if you have the budget, you can use granite for your kitchen floors to give them a more modern yet natural feel. Take a look at the image. The use of a modern countertops staircase goes perfectly with matching granite floor tiles.

Idea 2: Grey Granite Floor Tiles for Your Bathroom Floor and Walls

Another area where granite is used extensively is your bathroom. From your basin top to the shower area, you can use this all-purpose material and boost your bathroom’s real estate value. Look for beautiful patterns and textures and go for deeper colours as shown. You can pair it with light-coloured sanitary ware to create that contrasting effect.

Idea 3: A Granite Bathroom With Wooden Cabinets

Here’s another inspirational example of using granite in your bathroom. You can use granite tile flooring across the bathroom and in the shower area if you have a bigger bathroom. You can also use wooden cabinets for the wash basin area and the tub area to create a unique mix and match of different materials and textures. Trust us when we say that this combination is a winning one!

Idea 4: Rustic Granite Floor Tiles in a Blood Red Bathroom Setting

If you are someone who likes a bit of colour in their surroundings, this rustic granite floor tile is the perfect option for you. The exposed brick walls against deep red wall panels create a warm and inviting look.

Granite is a highly durable and robust floor tiling material for high-traffic areas in your home. You can choose from a sea of colours, patterns, and textures to give your home a unique look. For more valuable and informative ideas on using granite flooring the right way, come over to HomeLane.