Granite’s
Popularity is Growing
The use of granite in home design is
expanding. Perhaps best known for its use as
granite slabs in Ontario kitchens, it is also increasingly used in tile form as well. Granite is popular
for bathroom vanities, countertops, backsplashes, bar tops, windowsills, and
hearths.
Granite’s versatility is enhanced by the
range of colours it takes – from Niagara Gold, to dark brown and black, right
through to peach and light rose. Granite’s veining and accents vary
considerably, and it makes a unique and agile addition to a home’s decor.
But the growing importance of the kitchen
in homes is particularly responsible for granite’s growth. Once the domain of a
woman toiling at preparing food and washing up, the kitchen has changed, along
with gender and family roles. It is now the place where most families
congregate, to share in the preparation of food but also to socialize. Parties
often gravitate to kitchens as well, and the urge to make it a showplace is
strong.
Tiles
Versus Slabs
The issue in home renovations now seems
often to be less "if” granite should be used – but in what form. It comes in
tiles and solid rock form. Both have their advantages. As slabs, granite has
significant wow factor. It can dominate a room and make a bold statement about
its owners. And, in its natural state, it is fascinating – no stone is
identical and, within each slab, there can be a range of colour and accent.
Tiles are more flexible. A blend of
materials, they can be hard to tell from the slabs and come in a wide range of
colours, patterns and styles. Tiles are less costly than slab granite but of
similar quality – with all of the latter’s durability, longevity and low
maintenance. Tiles also have the added advantage of being easier to install,
and more flexible in how they can be applied to a space with unusual
configurations. In both cases, the stone
is stain, scratch, and burn resistant, but tiles are more easily replaced. Both
tile and slab increase the resale value of a home.
Cleaning
Granite
Like anything of value, granite requires
some maintenance. The surface should be cleaned and wiped down daily, using a
clean microfiber cloth. A dry cloth can dust the surface and warm water is
sufficient to wipe away any daily residue and minor stains. If a more vigorous
cleaning is needed, mild dish or hand soap can be used in combination with warm
water. The soapy water should be cleared with clean water, and the surface
dried.
Once a week it is optimal to use a stone
cleaner, which can help prevent scratches, cavities, and cuts to the surface of
the stone. A poultice of flour, baking soda, and dish soap can be used to
remove stains.
Once a year or two, the surface should be
professionally resealed. A trick for determining when a resealing is necessary
is by sprinkling water onto the granite; it if no longer forms beads, it’s time
to reseal.
Whether it is granite slabs or tiles, this
versatile stone can provide lasting pleasure for generations, and truly help
make a house, a home.