The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design. Granite has been a popular choice of designers for decades. Adding solid granite countertops to a kitchen can be quite costly, with prices starting at $60 a foot installed. Although granite countertops are very popular, solid granite countertops may not be for everyone. A homeowner may not be willing or able to invest in granite, or a home is in an area subject to limitations on resale values. In cases like this, it may be best to consider granite tile countertops as an acceptable alternative to the solid stone installations.

Granite tile countertops are fashioned from the same desirable stone as the solid granite countertops. All the desirable elements of the granite remain the same in the tiles. Not all blocks taken from the quarry are large enough for the slabs for the solid countertops. Smaller blocks and broken slabs will be cut into square tiles measuring 12, 24 or 36 inches in diameter. Granite tiles have a variety of uses that include premium flooring and shower installations. Hundreds of color choices are available to fit with most any design scheme.

Granite tile countertops can withstand a hot pot without a trivet, and serve as an excellent surface for handling dough and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite tile countertops complement most any type of wood or style of cabinetry. The versatility of granite tiles creates a wide range of options for installations. Entire sections of kitchen countertops and backsplashes can be crafted from granite tiles, just as ceramic tiles would be used. To lessen the labor of installing tiles in a large kitchen, only add granite tiles to the island for a focal point, setting it apart from ordinary material choices on the other countertops.

Granite tiles provide a grand solution for the homeowner on a budget, allowing the home chef to enjoy all the benefits of granite countertops. Twenty-four or thirty-six inch tiles can be inlaid or set into any other material, such as laminated countertops or solid wood. Strategically placed twenty-four inch granite tiles inlaid near the range or oven will protect ordinary countertops from searing hot pans. A thirty-six inch granite tile set into the counter at a work area serves as an excellent surface for rolling dough and working with confectionery.

The practical and aesthetic choice of granite tile countertops has proven to be a wise investment for homeowners. Clever design plans allow homeowners to enjoy the benefits of granite without great expense. Granite tile countertops offer matchless appeal.