Granite tile style guide

Because granite is one of the hardest materials on Earth, you can count on it to last. That means the style you impart on your home through granite tiles will be there for the long haul. Of course, the hard part is creating the right look for your tastes and personality, as granite comes in a variety of colors and textures. In fact, the minerals that make their way into molten rock as it hardens determine the final look of the stone. As you consider granite tiles and the styles they offer, take a look at this space-planning guide:

Where to install granite tile

Granite tile is more versatile than stone slabs, as it's already cut. Cutting it is very difficult and should be done by a professional, as granite is a very hard substance. Fortunately, tiles are ready to go, allowing you to install them in a number of spots in your home.

Counters
From your kitchen to your bathroom, granite tiles make a beautiful and durable countertop. What's more, homeowners come to expect natural stone in luxury houses, so installing granite tile could allow you to increase your asking price in the future.

Flooring
Want to make a grand first impression in your foyer or ensure your kitchen floors are easy to clean? Then granite tiles are perfect for your home. They're stunning, elegant and resilient: An ideal product for any homeowner.

Wall cladding
You can even install granite tiles on your wall to create that show-stopper of a fireplace or ultimate backsplash. Bathrooms, too, benefit from the inclusion of a granite tile shower or bath surround. Be aware that all natural stone is somewhat porous, so you should seal your tiles after installation. That way, they won't absorb moisture from wet areas, like your bathroom or kitchen.

Granite tiles can help transform a simple space into a luxurious one.

Grain patterns and textures

Perhaps one of the more attractive features of natural stone is its patterns. Granite, especially, provides a visual texture that's hard to beat in terms of beauty, color and uniqueness. Granite typically can be placed into these texture categories:

Solid
Solid-color granite is predominately one shade. However, solid tiles typically do have some visible flecks of other hues. This adds an interesting level of depth to the tiles, while still maintaining a consistent shade throughout your space. For instance, you might find black tiles with silver flecks, or black tiles with barely noticeable gray flecks.

Grainy
Grainy tile textures offer that quintessential granite look. These feature small, but noticeable, flecks that vary in color from the rest of the stone.

Large grain
Large-grain granite tiles have bigger patches of different colors than grainy tiles do. Think of this pattern as a large-print version of other granite patterns. You'll see many colors in these tiles, instead of just one or two. For instance, a tile that looks cream throughout may have gold, black, blue, gray and brown present. As such, large-grain tiles are perhaps the most interesting to examine.

Colors

Granite comes in a wide range of colors, including blue, gray, green, black, white and brown. What's more, many granite tiles also contain metallic specks that further give them a unique and unparalleled aesthetic. 

Coordinating colors
Pick a granite tile color so it matches the rest of the finishes in your home. For instance, you could contrast your white kitchen countertops with a black tile backsplash. Or, make it a uniform design by pairing a tile with brown flecks with a dark wood vanity. Style options are endless, as natural stone pairs well with many other looks. 

Matching your home's style
Granite tiles can support the overall style of your home. For instance, sleek, solid tiles may look best in a contemporary home while large-grain textures could contribute to a more classic design.

No matter what type of granite tile you prefer, you can find a style that matches your tastes and the aesthetic of your home.