What’s The Difference?
Granite tile and granite slabs are obviously cut from the same hardy and stylish stone, the differences between the two countertop materials boil down to appearance, installation process, cost, and care. Despite the differences, both materials have their uses and are a wonderful natural stone option for countertops.
Deciding between granite slab and tile depends on what you want out of your countertops.
Appearance
Granite slab comes in a continuous slab of stone that is cut to fit the countertop. Because it’s continuous, there can be naturally occurring designs in the stone that run uninterrupted throughout the piece. However, there can be some unevenness in the design as the stone is natural and therefore veins of color are varied. This is what makes it so unique because no two pieces are the same.
Tiles can be selective and more uniform in the placement of veins or coloration. However, tiles will not be seamless and need grout between tiles which might not be the desired effect. This can be a deal breaker for many who want the seamless beauty of a single slab of stone. It is more common to see granite tiles installed in flooring or used on walls.
Installation
There are pros and cons to the installation of both types of granite. Slabs can be delicate and easily broken or mismeasured, in which case the entire slab has to be re-cut. Tiles, on the other hand, can be time consuming to be laid and grouted but has more margin for error. However, tiles can be lain by the homeowner if they are familiar with the tile laying process. For best results however, leave countertop installation to the professionals.
Price
Granite slabs are cut to fit the unique space that you are installing them into and therefore are considered a premium material. Granite tiles are therefore often the more affordable option between the two as they come in precise sizes and can be nearly 5x cheaper. However, many don’t care for the way tiling looks when used on countertops and the grouting can be an unwanted design aspect. Despite the price difference, both granite slabs and tiles are affordable and durable natural stone options.
Care
Granite tiles can be more finicky to take care of when compared to the ease of wiping down a single granite slab due to the extra care and cleaning that goes into maintaining the tile grout. While both materials are durable and resistant to heat damage, scratches and discoloration, the slabs will always come with more basic upkeep.
Grout is difficult to keep clean and therefore granite tiles might not be the best choice for high traffic areas. While both materials will need to be resealed on occasion, the grout used for granite tiles will need to be redone as well if it is not properly cleaned and maintained.
What’s Best for You?
While both materials will add beauty and value to your home, it’s no secret that granite slabs are the more high-end product. There is just no beating the sight of a single, unbroken slab of granite with its pristine natural beauty. Nevertheless, when the budget won’t allow it, granite tiles can be a wonderful option; after all it’s still granite! Despite the differences in the appearance, installation process, care and cost, there are still many positives to each material.
Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek wants you to love your countertops and be sure about your decision. We carefully hand-pick each of our stones from select quarries around the world bringing our clients the finest and most unique pieces that will inspire any kitchen or bathroom countertop remodel.
Granite, quartz and marble are our specialty as we have been fabricating, delivering and installing natural stone and quartz surfaces in homes and businesses throughout the Wisconsin for over a decade. Visit our countertop store in the Milwaukee area and speak with a design specialist about your kitchen countertops and remodel project today, Free!