The Basics of Granite Tile

Granite is a natural stone that looks extremely beautiful and provides ultimate alternative for interior and exterior decoration. The stone is beautiful to look at and practical to use. People love to install it due to its durability and classy look.

When it comes to the origins of this stone, you would be surprised to know that granite is formed deep inside the earth due to the extreme heat and pressure applied by the atmosphere over thousands of years. The stone can be defined as an igneous rock formed due to the pressure applied to liquid magma between other layers of rock. Thereafter it cools and forms a layer of its’ own.

The rock is amalgamated with different elements such as feldspar, mica and quartz. The process of cooling process is very slow. The suspended mineral elements inside the magma result into the crystalline look of granite. Granite is hard in nature due to the harsh origins and lengthy process that suspends several stabilizing elements within it. You can vouch for the durability of this stone.

As soon as the raw granite is removed from its bed, the first stage of granite processing starts and the stage is known as cutting. Here, the large portions of granite into manageable blocks. Thereafter, these blocks of granite are cut to size so as to utilize them as slabs and tiles with the help of wire saws treated with different types of durable abrasives such as sand, diamond and aluminum oxide.

High pressure water jets are also used to cut the granite in tandem with traditional wire saws. As soon as the process of cutting is accomplished, the stone undergoes three more processes that make them look like tile flooring or countertop slabs. The stone is polished on one side, calibrated and gauged.

Once the processes are over, the stones are ready to be used as tiles and slabs. Most commonly these tiles are used as kitchen installation and outdoor installation. The leftover granite tiles are used as cutting boards, coasters and fireplace surrounds.

If you want to care the granite tile flooring and countertops, the process is very simple. The stone is heat-resistant and works as worry-free countertop solution. You can use hot pots and plates on the surface of this stone directly. The granite tile is durable. However, it still requires your attention. You should consider the application of an appropriate sealant seriously. Consult a specialist to determine the variety of granite tile you want to install. The sealant acts as a protective coat for your granite tile. It protects the tile from moisture. You can purchase different types of cleaners and polishes to keep your granite tile free of dirt and scratch.

Read additional info on: http://wilshiretile.com

Do's & Dont's of Choosing a Tile Installer to do Work in your Home

Tile installation is a very specialized trade and most tile after installed is in effect a concrete like product and can't easily be changed. In most cases if change is needed then new material will have to be repurchased. So it is imperative to hire a qualified professional tile installer to do your work. But How do you know who to choose? 

Here are some basic guide lines that can help you make an educated choice.

1. Its always nice to find someone one of your friends has had in their home and has had experience with the installer's work, so start with friends and family to see if any one knows a quality tile installer

2. If none of your friends or family knows of a good tile installer , then the newspaper or numerous internet classified sites are your best bet, the most known of course is craigslist.

3. Always get at least 3 quotes  and if they seem like high prices  they probably are and continue looking until you find something comfortable for you.  The most economical way to go is to find a labor only installer and supply the materials yourself.

4. ALWAYS  get and check as many references as possible  the best reference is a completed tile job somewhere in public  that you can go out on your own and see for yourself.

For instance,  I have 2 jobs in the public mall here in Boston on the North Shore that anyone can just go into the store and see the work.

5.  Longevity and durability of a job is very important  if you can talk to a customer of your installer who's job was done some years ago  you will know the job is still in tack and done in a quality manner and you will get a lasting installation

6.Ask questions of your prospective installer before committing to hiring him. NEVER let ANY installer tell you its ok to lay tile on top of a wood substructure, It will not last half the life of tile laid on Hardiboard or Durock your grout can crack and tile break  from wood movement and any water ever on your floor will cause failure . make sure any tile laid in a wet area such as shower or bathroom is installed with thin set concrete and NOT tile mastic as mastic does not do  well in a wet environment. Never install tile in a shower on Sheetrock  or green board use only Hardi board or durock.

7. Always insist your installer use spacers and if he tells you he doesn't need them he can do well without them  then  don't hire him  period. I've been installing tile for over 37 years  and can lay a floor without spacers  but the finished product is  NEVER  as clean and straight as the one done with spacers.

8. I personally would never want any bench in my shower built out of wood, wood in a wet area makes no sense. Cement blocks are much less costly and will last forever.  I would insist on a concrete block bench in my shower

9. Finally your installer  will be in your house for some  days make sure your choice for a installer is one you feel comfortable and at ease  with.

I hope this advice has given you some inside information and thoughts from a professional tile installer that will make your choice for a tile installer easier and less stressful    

This article originally posted here:  https://tileexcellence.blogspot.com/2017/06/do-and-dont-of-choosing-tile-installer.html