Is granite slab better than granite tiles for kitchen counter?
Question:I am planning to remodel the kitchen and would like to find out if granite slab is overall better quality than the tile. I've heard the tile is cheaper and less costly when it is damaged as if you have a slab you must replace the whole slab not the several tiles. Is there any other consideration I should make before I decide which one?
Answers:
Granite is very expensive, but worth it. As for the slab being damaged, it would have to be something serious, something like a sledge hammer. It is extremely tough.
Benefits are value added to your house. It is estimated that over 90% of what you put into your kitchen can be recovered in resale, especially solid granite counter top. Everyone wants the solid counter top (1.5 inches thick), but most cant afford it or dont want to spend that much.
Tiles (.5 inch thick) are less attractive and are thinner. They can break with a heavy pot or something being dropped on it. It is still a tough material. Granite is pleasing to the eye, most people just love it. There is some maintenance involved but only a couple of time is a year. Great material for kitchen.
If you can afford it go with the solid top, its better looking and its adds most value to your home.
The tiles may be harder to keep clean as the small gap/crack in between them will always harbour dirt. It is unlikly that you will do a great deal of damage to a granite surface so you should not worry too much about replacment costs
I hate tiles on counters. I am constantly having to clean the grout with a tile brush, because every little thing gets stuck in between each tile. I spilled a container of cinnamon a few days ago, and it was horrible getting it clean! I'm ready to move on to a slab.
Writing on a piece of paper on tile is a pain in the butt.
Tile looks so outdated. Go with the slab. It is smoother, more durable, easier to clean, adds resale value to your home, and looks awesome.
general in using of the kitchen slab is the matter. your first point cost or the usage.if my suggestion its granite slab.
Granite slab is so much better. If you use tile, the grout gets so dirty. With the granite slab, you just need to wipe the counter and don't have to worry about any grout. I know tile is a lot more inexpensive, but you'll see the granite is so much worth the extra money. Whenever you decide to sell your home, one of the most important places people look at is the kitchen.
Granite is considered a high end material and for the high end look to really come out, it must be done in a slab. It just looks more up to date and finished. And because of the fact that granite has to be sealed, I think it is more economical and sensical to invest in a slab. The tiles would be too much to deal with and with your kitchen being a remodel, I think it would take away from the new aspects of the kitchen.
If you dont want to invest that much money, but want the same look, I would recommend engineered quartz countertops. The most common names this is sold under are Silestone and Cesarstone. Think about your home from the point of resale, your home has to be in a very specific market to get a return on granite countertops (in a totally high end kitchen). I would personally recommend Silestone because it has Microban built into the countertop. Also, Silestone doesnt have to be sealed and the seams in quartz are definitely less noticeable. But the main reason why I recommend it is because I think it has the best value for the money spent.
And FYI, there is a difference between "certified interior redesigners" and actual interior designers. Interior Designers must have a Bachelors Degree and pass a national examination in order to practice. Also, when dealing with kitchens you want to work with someone who is a member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. You will know this because the appellations AKBD, CKD, CBD, or CMKBD will follow their name. Only a handful of designers in the country have attained CMKBD status. It takes years and years of kitchen and bath design experience. "Certified Interior Decorators/Redesigners" do not have the education and therefore the credentials to come into your home and "redesign" your kitchen. They simply take easy courses and pay to be certified.
The answer is no... granite is granite..
thickness is also overrated, unless your using your top for dancing. there shouldn't be a problem.
Now grout will be something to consider, done right cleaning will the same as cleaning the counter top. wrong and yes you'll have a fun time. Cost should be your decision maker.. they both will add value.. Also consider the cost of the sink. .under mount or flush mount.
Granite slab don't include under-mount sinks... $500.00+
Maybe "better" isn't the right word. With tiles you have to worry about grout lines, etc., whereas you don't with slab. Also, while slab countertops cost more, they also increase your home value more. I would definitely go with the slab.
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