| If you are considering a renovation anywhere in your | | | | There is so much diversity in color and texture, half |
| home, but especially in the bathroom or kitchen, | | | | the fun will be in deciding what look you want to |
| consider stone. Stone tiles and granite counter tops | | | | achieve with this surface. |
| are very much in style right now, and for good | | | | Metal can be expensive and delicate (stains, especially |
| reason-they are long-lasting, need little maintenance | | | | with acidic things) but it sure makes gorgeous kitchen |
| and are gorgeous. Not only that, they are | | | | back splashes. Again, a quality sealant will prevent |
| synonymous with quality, adding flair to your home | | | | staining if that shiny look of metal is what you are |
| and increasing its resale value. | | | | after. For a little something extra, add some |
| Let's take a look at tile flooring. One of the main | | | | embossed tiles for accents or borders. |
| benefits here is the huge selection. Of course, this | | | | If you are installing flooring, pay attention to color. |
| can also be a challenge, but with a mind for your | | | | White tile floors will show every footprint. A more |
| budget and needs, it shouldn't be hard to find the tile | | | | earthy tone, however, will radiate warmth and look |
| flooring that's right for you. Tile is usually available in | | | | good, even after your guests have walked all over it. |
| stone, ceramic, terra cotta, glass or metal. Tile can | | | | Granite counter-tops are easy to clean, but if you |
| be bold or subtle. It can be the same, consistent | | | | want it to stay stain-free it's a good idea to purchase |
| experience all through the room, or even house, or it | | | | sealed granite, or seal it yourself with a high-quality |
| can be patterned with contrasting colors or even | | | | and durable sealant. After that, it's up to you how |
| incorporate printed tiles. No matter what your | | | | you clean it. Many granite counter-top owners |
| aesthetic style, there is a type of tile to suite your | | | | recommend specialized granite cleaning products, but |
| needs. | | | | just as many say simple soap and water works |
| If your needs are casual elegance and high | | | | great. Almost unanimously, however, they |
| performance, consider terra cotta tiles. Their mottled | | | | recommend a microfiber cloth for wiping up after |
| appearance can disguise spills and dirt, and this comes | | | | washing. These assure a streak-free shine. No need |
| in handy if you have kids, pets, or just don't have | | | | to buy fancy cloths marketed just for granite. Check |
| time to clean every day. The downside to them is | | | | out the car-detailing section of your local hardware |
| they have a porous surface, so can gradually stain if | | | | store for inexpensive microfiber cloths. |
| they aren't treated with a quality sealant. For this | | | | Other than regular cleaning, your granite counter top |
| reason, they may not be ideal for kitchens, unless | | | | will last a lifetime, and only needs to have its sealant |
| they are well sealed. Glazed ceramic tile might be a | | | | re-applied every couple of years. |
| good choice if you anticipate messes. Their glazed | | | | With granite counters and tile flooring, you are |
| surface makes them easy to clean and they won't | | | | assured long-term value for your home. Stone and |
| stain. Plus, they are affordable and easy to install. | | | | ceramic details add elegance to any home, and that's |
| Marble is popular for a formal look, as is limestone. | | | | good news for sellers and buyers alike. |