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