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