Ceramic Tile Vs. Granite

Cost

When comparing the cost of ceramic tile to granite, there can be a wide gap between the two. Most ceramic tile is quite affordable and falls within the category of lower-priced materials for countertop choices. However, there are many specialty ceramic tiles that can be expensive when you add up the cost for each tile plus installation, if you are paying for labor. Fortunately, ceramic tile is something that many do-it-yourselfers can successfully install without professional assistance.

Granite is considered one of the most expensive of materials for countertops or other applications. It is usually priced by the square foot and almost always requires the skill and expertise of a qualified professional, so labor cost must also be figured in with your cost.

Spilled wine on tile grout or granite may leave a stain.wine glass image by Alexandr Shebanov from Fotolia.com

Tile itself is easy to keep clean and requires no maintenance other than a semi-regular cleaning with a mild soap and water. However, grout around the tile requires periodic sealer and is susceptible to stains. Using larger tiles would require less grout and thus less maintenance.

Granite requires applying a penetrating sealer every six to12 months, depending on the recommendations of the installer. Once sealed, it resists most stains, but granite is a porous material. Stains from hot grease or dark foods, such as wine, may appear despite sealant use.

Ceramic tile is very durable but may be chipped or cracked if heavy items are placed or dropped on them. Repairs can be done quite easily by removing the damaged tiles, replacing with new ones and regrouting the area. Warranties will vary depending on the tile and manufacturer, but tile typically lasts many years if cared for properly.

Granite is also a strong, durable material that can last for many years with proper maintenance. It can be damaged from heavy impact or cutting on the surface. Repairs are not easy on a slab of granite and usually require costly replacement of entire sections. Matching the unique natural stone pattern and color you currently have may be difficult unless you purchased extra granite from the original stone. Warranties vary by installers but usually cover at least 10 years.

Patterned ceramic tile disguises scratches.ceramic tile floor or wall texture image by Ana de Sousa from Fotolia.com

High-gloss and solid-color tiles will show scratches more than those with a pattern. If you are using ceramic tile for a countertop or someplace that requires a flat surface, avoid tiles with a pillowed or inflated center. Epoxy grout may yellow, although it is more durable that standard cement grout, which requires sealing more often.

Dark and solid-color granite, along with gloss finishes, will show scratches, chips and spills easier. Select your granite from the stone yard, if possible, to see the actual color of your selected stone. Most slabs will be made into a 9-by-5-foot section.

Tile offers texture varieties and design flexibility, but some ceramic tiles may not be recommended for certain applications. Consider the tile's texture along with aesthetics for purposes such as writing or setting flat objects on the tile. Tile coordinates well with other materials, such as granite, laminate and solid surfaces, and can be used as a backsplash for one of these countertops.

Each piece of granite will be unique since it comes from natural stone. However, seams may show with granite. Various edge styles, such as beveled and radius, can be applied with granite countertops. Granite also offers visually appealing design aesthetics when mixed with other materials.