The steps involved in creating granite slabs and tiles have not changed much since its use in ancient times. However, the equipment and tools involved have dramatically transformed. The technologically advanced machinery has reduced the time required in creating tiles and slabs from days to hours. This has come as a boon for both granite suppliers and customers.
What’s more important is to understand the difference between granite tile and slabs. Know how they are fabricated to suit a specific purpose. This allows you to pick the most suitable form for a particular application.
How Are Granite Tile And Slabs Manufactured?
Granite manufacturing starts from natural stone quarries. This is where raw granite is mined from the earth in the form of giant blocks. These blocks are then sent to the factory to carve out granite slabs and tiles.
At the factory, a technician uses a gang saw or block saw to cut the giant blocks into slabs. A gang saw is inserted with imported steel plates and steel shots. These help in cutting the hard blocks into slabs or strips of tiles. Once this process is over, the slab is properly shaped, polished and finished.
Now, it is ready for installation.
At a granite supplier’s showroom, you can browse through a variety of granite slabs and tiles. You get a wide range of colour variations and patterns that are aesthetically attractive. You can choose one and ask the granite suppliers to customise it as per your requirement.
Difference Between Granite Tiles And Slabs
A granite slab is a thick and heavy stone that comes in large size. In general, a slab is 3 centimetres thick and 84 to 108 inches (7-9 feet) long. It is sourced from a single block of stone and is available as a single piece.
As the slab comes as a single stone, you can find no interrupting seam lines. So, this form of granite stone is best when you are looking for a streamlined look in your interior design. Also, it works well where large surfaces are needed.
On the other hand, granite tile is thin, smaller in size and lighter in weight. Each tile is as big as 40 to 60 centimetre. Its thickness is not more than 2 centimetre. Considering the dimensions, tiles are easy to install compared to slabs. Therefore, they are more affordable than slab stones.
They are sourced in small pieces as individual stones (mostly square). These individual tiles are put together to create a smooth surface with the help of grouting. Typically, grouting is a mixed fluid of water, cement and sand used to fill gaps between the tiles.
Hence, granite tiles assembled can be highlighted as pieces of a puzzle to provide a textured effect. Or, as per your preferences these tiles with grouting can have lines that are hardly visible to reflect a smooth surface. Owing to the small size of tiles, they are available in more colours compared to slabs.
In terms of properties, both slabs and tiles endure staining when properly sealed. The grout on tiles needs maintenance not needed for slabs. However, highlighting the tiles benefits, if slabs are installed on uneven surfaces there are chances of cracking.
Best Applications
Countertops
Granite slabs are most popular when it comes to creating outstanding kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops or tabletops. They provide a smooth unbroken look and are very easy to clean and maintain. As a result, they prove to be the best option for outdoor kitchen granite countertops as well.
You can also opt for granite tiles to create countertops with a distinct look. Depending on the kind of appearance you desire, the seam lines can be accentuated or deemphasized.
Flooring
Granite slabs are a great choice for large outdoor paving areas. They provide high durability for heavy foot traffic. Slabs are also the choice for balcony flooring where a single stone can cover the surface.
Tiles, on the other side, are a popular choice for indoor flooring and even staircase. You can get granite floor tiles of 2 cm to 3 cm thickness to create high-quality flooring.
Wall Cladding
Thick tiles of 1.2 cm or 2 cm are ideal for external wall cladding. Thin ones can be used for internal wall cladding such as bathroom tiles or kitchen backsplash. You can use two completely two different colours such as black granite and white granite to create a unique wall cladding.
For wall cladding, flamed and polished finishing is popular among homeowners. The former offers a rough look to the tiles while the latter offers a glossy appearance.
Quality Marble Exports (India) - Your Trusted Granite Tile And Slabs Supplier From India
Quality Marble Exports (India) manufactures granite tiles and slabs from its own quarries using advanced computer technology. At our factory, we customize granite stone into blocks, tiles, slabs, and flagstones as per customer requirements. Our constant commitment to customer satisfaction has made us a leading granite supplier in India and overseas.
Each granite slab and tile at our facility is customized for thickness, size, polish and finish. Whether you seek granite for any space from outdoors to indoors, or from flooring to wall cladding, we have it all.
At Quality Marble Exports (India), you also get a colour range of a wide spectrum to suit your style and taste. Contact us to create stunning home interiors as well as exteriors that imitate your personality!
