Are you exploring the option of renewing your current floor with granite-tiled flooring, and want to know is granite flooring good for health or not?
This article includes the advantages and disadvantages of granite flooring and a brief conclusion about whether granite flooring is healthy or not for you and your family.
Stick to the end of the post, to learn more about granite flooring pros and cons and its positive and negative effects on humans and pet health.
Granite is a popular building material among homeowners looking for an attractive solution for their kitchen and bathroom worktops, but it is sometimes ignored as a flooring option.
Granite tile is created by smoothing volcanic rock. Smoothing the rock can also reveal hidden beauty. Granite flooring tiles provide more than just beauty.
Even if you choose engineered stone or laminate for your counters, granite tiles should be installed on your floors.
Because of the aesthetic effect, many home developers limit their usage of granite to countertops, although they will put granite floors on their most sophisticated and costly projects.
“With so many advantages to granite flooring, including its attractive appearance, some wonder if it is even feasible to have such flooring without it harming their health.”
so…
Is granite flooring good for health?
Your answer is: yes! definitely.
Humans have no harmful reactions to granite. Granite is a natural substance that has been utilized as a dimensional stone for thousands of years.
Granite is not inherently dangerous because it is a natural material, but the chemicals used to polish it may be.
After installation, the chemicals used to polish it must be handled with particular attention.
It is most natural stones, can have trace levels of radioactive materials like uranium. As these elements decompose, they release radon gas.
While granite is most commonly associated with countertops and backsplashes, it can also be used as a flooring material.
If you want something that is both stylish and lasting, as well as an investment in your home and property, granite is a wonderful choice.
However, granite dust, on the other hand, can harm your eyes and lungs if you don’t wear suitable eye and lung protection when cutting, sanding, or grinding granite.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of granite flooring, as well as everything you need to know before deciding whether or not to go with granite flooring.
Advantages of Granite flooring
Granite Floors Can Last a Lifetime
One of the most appealing features of granite is its durability.
Granite flooring is a good choice for homeowners who expect a lot of foot traffic in particular areas.
Your granite tiles can last for decades if you use the correct granite sealant and cleaner.
When used as flooring, granite is a robust, very durable natural stone that will last for years and withstand pet scratches, furniture weight, and heavy foot traffic.
Hypoallergenic flooring option
Does anyone in your own family have an allergic response or asthma?
Granite is a suitable choice. Regular cleaning to avoid dust and other particle accumulation might help allergy sufferers reduce their allergic reactions even more.
You don’t have to worry about allergic responses if you let your kids play straight on top of clean granite tiles.
Because granite isn’t as porous as some other natural stones, it doesn’t absorb liquids or moisture, which germs and allergens can use to settle and spread.
Heat resistant flooring material
Granite’s heat resistance keeps it cool during the summer, allowing you to wander about barefoot on your floor.
Granite floors are also ideal for in-floor heating systems because of this property.
Moisture Resistance
Granite is particularly resistant to moisture when properly sealed, so it may be used in kitchens and baths without issue.
Because sealed granite flooring is very impermeable, it may be used in wet places such as bathrooms with little risk of water damage.
Stain Resistance
It also resists stains, such as those caused by acidic foods, which makes it perfect for use as a countertop material.
Because granite is more stain-resistant than other flooring options, it’s frequently used as a food prep surface.
Spills on properly sealed granite tiles can be readily cleaned up as long as the granite is properly sealed.
Fade resistance
If you have the funds, you can even have luxury granite floor tiles installed on your patio.
Because this material resists fading from sunshine, you won’t have to worry about your patio floor discoloring from too much direct sunlight.
Wide range of varieties
One of the main reasons why people pick granite as a flooring material is because of its natural beauty.
There are no two exactly same slabs of granite, allowing for a wide range of patterns and motifs.
Granite slabs can be highly polished and glossy, or muted and brushed for a more rustic look.
Granite also comes in a variety of colors, and the quartz that contributes to the stone’s composition gives it a distinctive glitter.
Value for Money
Granite isn’t cheap to install, but the value it brings to your home is immediate.
Granite flooring is often noticed by home appraisers who undertake thorough property appraisal examinations.
Granite is a great investment because it will certainly boost the resale value of your home.
Low-maintenance flooring
Granite is a low-maintenance material. To keep your floors looking great, all you need to do is sweep and mop once in a while.
Disadvantages of granite flooring
Time-consuming Installation Process
Granite is a labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly installation process, so if you’re looking for a quick, low-cost DIY project, granite might not be for you.
You’ll very certainly need to hire a drill, a wet saw, a sealant, mortar, and grout, among other power tools and installation supplies.
To defend against moisture damage and bacteria, proper sealing is very important.
Granite and Radon
Granite, like most natural stones, can have trace levels of radioactive materials like uranium. As these elements decompose, they release radon gas.
Granite may produce trace amounts of beta and gamma radiation, depending on the slab.
Red granites appear to release the most radiation, yet it is advised that each item, regardless of color, be checked.
Little emission of radon gas is not harmful to the health at all.
Tends to be slippery
When granite is highly polished, it can be slippery, making it unsuitable for the very young and the very old.
A high-gloss finish on granite flooring creates a slick surface that can cause catastrophic harm from slips and falls, particularly for children and the elderly.
Granite gets cold
Granite flooring can be quite uncomfortable if you don’t have in-floor heating installed, as the surface is very chilly, especially during the colder seasons.
While this may be ideal in warmer places, it may be too cold in the Pacific Northwest during the winter.
Needs periodic sealing
You’ll need to reseal your granite surface now and then to keep it looking glossy and attractive.
To keep granite adequately preserved, it must be resealed regularly by people with good knowledge of granite sealing.
Final Thoughts
Granite floors are healthy in fact. Humans and pets are not affected in any way by granite.
It has a distinctive appearance, a variety of fashions, and cooling effects.
However, it is difficult and expensive to install, and it is not suitable for every home yet it is used extensively throughout human history.
Granite is a natural stone that has been utilized for dimensional purposes for thousands of years.
If you do not wear sufficient dust protection when cutting, sanding, or grinding granite, granite dust can harm your eyes and lungs.
One needs to be very careful with the chemicals being used to polish it post-installation.
Comment freely in the comment section, whether this article clarified your dilemma or not!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is granite good for flooring?
Absolutely- Granite flooring is the way to go if you want to add a touch of class and refinement to your home.
Installing granite floor tiles in a freshly constructed home or a remodeling project can transform a lifeless space into a visual masterpiece.
Furthermore, when you choose granite floors, you won’t be able to see a single scratch from a pet or an acid stain on your floor for years.
What is the price of granite flooring?
The cost of basic granite flooring will range from $2 to $15 per square foot.
Upgrade to a superior granite product and expect to pay $25 to $50 per square foot on average.
What are some of the drawbacks of granite?
- Granite Is Expensive
- Granite Must Be Sealed regularly.
- Professional Installation is Required for Granite Countertops.
- Granite Countertops Have Been Increasingly Popular in Recent Years.
- Granite is prone to cracking.
Which granite has the most Redon?
Red granites appear to release the most radiation, yet it is advised that each item, regardless of color, be checked.
What is the best way to clean granite flooring?
Clean the floors with a soft mop or cloth, warm water, and a little detergent or natural stone cleaner in a bucket.
Keep the area wet at all times while working.
Never use powdered cleansers, steel wool, metal scrapers, or colored scrub pads on cultured marble or granite.
To dry the flooring, squeeze the water out of the soft mop and clean it again.
