Frequently Asked Question Granite Pavers and Granite Tiles

Q1. How long do granite pavers last?

A: Granite pavers can last for decades with proper maintenance. Their profound durability makes them a great choice for home decors, outdoor paving and swimming pool surroundings. Pavers made from granite are very dense and give an aesthetic appeal to the interiors due to its layered structure formation. No matter where they are installed granite paving last for lifetime with minimal care.

Q2. What is the best cleaner for granite pavers?

A: The best way to clean granite paver is by using mild soap and hot water and for stain removal opts for a solution of baking soda and water. However, Granite isn’t porous as compared to travertine and therefore cannot soak up oils, stains, and spills. That is why, it is quite easy to clean granite pavers and are extremely resistant to bacteria.

Q3. Can you use baking soda on granite paving?

A: Yes, baking soda is a very active ingredient that can be used to clean the granite easily. Granite is a naturally formed rock that is a result of vigorous volcanic activity. The rock is characterised by a glazed surface and therefore finds usage in a variety of things. Granite is very easy to maintain and is resistant to bacteria, spills, and stain.

Q4. Why is granite so popular as pavers?

A: Granite is popular as pavers across Australia because it is durable, non-slippery and highly weather resistant in nature. The natural beauty of the granite stone makes it a top pick for everyone in the architectural and construction business. The stone is also an affordable and perfect for long-term investment for everyone and is appreciated for its timeless beauty. Granite forms an integral part of every interior and thus is deemed an ideal fit for outdoor paving areas.    

Q5. Is granite paver outdated?

A: No, granite pavers are still popular and trendy in the natural stone industry as it symbolises luxury and has an epitome of class for homeowners in Australia. However, for some years now it has been seen that granite is losing its charm. The main reason for its downfall is its popularity. Ever since granite was discovered it has been a builder’s grade. There are many stores that started selling everything based on granite be it countertops or tiles. This is the main reason why it feels like granite shine has fizzled out over the years.

Q6. Is granite paver slippery when wet?

A: No, granite pavers are not slippery when wet. Even granite paving is quite popular around swimming pool pavers because of its weather resistance and non-slippery nature. It is one of the hardest substances found on the earth’s crust which naturally composite of granules provided with rough texture on the surface.

Q7. How much does a granite patio cost?

A: Average cost of granite patio installation are between $80 to $100 AUD depending on the size of the area. Patios can be made from either crushed or decomposed granite. The cost to lay granite on patio costs between $25-$40 per piece. Granite patios have recently gained momentum due to their rich and aesthetic appeal as pavers.

Q8. Do granite pavers absorb water?

A: It is a fact that rocks do absorb water. Granite is a form of igneous rock that can absorb water. The porous surface of the stone allows moisture to seep in and cling to it for a longer time. The area where water gets absorbed turns a shade darker within time. Therefore, we can say that granite pavers do absorb water.

Q9. Are there different grades of granite pavers?

A:  Yes, granite pavers come in three different grades: Flamed, Grey and Exfoliated. These grades are available in three colours: white, grey and black. The rough texture of the granite tiles, make it an ideal choice to lay as swimming pool pavers, pool coping, patio pavers and similar other outdoor paving applications.

Q10. Do I have to grout granite Pavers?

A: Yes! Grouting is used as a filler for the joints between tiles once the tile you are installing has been set. Most grouts are a powdered mix of cement, lime, colour pigment and sometimes sand that hardens when mixed with water and left to sure.

Grout granite pavers offers a number of valuable benefits:

• It gives your floor or wall a crisp finished appearance.
• it helps keep dirt and debris from getting in between and under your tile.
• It adds rigidity and strength to the tile installation.

Q11. What happens if you don’t seal the granite pavers?

A: Without sealing, water will penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, some small, some large, giving granite stone a perpetually dirty appearance. If granite and other types of natural stone are properly sealed, they repel liquids and prevent them from permeating into the stone. Unsealed stone absorbs liquid quickly, which can become a overtime

Q12. Do outdoor granite pavers need to be sealed?

A: Yes, sealing is an important procedure to follow for granite and all other types of natural stone pavers, it doesn’t matter whether granite is embedded inside or outside. Sealing protects the stone from sudden accidents and keeps it strong in the long run. Additionally, it is required due to the moisture-locking property of the stone. Even in the driest of regions night condensation can form water droplets on the granite surface that will lead to the appearance of cracks. Therefore, to protect the outdoor tiles, pavers, and patios, it is advisable to seal the granite and prevent fissures.

Q13.  Is granite good for the patio?

A: Yes! Granite is a good addition to the patios because of its low maintenance quality and aesthetic appeal. Patios are a great addition to a home landscape as they increase the overall beauty of the exteriors. Granite patios add a contemporary look to the garden and walkway giving a solid finish to the design of the house. Granite is available in many colours, finishes and sizes, and therefore, is a good choice for a patio.

Q14. How often should granite paving be sealed?

A: Some experts recommend sealing granite every 6-12 months or 3-5 years, but there is no hard and fast rule. The frequency of sealing granite pavers depends on the absorbency and porosity of the stone. Usually, the lighter the stone, the more often it needs sealing. But not all granites are the same, and applying sealer automatically, on a set schedule or “just to be safe” is not a smart way to do it. When sealer is applied too soon and it can’t absorb properly, it may leave a haze on the surface that can be difficult to remove.

Run a Water Test to see if granite needs to be sealed

Sprinkle three drops of water on the granite paver. If the granite tile turns dark and absorbs the water within a few minutes or less, the tile needs to be resealed. This test should be done every few months to truly see how often you should reseal your pavers.

Q15. How do you take care of granite?

A: There are many ways to take care of granite such as dusting off with a microfiber cloth, cleaning it with a mixture made from baking soda and water. Sealing is another way of taking care of granite annually.

Q16. Can you acid wash granite pavers?

A: No, granite pavers get easily damaged due to contact with acid and cause etching. The etching can be seen as dull etch spots on the granite floor. This can spread to the whole surface with continuous use of acidic cleaners. Granite does not require high maintenance but it is crucial to make correct use of cleaning products for granite pavers.

Q17. Why is my granite turning green?

A: If the granite is turning green on the top or by the seams, it is “blooming” caused by a chemical reaction. The appearance of discoloration is common to appear on granites having a high quantity of quartzite. This is caused when resin reacts to granite tiles with solvents containing acetone. The solution to is to mix OxiClean with water and apply on the area. Let it dry for several hours. Remove the poultice after it is completely dry. You may need to repeat the process several times depending upon how bad the stain is

Q18. Can you pressure wash granite pavers?

A: Yes, you can use a pressure washer for granite pavers. However, you need to be extra careful while doing this. Also, pressure washing new granite wavers can damage the finish of the surface quite easily. So, it is always suggested to pressure wash pavers using the correct equipment and technique.

A mild detergent and lukewarm water can always be used for getting pavers clean. Apart from this, adding granite outdoor gold stone cleaner in soap dispenser of a pressure washer can also be utilised for washing pavers. If a more concentrated formula is required then both tile floor cleaner and granite gold stone should be utilised together.

Q19. Is granite hard to maintain?

A: No, granite is easy to maintain but it requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Granite has chemicals and heat resistant making it quite hard which is not damaged easily. The prime requirement to maintain granite is sealing. Sealing should be done periodically to ensure that it looks beautiful for a long time period. Regular cleaning can be done with a dry microfibre cloth so that dust particles are removed. You also need to examine granite once in a year for any cracking or shifting at seams. Scratches and stains also should be checked regularly.

Q20. What is the best way to seal the granite paving?

A: The process is fairly simple. First, clean the stone thoroughly with a granite-safe cleaner. Spray the sealer onto the stone in three-foot sections, then immediately wipe it into the countertop with a lint-free cloth. Buff the surface right away until it’s dry for a flawless finish and the best possible protection.

Q21. Does sealing granite change the colour?

A: Yes, sealing darken the colours of granite pavers after application as water absorbs immediately after it. Because granite is porous in nature and creates room for water to cling to it which gives it dark appearance. It is required to seal granite countertops with a clean and dry surface when there is no possibility of any water or moisture.

Q22. Can you lay granite pavers without grout lines?

A: Unfortunately, granite pavers cannot be installed without a grout joint. Grout helps to protect the tiles in case of the floor or house shifting. If the tiles were to be butted against one another, not only would the tile lines not be straight, the tiles could damage each other by rubbing up against one another. This can result in cracking of the granite over time. So, while spacers are not necessary, a grout joint is and the spacers help make this joint more consistent in size between the tiles.

Q23. Are granite pavers expensive?

A: No, granite pavers are quite affordable and the average cost to lay granite pavers around pool is approx. $80 per sqm, depending on the type of granite you are laying. Dove white granite pavers will cost you approx. $ 65 per sqm, Raven grey granite pavers will cost you approx. $70 per sqm and Midnight black granite tiles will cost you approx. $80 per sqm. Depending on your budget, you can choose to lay either dove white, Raven grey or Midnight granite.

*All granite prices are a rough estimation for accurate price please refer to the website products.

Q23. Are granite pavers good?

A: Granite Pavers are known for its durability and hard-wearing qualities. It has a flamed and brushed surface which means they are extremely nonslip due to its slightly rough surface therefore making it great paving choice for pools.

Granite pavers at Stone Pavers, are available in a variety of colours- white, yellow, grey, and black. Yellow and white granite pool pavers are perfect under the foot during hot summer days. Black granite pavers will be slightly hot around the swimming pool area compared to the grey granite. Granite pavers are also suitable for those who dislike any holing on the stone paver. 

Q24. Can you use granite as pavers?

A: The answer is yes. Granite is known for its pavers, you can lay granite pavers for all your outdoor tiling areas such as driveways, patio areas, garden areas, swimming pool pavers etc Granite pavers has hard wearing qualities and are widely used for commercial and residential builds. Many builders, landscapers and architects use granite pavers.

The most popular granite pavers are black granite pavers and grey granite pavers. These granite pavers are non-slip which makes it exception choice for any outdoor paving areas.

Q25. What do you put between granite pavers?

A: What you put between granite pavers really depends on the thickness of the pavers. Anything below 15mm thick needs to go on concrete. With 20mm and 30mm thickness you can lay these granite pavers on top of a mixture of sand and cement. After that you grout over the whole area to fill in the gaps between these granite pavers. You will then have an option to seal them so it will be easier to clean and maintain in the future.

Q26. Why is granite good for paving?

A: Granite is good for paving due to its hard-wearing nature. Granite pavers are known for its high non slip resistant feature as well as its weather and scratch resistant feature. You can lay these granite tile as granite driveways, granite pool pavers, granite pool coping, granite crazy paving. It’s one of the most popular paving choice according to Landscapers and builders.