There is a special grout which resists stains. It feels and looks a little different from regular grout. It costs much more too but well worth the money spent. Installers don't like to "work with it" but insist on it. They won't be living with it but you will. ... View related article.
My sister has granite tile countertops as well as the back splash to match it. She loves it and believe me her house gets abused by her kids and it has stood up great over the years. Advice: Make sure you spend the extra money and get a special grout that resists stains. Don't just use any grout or you will never be able to clean the stains from food, etc. This special grout is "harder to work with" installation wise but insist on it being used. Pay extra even for installation.
My sister has it and swears by the special stain resistant grout. It is made by different manufacturers. For an extra touch, she had the extra granite tiles installed along the base board only around her kitchen island not the rest of the kitchen. She got the tiles on clearance from Home Depot. Make sure you get enough tiles if they are being clearanced out because if you need extra the store won't have anymore left to finish your job! One more piece, the tiles were installed diagonally which definitely costs more and wastes more tiles. It saves to install them the normal way (direction). ... View related article.
Do you mean monetary as an award? If so, Starbucks Gift Cards or Home Depot gift cards are popular. My parents were at a white elephant party and everyone was trying to "steal" the Starbucks gift card from each other. That's the one item everyone wanted. You can use it across the US. Or another idea is a VISA gift card obtained from banks. A gift card to restaurants like Olive Garden are nice too. ... View related article.
