Granite is tougher than most common countertop options like Formica, and it stands up well to regular wear and tears. Because granite is such a hard material, it resists scratches–cutting on it will damage your knives, but not your counters! Another advantage granite has over other materials is that it resists heat.
While more commonly associated with countertops and backsplashes, granite still makes a perfect flooring material. If you’re looking for something beautiful and durable, which will be an investment in your home and property, then granite would be perfect for you.
While more commonly associated with countertops and backsplashes, granite still makes a perfect flooring material. If you’re looking for something beautiful and durable, which will be an investment in your home and property, then granite would be perfect for you.
Granite is used in buildings, bridges, paving, monuments, and many other exterior projects. Indoors, polished granite slabs, and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads, and many other design elements. Granite is a prestige material, used in projects to produce impressions of elegance and quality.
Brightener, Filler, Pigment
Some Granite is extremely light and dark in color. These types of Granite are used to manufacture cobbles which are popularly known as. This is used as a porch aria for some other products.
The most common use of Granite that we can relate to is its use as a tombstone or cemetery markers. Now It is easy to cut and engrave on Granite.
When choosing a countertop surface for your kitchen, there are a lot of factors to consider. If granite has made it to the top of your list, read through the article below to determine if its advantages and disadvantages make it a good choice for your family.
Sustainability. Mother nature never stops working. So yes, granite is a “renewable” resource. However, since it takes thousands of years to create, many industry professionals do not consider granite a truly green product. It is important to note the stone industry has made huge strides in recent years to adopt responsible quarrying and production practices. Since granite countertops can last a lifetime, contain no harmful chemicals, and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses, they have a place in the green building movement.
Heat Resistance. Granite countertops will not melt or blister when exposed to heat. They are one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. If you take a hot pan out of the oven, you can place it directly on your countertop surface without any harm. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack.
Scratch Resistance. Granite scores a seven on Moh’s scale of hardness. This means that very few minerals are able to scratch it. You can cut on it, but it isn’t recommended since this will dull your knives and possibly leave a metal residue behind that can be difficult to remove.
Seams: In a typical kitchen, granite countertops will need to have 2-3 seams. Depending on the color of granite you choose, the average slab size will vary. A typical expectation can be set at 9 feet by 5 feet. Large islands can typically be done without seams. If you have an L or U shaped layout, expect seams where the countertops angle in a different direction. The good news is that many fabricators will mix custom color epoxy to adhere to the seams together which does a great job at disguising them. Expect the seam to be around 1/8-inch thick.
Undermount Sinks. Undermount sinks are common in granite countertop installations. This allows crumbs and spills to be wiped directly into the sink without being caught on the lip of a surface mount sink. You can consider using several types of sinks including cast iron, stainless steel, or solid surface. Fabricators will cut and polish the sinkhole to match the shape of your chosen sink.
Backsplash Options. Coved backsplashes that are common in laminate countertops are not available with granite. Typically, a separate 4” piece of the stone slab will adhere to the top of your countertop surface. Tile and full-height granite backsplashes are also used.
Repairs. Granite countertops should be repaired by a professional. It is rare to get a crack or chip in your countertops, but if you do, contact the fabricator who installed your countertops to schedule a service call. Most of the time, a color-matched epoxy can be used to fill the void and it will be virtually invisible. In a pinch, you can use superglue to fill a chip. If you use heavy cast iron pans, be careful when placing them into your under-mounted sink. The edge of these cutouts is the most common place to get chips. A more likely scenario, though, is to experience an increased number of broken dishes.
Sealing. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Being porous is not necessarily a bad quality. If liquids are left on the surface for long periods of time, they will eventually absorb. But just like they absorb, they will also evaporate. Depending on what the substance is that needs to be removed, you can apply different poultices to speed the process along. However, many will evaporate on their own without the use of chemicals or cleaning products. Other countertop materials such as solid surface and quartz surfacing are non-porous. There are things that can stain them though, such as permanent marker which can be removed from granite.
Maintenance. Granite countertops are considered to be alow maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Technology for sealers has come a long way over the years, and many will last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Simply apply the product and wipe off the excess. It is a good idea to ask your installer which sealer was initially applied and use the same kind to reapply. Some sealers don’t play nicely with each other and when mixed, can create a sticky mess.
Price. The average price for granite countertops in a typical kitchen is $3,000-$4,000. There are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than a high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options that will start at around $35-$55 per square foot. Do be careful when comparing pricing between different companies. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Your final quote should include material, fabrication, and installation.
Exotic Options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. As with most things in life, price is determined by supply and demand. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone.
Colors Available. With all-natural stones, including granite, we are limited to the colors and patterns mother nature produces. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of colors and patterns within the same color as the stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite is not considered one of the countertop surface options with a wide range of colors. You will find a wider range of options with laminate, solid surface, and quartz.
Stain Resistance. In general, darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. Lighter granites are more porous and may require multiple coats of sealer to be considered stain-resistant. Either way, if properly treated, granite is a stain-resistant countertop surface.
Genuine Natural Material. You buy organic food, right? Eliminating, or at least reducing, our exposure to chemicals and additives has proven beneficial to our health. Genuine natural stone including granite, marble, travertine, and others, is the “natural choice” for countertop surfaces. They are quarried from the ground and their natural state and sliced into slabs for use in your kitchens. Though quartz surface materials claim they are also natural stone, the reality is they are mostly resin, with a small percentage of crushed natural quartz.
Resistance to Chemicals. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material. Do be careful of repeated use, though, as some chemicals will wash away the sealer over time, causing the need for re-sealing before the recommended time when choosing a countertop surface for your kitchen, there are a lot of factors to consider. If granite has made it to the top of your list, read through the article below to determine if its advantages and disadvantages make it a good choice for your family.
- Granite Countertops and Islands:
Kitchen Countertops and Islands
Granite countertops are popular for many reasons. Granite is strong, easy to clean, heat, and water-resistant, and it’s sanitary. It used in both traditional and modern kitchens, large and small. Granite countertops and island tops also improve the look of your home. When cut, the edges are sharp and blunt and hence it needs chamfering, rounding at edges which are of course very costly process.
- Bathroom Vanity Tops:
Granite Bath Vanity Tops
Similar to kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops made from granite is an important material for the bathroom. Granite is resistant to water and mold, and also resistant to bacteria. It can shine and function just as well in a master bath. And the even look of a small bathroom improves with a granite bathroom vanity tops.
- Flooring:
Granite Flooring
There are various uses of granite i.e. walls or floors of your rooms, staircase, kitchen, bathroom, or other areas, but granite flooring is the perfect choice if you are looking for a smooth surface that looks good and works well in equal measure. It is available in a variety of colors which provide a better look that you need. Granite flooring is bacteria resistant and hence makes it a good choice for people who are prone to allergies. It resists high traffic areas. It is easy to clean and regularly sweeping and mopping will keep in good condition. When used in the staircase, 2 to 3 groves are cut to make it non-slippery.
- Backsplash:
Granite Backsplashes
Another way to use granite in your house is to use it as a granite backsplash. Granite is just as functional for a backsplash similar to the countertop. It creates an excellent barrier between your wall and water. Granite backsplash work great, whether you have a custom-fabricated countertop or install granite tiles by yourself. Using granite for both the countertop and backsplash improves visual continuity and saves your time and money.
5.Bathroom Sinks or Basins:
Granite Bathroom Basin or Sink
If you want to use granite in a different way other than a countertop, try a granite sink. Granite basins are available in different styles, i.e., pedestals sink, under-mount sink, or modern, angular basin. Granite sink comes with all the same characteristics you expect from granite countertops. The sinks are water-resistant and easy to maintain.
- Tabletops, Desktops, and Shelves:
Tabletops, Desktops, and Shelves
Granite is an elegant, natural stone, and it is perfect for tabletops due to its high strength and durability. Since it is so stylish, it is used in formal rooms like the dining area. It is durable enough for a busy kitchen. It also works well as a desk for a home office. It is also used for shelves in place of plywood and may avoid the danger of paste and remain maintenance free. As tabletop, they are easy to clean.
Granite Projects
When choosing granite for a new kitchen, take time over the choice, as it is an expensive purchase and one you will need to live with for a long time. It is advisable to consult with your interior designer who can liaise with the granite supplier on your behalf and advise you on color. Very often, the same type of granite will be different if it is not in the same batch so your interior designer will ensure the granite is from the same batch and the color is right for your kitchen project. Trends in kitchen design come and go, which can make your scheme dated very quickly so it is better to go for a timeless design to obtain the best value for your purchase. The granite worktop can include a grooved drainer next to the sink, which gives continuity and richness to the design.
Your granite will be in a single slab, which is polished and cut specifically to your requirements. When you buy granite for a kitchen worktop project, there may be offcuts from the factory process. Sometimes there may be enough pieces to make other home décor accessories such as shelves or a kitchen or home office computer workstation. Your granite supplier will be happy to help with any offcuts and cut them to size or custom make a piece for you. The most attractive and unusual computer workstations can be built of granite, which gives an interesting twist to a home office. Many homes have a computer in the kitchen and having a neat computer workstation in the same granite as the worktops is a neat solution.
Bathrooms are made for granite with granite tiles the ultimate in bathroom luxury. Toning or contrasting granite tiles on the floor and for a vanity unit gives an extravagant look, which is practical to the last. Again, consideration should be given to color and pattern as this is a look you will want to live with for a long time.
Fire hearths look fabulous when made form a piece of granite and a piece will be bought cheaply at a granite supplier that can be cut and polished to suit your project. Some exterior accessories made from granite can be brought inside for decoration, scan around any garden center for ideas such as granite balls, birdbath, and other decorative ideas.
The different types of granite give a palette of shades, some vibrant, some muted, and some so completely spectacular it is hard to comprehend the beauty. There is a stunning black granite called “Galaxy” which is highly polished in the finished article within the granite is sparkling flecks of gold which looks like a clear night sky. There is a granite color to suit everybody and to complement baths and kitchen units.
Browse around any granite supplier and see the true beauty of this material. Look at those offcut pieces and consider how they can be used for interior design projects. Even the smallest piece carved with your house name and number will look sensational.
Granite is easy to maintain and has an aesthetic appeal to it. Even though they are usually dark in color, they add much charm and sophistication to the exterior of the home. Granite wall cladding not only protects your home but also makes the house look trendy and elegant. Therefore Granite wall cladding is both, functional as well as a design component.
Granite colors that will turn your interior dazzling- When you go to choose material for your flooring or countertop. The first question that comes to your mind is what material should be suitable. Do you go with a cheaper option to save money? Do you pick something really trendy that you love right now, but might go out of style in a few years? Then you also have to think about how much maintenance your material needs and how well it will hold up with day-to-day use. It can feel irresistible and difficult to make a choice. You want something that will not only look great, but that will last for years.
Exterior Design You can use firm granite retaining wall in your home. If you have a tiny farmhouse, use granite for its utility room with a small kitchen attached. The exterior with the Mediterranean look can have granite elements with natural colors. If you reside in a cold place using granite for your exterior can be an excellent choice. Try implementing rustic design ideas with natural stone pavers. Granite can be used for paving an interesting way for the courtyard. Use painted brick, slate grey metal roofing, and granite headers. You can have a stone pathway through the concrete and a Mediterranean exterior with a stone veneer.
A combination of design Traditional grey exterior can add the finishing touch and tie kitchen into the house. You can have a modern patio with an outdoor kitchen. The kitchen can have a concrete base with a polished countertop. The combination of wood and granite looks very natural and adds depth to the exterior of the house. Bamboo flooring, limestone, and granite create a cozy interior. Go for the classic beige siding and granite patio. The combination of wood siding and hip roof can look classy. Try to use the contrast of exterior wall materials and windows. Black granite with white columns and trim looks artistic.
Appealing and Valuable Decomposed granite can create a neat driveway. The contemporary brick exterior is suitable for farmhouses and city homes. Cottages with stonework and columns can look very appealing and at the same time, it is of low maintenance. Granite column for the pool wall feature can create a bold statement at the front of your home. Granite has the potential that adds resale value to your house.
Fun and exciting Two storeys or three storey exterior with mixed siding can be used for the exterior design. Flat roof with rustic tile is a modern idea for your home. Try and add a little vibrancy to the traditional exterior. Think orange, bright red, magenta, or any bright colour that suits your taste and paint the main door with that colour. This defines the whole exterior design and adds the element of fun in the demureness of granite.
As far as the exterior of the house is concerned, granite gives you many options to play with the ideas and result in a beautiful project. You can opt for the more traditional or the modern look or can have a balanced exterior design where both traditional and contemporary designs play major roles.
BY BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP CONTACT US ON; 9672941111
