Granite Counter Top:
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With a proven value over centuries of use, granite counter tops, floors, fireplaces, tub decks and walls, remain among homeowner's most desired features whether remodeling or buying.
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What's The Best Stone For Your Home?
Many options are available for beautifying your home with the long-lasting performance of natural stone. Like choosing a work of art, choosing a
natural stone is a personal decision based primarily on your tastes. It also depends on where and how the stone will be used-- kitchen counter tops or a bathroom vanity, wall cladding or floors, inside or outside.
While granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate and soapstone are all beautiful, some are better suited than others for a particular use.
Below you'll find granite counter top details and pertinent information designed to help you pick the perfect stone for your home project.
A Granite Counter Top is the Most Popular
Granite is the most popular natural stone and countertop material due to it's versatility and superior performance characteristics.In fact, granite was recently rated the top performing kitchen countertop material by a leading consumer magazine when compared with engineered stone (an excellent countertop material), butcher block, ceramic tile, stainless steel and other manufactured surfaces. It is also more hygienic (tied with quartz) than all other surfaces.
Extreme heat and pressure forged the quartz, mica, feldspar and other minerals into a very dense structure millions of years ago.
Over time, additional heat and pressure resulted in the myriad, fascinating combinations of color and pattern as well as the many outstanding qualities we know and love about granite.
Granite's innate ability to withstand constant abuse will impress you. A granite counter top is nearly impossible to scratch (you can cut your veggies, etc. on it if you don't mind dulling your knives), hot pots won't hurt it, bacteria and stains are not a problem under normal use and proper cleaning.
Most granite is naturally porous to a certain degree and thus susceptible to staining, however granite counter top care is hardly a concern and certainly not the problem or hassle that some in the industry would have you believe. Furthermore, there are several varieties of granite (especially blacks) that are so dense they simply will not stain and thus do not need sealing... ever.
Granite Counter Tops Colors & Patterns
From a design perspective granite is a dream. A broad spectrum of colors and an interesting array of patterns offer endless possibilities. And the choices are continually expanding as more countries and regions around the globe begin to explore their unique geology to bring new granites to market.Surface patterns typically will have a flecked or pebbled appearance which can vary in size and shape and in the density of the pattern depending on the particular mix of quartz, crystals and minerals that make up the stone.
The pattern can be highly structured offering a uniform
appearance over the entire countertop or the pattern may change continually, without repetition, called "movement".
Movement (on the right) is often desired for the organic and dramatic look it adds to your kitchen or bathroom design.
Remember, granite counter tops and other stones developed their color and pattern over millions of years of natural formation creating a surface that is truly unique.
So, it's never a problem finding a granite color or pattern that fits with your design. The trick is deciding which of the gorgeous granites you love the most!
Texture. As if the endless combination of colors and patterns weren't enough to choose from, you also have the texture or finish of your granite counter tops to consider.
The most popular is a polished surface, but granite counter top finishes also include honed, flamed and brushed.
You'll find more information about all of the above at our page on Granite Colors & Design.
Granite Tiles and Slab Sizes
Slabs for your granite counter top are cut from monolithic blocks and come in thicknesses of 2cm (3/4 inch) or 3cm (11/4 inch) or custom sizes. The 2cm is most commonly used and generally less expensive, but the 3cm is becoming more popular. It really just depends on the look you're trying to create especially concerning the edges and your kitchen cabinets.
A thicker slab gives you more options when choosing your edge profile/style.
Granite Tiles
are excellent for bath or kitchen flooring or anywhere else around the house inside or out. Also, a
granite tile countertop
will save you a bunch of money... up to 60%... while still providing the distinct look and desirable qualities of a full-slab countertop save a little extra grout maintenance.
Versatile, resilient and naturally beautiful, granite is an excellent surface for any project you're planning. No other natural stone or engineered stone can match granite's numerous and unique characteristics.
Consider the elegance of a granite for: kitchen counter tops, kitchen islands, outdoor kitchens, bathroom vanities and granite tile for: tub decks, shower surrounds, interior and exterior flooring, wall cladding and a granite tile countertop.
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