Helen K. Black 
Granite is a surprisingly-durable herbal stone that paperwork from within the depths of the earth. Quarries extract it as massive chunks of rock. From blocks, they turn these into slabs. A massive gang noticed carves through the large stone like a giant bread slicer. Once reduce, a particular system polishes the granites’ surface. In turn, this procedure brings out the stones’ full color.
What Does Granite Look Like?
Granite is to be had in a wide variety of colors and sample combos. It often is available in sunglasses of red, brown, black, white, and gray. Of route, there are different top-notch colors too, like green and blue. Most slabs seem with scattered black and grey specks on their floor. In a few stones, swirls and veins make up its appearance. And, some types have minute crystals that shimmer underneath the mild. All those variations are herbal and inconsistent. The numerous minerals that shape those rocks supply their precise colorations. Hence, no slabs are identical. As a result, this natural technique yields an honestly unlimited number of granite selections on the market.
But there is extra to granite than meets the attention. After all, it’s far a herbal cloth that has continued thru time. Many of our records’ majestic systems are a testimony to its strength. In specific, it forms some of the first-rate pyramids of Egypt. It makes up, too, the famous sculpture at Mount Rushmore. These, together with a few greater, prove that granite is in for the long haul.
How Tough is Granite?
So what makes granite a terrific countertop material?
For one, granite is difficult sufficient to withstand abrasion. It holds out in opposition to scratches from day-by-day kitchen arrangements. It is tougher than most kitchen utensils. And, consider it, or no longer, it’s miles more robust than your kitchen knives. Second, it’s far robust sufficient to bear large weight. It stays steadfast even in case you place many kitchen objects over it. It will neither bend nor wreck underneath normal kitchen use. Lastly, it is inert enough to resist weathering. Just like a diamond, granite is made of the steady strain underground. Hence, it withstands heat from hot pots and pans without soaking up damage. As such, it’s miles more secure to use than its synthetic counterparts with resin and polyester. Granite does not melt, warp or maybe change shade while subjected to high temperature. Furthermore, it holds its shape and luster even when uncovered to the factors.
For all its inherent strength, granite but isn’t always indestructible. Use it beyond its normal function, and it can destroy or chip like any piece of rock. A countertop is supposed to offer a work floor for the kitchen. So please do not take a seat or stand on the pinnacle of it. Use a stool whilst changing a mild bulb or attaining for the upper shelves. Also, do not drop heavy items on the slab. Any sudden effect may additionally harm its floor. Keep in thoughts that with proper care and renovation, your granite countertop can outlive the residence itself.
What are the Uses for Granite?
Apart from being a countertop fabric, it has several uses too. Granite is a top-notch surface for each interior and outdoors program. Polished, it makes beautiful flooring, walls, monuments, stair treads, and desktops. Its deep, herbal color provides elegance and warmth to any space. It works nicely with other substances, including metallic, glass, and wood. Hence, it complements any architectural fashion, be it rustic or contemporary. Textured, it’s far a reliable paver and pool coping that gives a non-slip finish. It is also beneficial for bathe floors and other high-moisture areas. Various surface completing, including flaming, bush hammering, and sandblasting, allows us to produce stones best for the outside. These help us make use of granites that greatly suits our layout and needs the feature.
How Much Does Granite Cost?
Here within the Philippines, a standard 3/four″ thick slab fees around Php2,000 to Php8,000, consistent with the piece. The unit price of granite consistent with square meter varies primarily based on the coloration. A lot of factors affect these charges. These include the stone’s starting place, grade, thickness, and measurement. And, like any other product, supply, and call for dictating the fees too. These factors best depend on the cost of the substances alone.
Keep in thoughts that the setup expenses one at a time. Your neighborhood supplier will charge you based totally on your mission’s diploma of trouble. Thus, assume to pay a bit greater if your countertop has a flowery side or plenty of cutouts. We recognize it is tempting to install it all through yourself. However, it needs to be achieved through an expert best. Granite setup requires ability, electricity, enjoyment, and a few specialized types of equipment. With DIY, the handiest way you can store money is in case you do it effectively. Otherwise, you may need to buy a slab replacement for you too, of the path cost you extra. Granite’s sturdiness makes it a lifetime investment. It is a one-time buy that allows you to serve its reason for a long time. Hence, it is a lot greater reason to have in your kitchen than changing a Formica every ten years.
How Do I Take Care of My Granite Countertop?
Some, but now not all, granites require the regular utility of stone sealer. Depending on the color of your granite countertop, you can (or might not) want to sell it a couple of times a year to protect it from staining. Even if your granite does now not require any sealing, it’s far constantly pleasant to use coasters and trays beneath glasses and bottles. Should any spill or drip occur, wipe them off right away. Always use a slicing board while cooking. Never reduce directly to your countertop’s floor as it will most effective dull your kitchen knife.
To clean, use a slight cleaning soap or a special stone care product and a tender, tidy material. Do now not use vinegar, ammonia, or bleach. Also, please keep away from acidic cleaners as they’ll wear off the carried-out sealer.
