Combining elegance and endurance, granite is a tough natural stone that offers both visual and long-lasting practical benefits for residential and commercial spaces. It’s an igneous rock, which means that it is the result of liquid magma cooling over the course of millions of years, while holding in mineral elements such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, among others. Its natural origins give granite its distinctive appearance along with a range of other beneficial characteristics. Here are some of granite’s best qualities:
Natural beauty
The range of mineral elements that make up granite give it its unique and varied coloring. Sourced from various regions around the world, granite is available in an earthy spectrum of colors and features speckled and densely patterned surfaces. Both decorative and subtle at the same time, this natural stone will take your interior or exterior design project to the next level. A stunning choice for tiles, pavers, and wall cladding, granite is usually polished on one side, rendering the familiar gloss by which it’s popularly recognized
Durability
Since granite is made under the earth’s surface from exposure to intense heat and pressure, it’s one of the hardest substances on earth. Along with contributing to its natural beauty, the elements that make up granite also act as stabilizing agents. Because it’s incredibly strong, granite is a great choice for areas with heavy foot traffic and locations where abrasion and high heat are the norm, like in kitchens for instance.
Highly Resistant
The use of granite for countertops, vanities, and accompanying backsplashes in both kitchens and bathrooms has been popular for quite some time – with good reason. Along with its stunning appearance, it offers superior resistance to metal abrasion, impact, and as mentioned above, heat. If it’s properly installed and sealed, granite also offers moisture resistance, serving very well in bathrooms as vanity tops.
Quick Granite Buying Tips
Once you’ve made your decision to go with granite, it’s important to consider your installation location. Take a look at all of the factors which are likely to have an impact on your surface and consider them before you make your purchase. These include:
- moisture levels
- the suitability of your proposed substrate
slip-resistance
- requirements (granite stone can be slippery when wet)
Along with picking out your preferred color of granite, you will need to choose a size and format. Available in slabs, tiles, and pavers, granite is also available in precut modular countertops. As far as tiles go, popular sizes include 12”x12” and 18”x18”.
No matter what format you choose, it’s always advisable to order a bit extra to account for damage like chipped edges. Ordering 10% extra is standard for granite.
About Installation
Another thing to consider when planning your granite project is whether you are going to hire a professional installer or not. While it might cost you more initially, hiring an experienced professional can make sure that the material is installed correctly and will therefore be a lasting investment for your property.
Conclusion
Granite is rightly sought-after as a tried-and-tested natural stone building material. Offering lasting strength and style, it will also add significant resale value to your home. Delivering a high-end look and long-term durability, granite is definitely worth considering for your next renovation project.
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