Having been a part of the stone industry for 18 years I am still feeling the excitement and energy of learning about stone. Seeing new colors, new techniques and more countries becoming involved in such a unique industry encourages that excitement. When challenged with the question why granite? as opposed to any other surface, a thousand reasons raced through my mind and I thought (out loud), given the choice, who wouldn't choose granite?'.
The fact is many people don't select granite for their countertops. Many choose manmade surfaces known as Solid Surface such as Corian, Gibraltar, and Surrell which are actually plastics. These materials will scratch, but because they are so soft, you can repair them by sanding the surface. However, over time repeated sanding will dish your countertops. When considering Solid Surface keep these things in mind:
-There are about 125 different colors to choose from.
-Solid Surface will burn. You cannot move a hot pot directly from the oven or stove on to your countertop.
-Because it is a softer material, you may save a glass or two.
-This is the only material that appears seamless. The seams will be less noticeable than either granite or engineered stone.
-It will stain. However, abrasive cleaners should be able to remove most stains.
-The seams will be less noticeable than either granite or engineered stone.
-Available in a matte finish only.
-Solid surface will not harbor bacteria; bacteria do not eat plastic.
-Cost: Low end is $35-50 per square foot, and can run up to $85 per square foot.
Natural Stone Counters High Point , Natural Stone Counters Knoxville, Natural Stone Counters Destin
There is another manmade countertop surface known as Engineered Stone. These products include Cambria, Zodiaq, and Silestone, to name a few. Engineered Stone is a resin-based quartz material manufactured to imitate natural stone. Each manufacturer of engineered stone produces their own color pallet of approximately 35 colors. When considering Engineered Stone for your countertops keep these things in mind:
-Engineered stone is harder than plastic, however it can scratch.
-Seams are more evident than solid surface (if seams are an issue for you)
-It has a stain resistant surface.
-Because it is harder than plastic, it may cost you to replace a glass or two.
-Because it is a resin based material, a hot pot directly from your oven or burners will affect this material. You should let your pan cool for a few minutes before placing on countertop.
-Available in matte and semi-gloss finishes.
-Engineered stone will not harbor bacteria; bacteria do not eat resin.
-Cost: Low end is $45-60 per square foot, and can run up to $100 per square foot.
Granite is a natural product. There are approximately 400 different granite colors from which to choose. When considering natural granite for you countertops consider this:
-Granite will not burn. You can set pots directly from your oven or stove onto your countertops.
-Since it is the hardest surface, you may have to replace a glass or two.
-It is not a high maintenance product. It only requires sealing every 1-5 years, which makes it a stain resistant surface.
-Spots that occur from food and liquid can be removed. There are products on the market specifically to do just that. Available at stone specialty stores and from any stone professional.
-Granite in a kitchen application will not scratch (the only things harder than granite are not typically found in a kitchen).
-Available in polished, honed, brushed and antique finishes.
-Granite does not harbor bacteria; bacteria do not eat stone.
-Cost: Low end is $40-65 per square foot. High end is $75-100 per square foot. Exotics $100 and up.
Natural Stone Counters Jacksonville, Natural Stone Counters Savannah, Natural Stone Counters Birmingham
So what is so special about granite? My simple answer is every single piece. Whether it is a slab, tiles or any other dimension, you will not find two pieces exactly the same. Because granite is extracted from the earth in its natural form, each piece represents the earth's formation at that particular place in the landscape. This is what makes up the look of natural stone. The movement, veining, size of crystals and colors are geographically unique to the history of that region, the climate's cycles, and the shifting of the earth's surface. Granite is millions of years old. I'm sure if those crystals could talk, wed hear quite a story-probably stories of dinosaurs and mammals, volcanoes and icebergs, pyramids and kings, earthquakes and tsunamis. How cultures began and how our ancestors survived. Without question, granite is durable.
Do you have a favorite place in the world? Maybe you've been there. Maybe you're from there. Maybe it's the state you live in. When you select granite for your home, you have the opportunity to express yourself. Through history or geography or just feeling passionate about the colors themselves, granite can be your keepsake of a place that holds true to yourself.
Granite's hardness and porosity vary depending on the region they are from. Some are very hard and dense and some are not as hard and are more porous. When you apply a penetrating repellent known as a sealer, the pours of the granite absorb the liquid which in turn repels food and liquids from penetrating the stone. This is as easy to do as applying furniture polish to your wood. It does not coat the stone, it is absorbed by it. This is the only maintenance required for your granite countertops. The hardness of your granite and the type of repellent you choose will determine if you need to seal your stone once a year, every 5 years, or anything in between. Sealers are available through any stone professional or retail store specializing in stone.
Granite slabs come from blocks that when excavated from the earth are cut into either a 2cm (3/4') or 3cm (1 ") thickness. Since the blocks usually range from 7' in length to 1' in length, the slabs sizes will range as well. If seams are an issue for you, keep that in mind when you make your slab selection. Good fabricators and installers are craftsmen. Often times the seams or joints are so tight they are difficult to notice. Often the movement in the stone overshadows the seam, and often the slabs will be large enough that a seam or joint is not required. Not all fabricators are craftsmen, so ask for references.
There are literally hundreds of granite colors to choose from. The prices are as varied as the colors. Availability, color, and country of origin are major factors that affect the price of granite. Many granite colors are offered at the same price, or sometimes less than manmade products. The natural movement, colors, and crystals of granite are properties that even though attempted, can be unmatched by any man made surface. My true appreciation for natural stone is apparent, but the choice is yours.
Natural Stone Counters Atlanta, Granite Countertops in Alpharetta
