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Granite Faqs
Solid, durable, natural, warm and beautiful are just a few words granite describe unique characteristics. Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma of the Earth, which is composed of quartz, feldspar, mica and a variety other minerals. Granite gets its name from the Latin word "granum" meaning grain, because it is coarse and is classified as such by mineralogists. This feature gives grained granite its unique texture.
Granite comes in a variety of colors including black based, red and yellow, where it formed. The different types of finishes also create unique pieces perfect for granite countertop surfaces distinctive.
Granite, like other natural stones like marble or limestone, is thousands of years old. Natural stones are porous, which means that if not properly sealed can be penetrated by water, oil and other liquids. Granite is the natural second hardest stone next to diamond. The granite is strong enough for everyday use, making it an ideal material for countertops.
Where does granite come from?
The granite comes from the depths of the earth and forms through a process that can take thousands of years. Over time, the liquid magma is forced between the layers of rock and when cooled forms a layer of granite. The granite takes on a crystalline appearance of mineral elements remaining after the cooling process. This process makes it extremely long granite on a rock hard and durable.
It lies on the continental crust earth, granite is the main rock beneath the thin sedimentary layer forms the continents and around the world.
Granite characteristics depend what part of the world was formed. Although granite is widely distributed throughout the world trade in general are made in Africa, Spain, India, Brazil, China and Norway. Surprisingly, experts are able to determine where a particular granite slab, wine based on its color. In most cases, red granite black is usually of a desert in Egypt or the United States, while the white with gray granite is often from China and blue granite is usually from the coast African.
The colors in the granite are influenced by the minerals in each slab. For example, quartz adds a milky white, while contributing to a feldspar blue or green colored granite.
Can you tell me something about the granite quarries?
The granite is mined in quarries, that are large pits or excavations. The direction in which the granite is the easiest to break determines how a quarry will be presented in order to get as much possible granite.
In most of the quarries around the world, diamonds are used to cut granite, because the diamond is the hardest stone than granite only.
The next step in the quarrying of granite is cut into desired sizes, usually made with wire saws. If the granite will be used for countertops, is cut and polished in appropriate sizes and shapes.
What are the different types of granite counter tops?
surfaces granite can be finished in a variety of shapes, polished, honed, flamed or polished, each with their own look and unique texture.
A polished finish is more common due to key factors. Polished finish give your home an elegant and formal. This finish is also a great option, especially for kitchens, because it is easier to maintain than other finishes and shiny highlights the color of your granite. Many people describe as a mirror polished finish.
Polished finishes becoming more popular for granite countertops. This finish is soft, but less bright polished finish and gives your home a more causal and contemporary feel. A Polished finishes drawback is that it is known that more spots than others. But do not let that stop you from choosing a polished finish, if you make an effort to clean and care their desks, you should be fine. Some sealers and treatments will also help keep your countertops honed stain free. As with all granite countertops and finishes, perfected counters are durable and will last a lifetime.
flamed finishes are done by exposing the stone to intense heat followed by cooling immediately. This exposure causes granite to melt, and break some windows in the process, leaving the large granite surface texture. flamed finishes are usually observed in industrial, but also are a good choice for countertops in your home. flamed finishes are the perfect solution if you need a slip resistant surface.
brushed finish (also known as aged finishes) are created by brushing the surface of the granite for a worn-in look. This finish gives a dramatic touch desks.
How do I best maintain granite countertops?
Originally Once sealed, granite is easier to maintain. The initial seal is necessary because granite is porous and stains easily without it. After sealing, granite is protected and ready to use. Note that you will need to reseal your granite at least once a year. This can be done alone or by a professional, but will ensure that your granite will remain stain free. If a spill occurs, before cleaning the stain has a chance to penetrate the surface. Granite is a little absorbent and can absorb stains if spills are left for long.
In general, you can clean your granite countertops with a mild soap and a soft, clean cloth. Consider using a disinfectant cleaner made specifically for granite. With increasing popularity of granite countertops, this should be easy to find. Regular use of cleaning chemicals on your desk will pull the board and leave the porous surface of granite exposed. Do not be afraid to call your local stone dealer for suggestions on maintenance, care and cleaning.
Granite countertops can be repaired?
In most cases, if the granite is cracked, will have to be completely removed and replaced.
What is the life expectancy of granite?
When you enter your home granite is not only thousands of years, but probably will last another thousand years. For starters, the granite is hard. It stains, scratches and resistant to heat, to name some of its impressive features.
Experts say the use of granite countertops as a cutting board, not harm at the counters only overshadow their knives, and unless you try cutting granite with a diamond or break it with a mallet, not crack or break. You can also withstand temperatures up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit (482.22 degrees Celsius) without causing damage. These are just some of the reasons why the granite countertops can last a lifetime.
Granite not add value to my home?
The natural stone countertops, especially granite, add more resale value of your home than any other material. Second Instead, granite countertops last a lifetime, which means that after the initial installation costs (with the proper care and maintenance) that never needs be replaced.
If set out in granite countertops, but still has concerns about the costs there are several ways to reduce spending. One possibility is the choice of granite on the place from where it was imported. For example, some experts say that the granite imported from Italy tend to be buying the most expensive option, while the choice of granite imported from China can save you money.
Even granite countertops, if they remain outside their price range, there is still hope for the future. As with any product, as its popularity increases and extends the use, the price is usually low. Moreover, with new quarries are discovered each year, growth options to keep prices down.
What I can choose colors?
Granite is not only a perfect material for countertops because to its durability, but also for its aesthetic appeal. Granite can be elegant and luxurious, contemporary or casual, depending on the color and finish you choose. In addition, no matter what you seem to go with, you will be lucky to have counters that will last forever and never boring.
Today there are many granite colors to choose imported from all over the world. Each piece of granite is unique, no two slabs will never be identical. From the green, blue and black to pink, white and yellow the options are endless. Paving patterns also vary – some are large and complex designs and movements, while others are more subtle.
So what color will you choose for granite in your home and what effect it will create? Here are some of the most common colors and basic styles.
Brown and Beige - These neutral colors easily complement other colors in the kitchen or bathroom. They are the most popular options, providing a comfortable viewing and traditional.
Yellow and Gold – Countertops illuminate and heat a room. Gold tops also add warmth, along with a style luxurious and rich.
Red – Granite can create a feeling romantic and surprising. Reds will also attract people to the room and spice in the home environment.
Black - Provides a modern and clean and elegant. Black granite countertops may be smooth or may enter interesting patterns and additional colors.
Blue and Green – These colors are very vibrant and lively. Bright green and blue can give your room rare and exotic feeling. These colors are commonly found in mixtures with other colors from white to red to black.
White - Depending on how the rest of the room is decorated, white granite can provide a comfortable and relaxing feeling, or a more modern and elegant. White games with almost all other colors and may make small rooms appear more spacious.
How I can install granite countertops?
Countertops Granite must be installed by a professional. Despite hiring someone to install your countertops is added to the cost of the project, in the end, it's worth having a job well done. Installing granite countertops incorrectly can cause serious problems and, possibly, the need for replacement.
What are the changes thickness between the plates of granite? Among the different granite materials?
Granite comes in a variety of thicknesses. The most popular is a thickness of 3 cm (1-1/4 "), But is also available in a thickness of 2 cm (3 / 4"). The weight of a slab is approximately 12 to 13 pounds per square foot in the thickness of 2 cm and 18-19 pounds per square foot of 3 cm thick. A roof slab 8 feet 3 inches thick weighs between 144-152 pounds. The thickness may vary along the slab to + / – 3 mm. Due a thick granite is not uniform across the slab, installers compensate for variations with additional support. Laminate is usually 1 / 8 "thick panels attached to the usual a ¾ "thick wood product. solid surface material is available in three standard sizes ¼", ½ "or ¾" thickness. Soapstone is usually 1-1/4 "thick, marble 1-3/4" to 2 "concrete 1-1/2" to 2 ", and engineered stone comes in 1-1/4 "thick.
I'm ready to buy my granite! What is the first step?
Although you can start looking at granite color samples online or in a brochure, we recommend that you go see your options in person before making a decision. This is important because the granite colors often look different in person in the photographs. The most common site to see samples of granite is in a warehouse wholesale granite.
Be sure to see the granite samples adequate lighting. Also, if your kitchen remodeling, you may want to bring a kitchen cabinet door or a sample to match with granite.
Seeing the granite in person, you know exactly what it will look like at home. Some providers even let you choose the exact slab be installed in your home! Remember that granite is likely to last a lifetime, so take your time and enjoy the process.
About the Author
Express Countertops is Maryland’s single-source provider of all types of countertops. We carry ALL of the major brands, including Formica and Nevamar laminate countertops, Corian and Avonite solid surface countertops, Silestone, Zodiaq and Avonite manufactured stone countertops, and genuine granite and marble countertops. And best of all – we will install your new countertops in 1 week – guaranteed!
