While granite is an extremely popular material to use in the home – bathrooms, and kitchens, especially – much about this material is still a mystery. Here you can find some of the most common questions about this beautiful and durable material, which can help you make a decision regarding whether or not it is right for your home.
What Exactly is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone. It is composed of several different, large mineral grains that are tightly packed together. The primary components of granite include quartz and feldspar, with some other materials mixed in, such as muscovite and biotite. The major components of granite, quartz, and feldspar are harder than steel. This is why granite has been used as a building material throughout history. The minor components of granite, muscovite and biotite, provide the glittery look.
What Makes Granite so Popular?
Granite is the undisputed winner in the category of most popular kitchen countertop material. This is due to its superior durability and natural beauty. However, some of the other factors that make granite so appealing include:
- It is affordable due to the abundant supply
- Very little maintenance is needed
- Granite can outlast the life of a home
- It is stain, scratch, and heat-resistant
- The elegance of granite adds to the value of the home
What is the Origin of Granite?
Granite is naturally formed and is located all over the world. However, it is quarried in larger quantities in several countries, including China, Finland, Norway, Africa, Italy, India, and Brazil. Much of the desirable granite that is used for countertops in the United States is sourced from Italy, Brazil, and India.
What do You Need to Consider when Thinking about Buying Granite?
Granite is a creation of nature. As a result, it has a unique beauty that is seen in architecture throughout time. Since granite is made in nature, every piece is unique. That means there is no perfect match. If you are not familiar with this material, you may believe that the granite you purchase is going to look identical to the samples or pictures seen. While sample stones are used to represent the materials offered, the granite quarried at one time is often different in color and veining from the displayed sample. It is important to remember this when shopping for the material.
Is it a Good Idea to Use Granite for Kitchen Countertops?
Granite is considered the second hardest stone on earth. The majority of granite is not going to suffer etching due to common household acids or suffer scratches by pans, pots, or knives when used normally. As a result, it is great to use in the kitchen.
What is the Right Way to Clean Granite?
There are several cleaning products available on the market to clean granite. While these are popular, they are not necessary. In fact, using simple soap and water can work quite well.
What Finish Options are Available for Granite?
There are three basic finishes available when you install granite. These include:
- Leather/Brushed: This is a texture you can see and feel
- Honed: This is a matte finish
- Polished: This creates a shiny surface and is the most popular option
How Much Does Granite Weigh?
The weight of granite is approximately 16 to 17 pounds per square foot. This means that before you install granite countertops or anything else in your home, make sure you have a base that can support the weight.
If you are considering adding granite to your home, there is no question that it offers quite a few benefits. However, getting to know more about the material can help you make an educated decision about granite and if it is the right material for you.