When it comes to a big home improvement project, chances are your eyes are firmly set on the final prize. It’s hard not to get excited about what everything is going to look like when it’s all said and done. What starts out as a creative vision quickly gets broken down into construction steps and logistical maneuvers and planning. Between picking out color palettes, new appliances or accent pieces, some important details can inevitably get lost along the way. When this begins to happen, it’s important to slow down and start at the very beginning, especially if your renovation involves some major features.
If you’re planning on replacing, redoing or switching out large features like laminate countertops for granite, it’s important to step back for a minute and look at the source. Especially if you’re working on a budget, understanding where your replacements are coming from can give you insight into pricing and value. Taking a minute to find out where your new products are coming from can help you plan financials and also appreciate the work and travel that has gone into the stunning surfaces you’re installing in your home. Valuable features in your home inevitably have a story behind them. Granite tends to carry with it a story of quality, hard work and dedication that shows in the final product. Being able to see and understand the path your granite takes to get to your home can be an exciting and valuable story to be told!
Where granite is sourced?
Granite is a unique stone in that it is found in a variety of beautiful hues and patterns right in nature! For this very reason, granite is sourced in giant slabs and then shipped off to a number of different manufacturing locations to be sized, smoothed and sealed into the countertops, backsplashes, tiles and vanity tops that will grace your home with quality and durability. Harvesting granite is a precision-based project that takes a team of professionals to complete successfully. Between taking granite slabs from the ground, shipping to manufacturers and then to individual stores, granite takes quite a trip from its original location to your home.
How harvesting affects price
What began as a mass of molten rock millions of years ago, is today the pressurized granite that companies source and customers love to purchase for its value and extremely high quality. Granite is found and harvested around the globe, with the primary hubs for sourcing tending to come from Brazil, Italy, India, China, Spain and Africa. Each of these locations offers up a unique blend of granite colors, patterns and stylized speckling depending on how the granite was formed in the ground over time.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that all granite comes from across the sea. In fact, there are a large number of companies that source granite within the US. In fact, one of the largest granite quarries in the nation is found right in North Carolina. In many cases, the store you purchase your granite from will most likely be working with manufacturers both locally and internationally.
No matter where you get your granite from, you’re guaranteed to end up with a high quality and durable product. However, the distance granite travels to get from its sourcing point to your kitchen could slightly affect cost. For example, a very particular black granite that’s important from Brazil will most likely cost slightly more than a locally purchased granite, as international sourcing, shipping costs and fees must all be taken into account. If you’re working on a budget, understanding where your granite starts could be helpful in deciding how to stick to your financial limits.
Does it matter where it comes from?
Whether your granite is coming from Europe, Africa, South America or North America, the final product is going to be worth your time and investment. Granite as a surfacing material is the best on the market. Water resistant, durable against abrasive materials and beautiful in color and tone, granite countertops in your home provide the quality and aesthetic appeal you desire.
In addition, supplementing other countertop material in your home with granite can only increase your home’s overall market value. Granite carries with it a reputation for high quality and sophistication. It’s definitely something prospective homebuyers look for in a residence, and can be a big boost for you when you’re looking to sell.
That being said, understanding the story behind your granite countertops also adds value to your home, whether you’re looking to sell, or just looking for an incredible conversation starter. Being able to tell a realtor or your friends that your particular stone made its way to your kitchen from Italy can be a great way to open up a conversation and add intrigue to your interior design features.