Tag Archives: Granite Slabs

Beyond Granite Countertops: Other Ways You Can Use Granite

Many people use granite countertops exclusively on kitchen and bathroom counters. What most of them don’t realize is that granite is a highly versatile material and you can use it on a wide range of areas. Are you ready to go against the grain and use granite in innovative ways? Here are unique ways you can use granite:

Place granite on the basin or sink

A granite basin is not only elegant to look at, it’s also durable as granite is tough. Thanks to the many designs and options available, you can have basins of any design.

Have a chat with your contractor to install the countertop in your desired design depending on the size of the sinks and look you want to create.

Dining table

How many times have you visited a home and found a granite table? I bet rarely. The tough nature of granite makes it possible to design a sophisticated and low-maintenance dining area. You can make the table completely from granite or with just a granite slab counter.

Since granite comes in many colors, you can have a dining table with tuba or Santa Cecelia colors. It’s up to you to choose the one that is ideal for you.

Floor

A granite floor creates a beautiful, seamless look. You can install the floor with tiles of the same shade and pattern or one with contrasting colors to create a pattern. If you have an open floor plan, use stripes of a complementary color to mark the boundaries.

Since the floor is an integral part of the house, ensure that the installation is done by an expert who is highly experienced at it.

For you to maintain a great look, keep the floor clean. Sweep or vacuum the floor then follow up with a cleaner or hot water. Then mop the floor with a mop or towel. When the water gets soiled, change it.

Granite mosaic

Do you have small pieces of granite lying around? They are perfect for creating a mosaic. You can place the mosaic on the wall or floor. For quick and easy installation, glue it to a larger tile.

Desktop

A desktop made from stone creates a feeling of stability and wealth. In addition to the surface giving your house a high-end look, it’s also highly resistant to wear; therefore, you are guaranteed it will retain its color and look for years.

You can install the desk in the sitting room, bedroom, office, sitting room, or any other area you work on.

Accent shelves

If you have granite remnants that are large to make a mosaic, you can use them to make shelves that you can use to hold toiletries in the bathroom, add more storage space in the kitchen, or serve as mail station at the door.

For a great look, carefully cut the remnants and polish the edges. You should then work with a granite contractor to help you with the installation.

Create a lazy Susan

You can still use the granite remnants to create a matching countertop lazy Susan. A properly installed natural stone combines function with beauty where it improves the look of your house and at the same time makes it easy to access the important kitchen items. You can even use it as a serving station when having a party.

For you to create a perfect lazy Susan, ask a fabricator to cut the remnant into a circle then attach it to your desired area. The unit is easy to attach even with minimal skills, but for a perfect installation, have it attached by an expert.

Make kitchen accessories

Not everyone likes having a lazy Susan in their homes. If you are one of these people, you can use the remnants to make a wide range of kitchen accessories. One of the accessories you can go with is a granite trivet.

In addition to the trivet protecting the kitchen countertops from damage, it’s also beautiful to look at hence improving the look of the house.

Granite countertop installers Durham also advise that you consider making a cheese or cutting board with the remnants. When hiring the installers, ensure they have handled plenty of similar projects in the past.

Things You Didn’t Know About Quartz vs Granite

kitchen countertop replacement

If you are thinking about upgrading your countertop, then consider both quartz and granite. These two are totally different countertop surfaces. The granite countertops are made from the natural stone, while the quartz countertops are made from the engineered stone. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is good to understand the pros and cons of the either materials and then make the apt choice according to needs and requirements of your kitchen or bathroom.

A brief rundown of quartz and granite

Granite countertops are made from the big chunks of the rocks. After leaving the quarry, granite is cut, polished and shaped. The natural stone is processed to make it suitable for the domestic purposes. The granite has in-build quality of withstanding against moisture, heat and load. You just have to pay attention over granite sealing.

On the other hand, Quartz countertops are made from the combination of resin and crushed quartz. They can be manufactured in variety of textures and colors. They are not cut from the slabs, so quartz countertops are known as the manmade countertop surfaces.

In-depth look at the pros and cons of quartz

Engineered Quartz countertops are as strong as granite countertops, plus they are more flexible. This makes their installation process a lot easier, as compared to granite. However, they should be professionally installed.

Quartz is a non-porous material. Unlike granite, it does not require sealing ever. This material actually provides you a no-maintenance countertop surface.

Quartz countertops are quite durable. They can easily bear the load of heavy kitchen utensils and heat. However, you should not consider them as indestructible.

Quartz is a stain-resistant material as well. You can even clean the wine stains from it without going through a lot of fuzz.

In-depth look at the pros and cons of granite

The appearance of the granite is not uniform. Two granite slabs can be totally different from one another. This can be considered as benefit as well as drawback.

Granite countertops are quite expensive. Also, in order to find the quality countertop, you need to find the reputable granite contractor nc.

Granite slabs are quite heavy. You need to hire the professional for installation and the fitting of the countertop surface.

Interesting facts about kitchen countertops

best countertops

Kitchen countertop installation is a big decision, both in terms of longevity and cost of the material. There are so many types of countertop materials available today. Finding the apt countertop surface from the crowd of luring materials is not an easy task. However, it is important to pay attention while selecting the kitchen countertop. No matter you are looking material for kitchen countertop replacement or fresh install, your countertop will play an important role in building the look and feel of your kitchen. The better is your countertop choice, the more luxurious your kitchen will look.

Kitchen countertop choice

The role of countertop in kitchen is more functional then aesthetic. Along with look, you should consider other aspects while choosing the countertop material for your kitchen island. In order to install the best countertop in your kitchen, you must understand the pros and cons of various countertops.

Granite Slabs

Granite slabs are one of the most popular countertop surface options. These slabs look amazingly good and offer world-class working substance. Granite is durable, scratch resistant, heat resistant and germ resistant material. It can bear the daily wear and tear of the busy kitchens.

Pros:

  • Increases the value of kitchens
  • Look incredibly good
  • Come with little or no seams

Cons:

  • Requires regular sealing
  • Quite expensive

Quartz Countertop

Quartz is a perfectly engineered material for kitchens, especially commercial kitchens. This material is made up of f pulverized waste rock and resins. This material is ideal for kitchens because it has attributes of natural stone as well as manmade stone.

Pros:

  • Amazingly beautiful surface
  • 3D texture
  • High resale value

Cons:

  • Very heavy
  • Difficult to install

Solid surface countertop

Solid surface countertop is another manmade countertop material for kitchen. It is cost-effective, durable and beautiful countertop.

Pros:

  • Cheaper than quartz and granite
  • Small scratches can be sanded out with fine sandpaper

Cons:

  • Prone to scratching
  • Lifespan is shorter

Laminate countertops

Laminate countertops provide amazing look and feel. They are good for kitchens. This countertop surface does not require much maintenance.

Pros:

  • Inexpensive
  • Easy installation

Cons:

  • No re-sale value
  • Get chipped, cracked and damaged easily.