Granite Direct Blog
November 15 2018
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People who are about to purchase a granite countertop for their kitchen or bathroom, generally have a common question in mind- How much maintenance will it take to keep my new countertops in a good shape?
Granite countertops inherently make answering this question very easy:
They are a perfect combination of strength, durability, and toughness, and stay fully resistant to almost all stains, hot pans, liquid, and microbial growths.
So in regards to how much maintenance will be required, if you get granite countertops in your kitchen,... Read More
July 20 2016
Granite forms a major part of the Earth’s continental crust. It comes in many different colors, due to the composition of minerals within the different stones.
No two slabs are alike, making each counter-top something completely unique.
Granite is an igneous rock formed by the magma of volcanoes.
Granite is one of the hardest substances in the world. In fact, the only thing that is harder than granite is a diamond. This is what makes granite so sought after as a counter-top.
Granite is found all over the world and is one of the most common... Read More
July 02 2016
Igneous rock called granite, a mass composed mostly of silica and aluminum that makes up a large part of the continental crust, and comes in all the colors of the rainbow and signifies majesty and serenity. On the kajillionth day, or thereabouts, we mined that granite and we made countertops.
We laid those countertops in kitchens all across the land, in condos and co-ops, in Pittsburgh and Portland. Now that the entire United States has been good and covered, from slab to shining slab, we can take a step back and analyze the age of the granite... Read More
June 16 2016
One frequently asked question is about the struggle to find a sealer for granite countertops that most people feel comfortable using. Is there a suggestion for a green -- or greener -- sealer for this purpose?
There are two water-based sealers for polished granite countertops (and other natural stone) whose low concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) should put your mind at ease. The first is Sealer's Choice Gold from Aqua Mix, whose data sheet lists VOC concentrations of less than 0.01 grams per liter. And Universal Stone Sealer... Read More
June 03 2016
Geological Classifications
There are three basic classifications for natural stone: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of minerals from a molten or partially molten state. Mineral gases and liquids penetrate into the stone and create crystalline formations with various colors. Metamorphic rock is formed when heat, pressure or chemical reactions alter sedimentary or igneous rocks. The change may be a development of a crystalline formation, a texture change or a color change. Sedimentary... Read More
May 18 2016
Granite is one of the strongest, most attractive rocks naturally produced, which makes it valuable to builders and homeowners for a number of interior and exterior applications. Granite is used in projects to provide elegance and quality.
One of the most popular uses of granite is for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Homeowners like the combination of durability and aesthetic beauty. Granite withstands a great amount of pressure and force, which means it is difficult to chip or break. Also, each piece of granite is distinct, so homeowners get... Read More
May 02 2016
Granite Countertops:
Granite is a very hard substance and will take normal wear and tear very well. Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the placement of cooking vessels directly from the stove or oven to the counter top without damages. However, we still advise to use of trivets and heating pads. Granite is also scratch resistant. Although, we do not suggest using it as a cutting surface. Over time, repeated use as a cutting surface can dull the knife blade and finish. Nevertheless granite has proven to be very durable. You should... Read More
April 20 2016
How to pick a granite color to coordinate with kitchen cabinets. Compare the kitchen cabinetry, flooring and decor before making a granite purchase.
Granite comes in various mottled shades that could either work well with your cabinetry or be a total design flop. To avoid an expensive decorating mishap, you’ll want to coordinate not only the two materials but all aspects and features within your kitchen. Because there are endless combinations -- for example, wall color, flooring, window treatments and cabinet colors -- to synchronize, take a... Read More
April 06 2016
In the past, granite selections were limited to local quarries, but today's homeowner may purchase granite products from around the world. Incorporate this durable product into your home by adding granite countertops. The granite's pattern and color pulls together all the style components of your kitchen.
Gather All Materials
Making a good selection for countertops requires an eye for detail. Ordering a slab and hoping for the best is an expensive risk. When selecting granite, take color samples of the cabinet finish, wall paint, flooring and... Read More
March 14 2016
Selecting the best faucet for granite countertops, consider that granite countertop faucets are constructed the same as faucets for other countertop materials.
However, the mounting of a faucet in granite is different for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Typically, you will not find a wide flange to cover industry standard holes in sink rims.
With stone tops, properly sized mounting holes are bored into the stone when the tops are fabricated or during installation.
What you will find with faucets made for granite counters, a higher... Read More