Granite Countertops - Classic Apart

By JD Theis

Granite countertops are placed at the top of the countertop market, which also has a number of other natural stones including marble, soapstone and limestone. There are other material countertops also such as concrete, wood, tile, stainless steel, terrazzo and epoxy. It is quite incredible that the ancient stone which was used to design the real size elephant sculptures of medieval Indian temples, the surfaces and floor veneers of ancient Egyptian pyramids, foundations for early 19th century homes in New England are being used for the modern monuments also. All this is the same stone which we use in satin-finished granite countertops for decorating our bathroom counters.

Granite countertops are distinctive due to the stone, but granite itself, though distinctive, is not particularly consistent. It is a crystalline rock which has a grainy appearance, and is available in an assortment of designs and colors. Granite makes the perfect material for a countertop since it is much harder than most other construction materials. While this quality makes it much more durable than its competition, it is also available in many colors and patterns, so much so that it is often said that no two granite countertops look the same. We have the option of choosing from the various kinds of granite, like square-edged or rounded, and also the high-gloss and the smooth kind of finishes.

When being installed, granite countertops are sealed with agents known as sealers. This sealing process prevents oil seepage into the stone, protects the structure of the stone, and the smoothness of its surface. Once installed, the crystals in granites structure reflect and bend the light in the room to create a surface of amazing beauty.

Granite countertops can also be used in bathrooms, kitchens and bars to make them more attractive. Unlike epoxy or laminates, plastic and wood, a well sealed granite surface can handle heat as well as moisture. Granite surfaces with glossy finished offer a bright atmosphere, and add class to a counter area. Satin finishes are more suitable for warm or private setting, like the bathroom and bedroom counter.

The installation of granite countertops is a tedious and precise process. A fabricator uses cutting and finishing machinery to create the desired shape from the granite slab, after which the edges are corrected using manual tools known as routers or grinders. We can then inspect the stone at the fabricators shop, where it is placed in its final position. It is after all this has been completed that the granite countertops can be installed on our counters by trained professionals, using specialized equipment, again. - 29958

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