Granite CountertopDurability of Real StoneHow Was Granite Formed
All the granite countertops on the planet were formed millions of years ago. Granite comes from igneous rock and was formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma or liquid rock. All granite is comprised of at least 80% quartz, feldspar, and mica. There are other minerals found in granite also, most notably muscovite, hornblende, pyroxene, and biotite.
Since granite is an igneous rock having come from magma it can take one of two forms; Extrusive meaning it pushed out through the earths crust, by way of a volcano causing it to cool quicker which created a finer grain granite countertop. This rock is known as Rhyolite. The second option is Intrusive igneous rock which is formed when the magma never reaches the surface. This causes the cooling process to be slower causing a courser grained granite countertop. These rock formations are known as Pegmatite. This is where veining takes place.
Block CuttingNow I can explain the process that the granite must undergo to get from the mountain to the showroom and then your new granite countertop. The granite is strategically drilled and then either dynamite is placed in the holes and discharged to free the block or steel cables place in the holes may be used to saw the blocks free into either square or rectangular blocks. From here the granite blocks are shipped to a processing plant.
The Processing Plant
Once at the processing plant two things will be done to the granite. First it will be cut into between 80 and 120 slabs simultaneously with a gang saw equipped with diamond blades. Each slab will be cut to either 7/8” or 1 ¼” thick slabs. The slabs will be cut into lengths between 5 and 10 feet in length. From here they are prepared for the second process, surface polishing.
Each slab now has two unpolished surfaces. The final process will polish one side of the slab. The process entails a machine equipped with brick pads that are used to grind down the rough surface. The bricks are changed during the process with progressively finer grit, each stage making the surface smoother. Once completed the slabs are shipped to the fabricators. Once At The Fabricators
Now your fabricator has two styles of granite slabs in their inventory. Consistent granite is what the name implies. It has a consistent grained surface. This product is the best choice for seaming since it will blend at the seam when cut a virtually any point.
The second style of granite called Variegated, will exhibit more pronounced movement or veining. Veining will have a predominately different color swirling pattern. This can be a desirable option as it creates that unique one of a kind look but one must accept that seams will more than likely be more obvious and it is common to require more product to cut and fit pieces so expect to pay more for a one of a kind Variegated top. If a Variegated top is in your future you will most likely become more involved in the slab selection process as typically no two pieces are exactly alike.
SlabThickness And Seams
Let’s talk about the thickness options of your new top. 7/8” slabs are easier to handle but will require a 5/8” plywood underlayment and if you want a full depth edge they will need to apply a 7/8” apron to the bottom of the edge before processing the edge finish. The full 1 ¼” slab does not need the addition of a plywood underlayment but because of the added weight special handling and installation requirements apply.
Once selected and templated your new tops will probably be cut to size with a CNC machine before having edge finishes hand routed on each surface. The final shop processes will be wet polishing followed by dry polishing and then most shops finish with a hand polish process. It is fairly common and as such one should expect a seam or two in their new tops and these will be finished during final installation. This is typically done with a hard drying epoxy to create an undetectable bond.
Simple To Take Care Of
After your tops are installed you will have very little maintenance to worry about. Granite has a very low porosity however it is advised not to leave spills for a long period of time as some residual staining might occur. Most fabricators will seal your surface before leaving but it is important not to coat your tops with any urethane or wax products as this will prevent the stone from breathing which might cause the stone to begin to deteriorate. All you should need to do is clean your tops with a mild soap and water solution and a regular basis.
Making use of this information will assure years of beautiful and durable enjoyment of your new one of a kind natural granite countertop set.
Return from Granite Countertops to Cabinets and Tops
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