What is Granite?

Granite is a natural crystalline ingenious rock composed mainly of feldspars and quartz with minor amounts of mica and amphibole minerals.

The word granite comes from the Latin word granum which means grain in reference to the coarse-grained structure of the a crystalline rock.

Granie began as a hot, 1400 degrees Fahrenheit, mass of magma or molten rock. The magma rose upward and came to rest and solidified into granite. The granite has been pushed upward and as a result the granite deposits lie just beneath the earth's surface where it can be easily quarried. Granite is widely distributed throughout the continental crust of the Earth and it is the most common igneous rock found at Earth's surface.

Granite is mostly mined in India, Brazil, China and some European countries. First, blocks of granite are removed from the rock. Next, the blocks are cut with a gang saw or diamond wires to get a uniform slabs. Diamonds are used to cut granite because it is the only material strong enough to cut the tough granite.

Granite has a capability to bear extreme temperatures. All kinds of hot utensils and cooked foot can be kept on a granite surface and it remains completely unaffected. Granite is extremely durable, very heavy and it is the hardest rock on the planet, it is harder than steel.

Granite has a lot of good properties that includes a distinct color patterns, durable, heat and scratch resistant. As a natural material it is found in a variety of colors and each granite stone is different from the next.

Granite is extensively used in many construction projects, all types of housing, commercial and public buildings. It is used to make cuntertops, tiles, statues, cemetery monuments and other products. Granite is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops because it is cost-effective, durable, aesthetic and easily available.

How to transport granite countertops

Once granite countertops are installed, they are nearly indestructible, but in transit, granite is quite fragile. Most granite shops provide installation services that include transportation. Handy homeowners can save money by installing the counters themselves. With the right equipment and preparation transporting granite can be effortless.

Granite is a rigid, natural stone. When properly supported, it is sturdy and resists cracking. Cabinets provide equal support under the counter, evenly spreading the weight. Without this support, granite is susceptible to cracks. Like glass, granite is transported vertically on its edge. If granite is laid flat, it will likely crack over bumps in the road.

To support the stone, professional installers use A-frames, wooden structures in the shape of the letter “A.” Leaning the granite against the slope of the “A” gives it even support. A-frames are built with 2”x4”s at a 10 degree angle. Horizontal and vertical supports connect the two A-frames and provide a surface for the clamps and straps that hold the granite in place. Placed in the bed of a pickup truck, an A-frame can support enough granite for a large kitchen. However, smaller A-frames can be built to fit in a van, SUV, or trailer. Many granite shops have A-frames and clamps available for a returnable deposit.

Most granite counters have a cutout for the sink. Under-mount sinks, which are the most common, require a polished cutout that is safe for transport. However, other cutouts are vulnerable to cracking. Cook tops, drop-in sinks, and faucet holes may crack on the road. For this reason, your granite shop may advise you to cut these holes at the installation site.

For small bathroom vanity tops, it may be possible to transport granite without an A-frame. The same principles apply: the granite must be vertical on the unpolished edge and must be secured to keep it in place. Rest the bottom edge on a flat, even surface. If possible, put down the back seats. In minivans and SUVs, one of rear seat may be put down while the remaining seats are used for a support surface.

Due to liability concerns, granite shops are often unable to load the granite into your vehicle. Two people can carry most counters, so you should bring a friend to help with loading. Like in the car, the granite should be carried vertically. Lift both ends at the same time to ensure even support. Inspect the granite carefully before loading it into your vehicle. Once the counters leave the shop, they become the liability of the homeowner.

Home installation is a great way for do-it-yourselfers to save money on granite counters. With an A-frame, clamps, and the proper vehicle, homeowners can transport their granite without hassle.

Granite countertops order process useful tips

How to make the granite purchase process and to keep your counter tops looking beautiful for years to come.

When you will be selecting a slab keep in mind that slabs vary in size. Your counter top may be longer than the length of the slab. In this case it may be necessary to seam your counter tops together. This is fairly common. The effectiveness of the color match of your seam varies depending on the color pattern of the stone selected. Our artisans do the very best to hand match the seam color to your stone. Some variance can be expected.

Another thing to consider when choosing material is that some stone has natural fissures in it. These are perfectly acceptable and should be of no concern. Please note that fissures are different than cracks. Crack is a long break thru the stone and the stone countertops can split. Cracks are not acceptable and should be pointed out at the time of installation. Not all stones have fissures, if you are concerned that the stone you have chosen may have these, let your customer service rep know and they will be happy to clarify this.

Granite is not indestructable. Not often, but sometimes when cutting or during the install process tiny chips pop out of the bottom edge. If this should occur, this is commonly corrected with epoxy and should not be very noticeable.

There are a few things you can expect during and after your installation. Granite blocks are cut into slabs in many countries and different equipment is used to cut the slabs. Because of this you cannot expect each piece to be exactly an inch and a quarter thick. When installed this thickness variation is compensated. Overall, you can expect the top surface of your counters to be level in accordance with granite industry guidelines.

If we measure your countertops, please make the countertops accessible for easy measure. Your existing counters must remain completely free of appliances and other items in order to get a precise reading.

Before we come to install, please make sure that your cabinets are empty. This will aid the installers and guarantee that nothing of value will be damaged.

Finally, when we come to install, we are there to complete the job. You should take the time to make sure that you are satisfied with the final project. Sometimes other contractors make chips when they are finalizing their plumbing or tile jobs. If this is noticed at a later date it may become difficult to determine who did it. This is why we will have you sign a job approval after our work is complete.

Remember that you should never clean your granite with any harsh chemicals, as this may compromise the finish of your tops. Clean surfaces with neutral, mild household cleaners, few drops of Murphy's Oil Soap®" and warm water or use natural stone care products. After your countertops are sealed, you can clean them with dry clean cloth after two hours but do not clean them with any liquid for 24 hours.

Stone characteristics vary from color to color. Because of this, there is no “real” schedule for sealing. Basically, if you should ever see your stone absorbing water then your granite should be sealed. The sealer can be purchased at our shop or most hardware stores. Before sealing, make sure your counters are clean and dry. Following these rules will ensure that your granite stays beautiful.

Hopefully this helped clarify the install process. Additional information can be found on our website, or you can contact a customer service rep. If you have any questions or concerns, let us know.

Granite Countertops Installation Guidelines – Do It Yourself

Tools required:

- Straight edge

- Spirit level

- Tri-square

- Drill bits with suitable drill for granite

- Suitable saw (Hand held) for granite

- Jig Saw (for wood)

- Polishing heads

- Adhesive (Akemi, Araldite, Polyurethane glue)

1. Prepare the base: The existing cabinets should be firmly fixed in place before the installation of a granite countertop. Use a tri-square to ensure the cabinet corners are square and level by using a spirit level.

2. Make the sink cut-out: The cut can be done for a drop-in or undermount sink. The undermount sink cut should be done prior to the installation of the slab on the cabinet. Mark the granite surface using the manufacturer’s template and leave sufficient margin from the front / rear edge.  Cut the slab along the mark, having first set the granite slab on a work bench. Ideally, cutting the granite slab should be done while outside to avoid excess dust. 

3. Lay the granite slabs – Once the base cabinets are laid out and secured, you are ready to do the installation of the countertop slabs. Place the slab on the cabinet and align it square to the front end of the cabinet. Check the level and make adjustments, if required. Remove the slab, apply glue to the cabinet frame, then place the slab on the cabinet and let it set. Make adjustments before the glue hardens. Continue the installation of the other slab by selecting the most suitable piece.

4. Butt the seam joints – Thoroughly clean the edges that are to be seamed. Ensure that the edges are straight and square to the slab. Prepare epoxy and add a small amount of color to match the color of the granite and mix it. Add hardener, 3 percent hardener to 97 percent resin, and mix. Properly align the edges and surface of the two sections and tightly butt the slabs. Use clamps to bind the two slabs together during the hardening process. Once the glue has hardened, remove any excess adhesive with a razor blade and clean the surface at the joint with acetone or mineral spirit.

5. Seal the Countertops: After the installation is complete, the surface should be sealed to protect the countertops from staining. Apply the sealer on the top surface and allow the granite surface 10 minutes to absorb it. Clear the excess sealer with a clean cloth, following manufacturer’s recommendation where applicable. Apply a second coat to protect the granite surface if desired. For preventative maintenance, sealer for granite countertops should be applied every 1-2 years depending on usage and wear. Using a water-based sealer will aid in resisting oil and acidic stains without changing the appearance of the granite countertop. This will help to simplify maintenance.

Kitchen Countertops Comparison

Laminates (Formica): Made of synthetic material, a thin layer of plastic that is glued to particle board or wood. Acrylic or Polyester Plastic (Corian etc.) Unlike laminates acrylic and polyester plastics are homogenous throughout the material. They come in polished or matte finish. Often more expensive than granite.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- Low cost - Numerous colors - Easy upkeep - Stain resistant - Seamless - Many colors - Easy to clean	- Scratches easily - Not heat resistant - Wrapping occurs from prolonged wetting - Hard to be repaired once chipped - Scratches easily - Hot pots melt surface - Expensive - Plastic unnatural appearance - Synthetic material

Tile: Tile countertops come in an arrangement of sizes from 1 inch to 24 inches. Average handy homeowner can install it.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- Stain resistant - Heat resistant - Scratch resistant - Endless patterns and designs	- Not a smooth surface - Chips easily - Tiles have grout lines that must be cleaned regularly so they don’t stain or trap harmful bacteria

Concrete: Made of cement, sand, pigment and other additives such as fiber enforcement and acrylic. The counters can be pre-cast to fit a mold or cast on site.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- Textured look - Easy to be shaped - Heat resistant	- Must be sealed properly to resist stains and water damage - Needs occasional waxing to prevent stains - Cutting on it will leave marks

Engineered Stone (Zodiac, Quartz, Silestone, etc.): Made of natural quartz, sands, epoxy resin and pigments. Product that tries to simulate granite, marble or travertine.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
-  Available in a variety of colors - Scratch resistant - Uniform pattern	- Very controversial regarding hazardous toxins that are thought to be omitted during fabrication - Fairly new and hasn’t stood through the test of time specific ally for scratches and stains - Tolerate moderate temperatures only for a brief time - Costs more than granite

Granite: Made entirely of natural materials, mass of magma or mollen rock. Granite is the most durable, chip and scratch resistant material. Granite is easy to clean and maintain and become affordable. No other material lasts longer or looks more elegant
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- Heat and scratch resistant - Stain resistant if sealed properly - Low maintenance - Extremely hygienic - Wide selection of colors and patterns - Natural	- Sealing is recommended for maintenance once a year. This prevents potential stains from oil and wine - Hard surface, if you drop a glass would break - Granite does not have a uniform pattern or color. The patterns occur naturally but are considered to be part of the beauty of stone

Stainless Steel: Sheet metal is mounted to a plywood and usually reinforced with sound deadening coating.
Advantages:	Disadvantages:
- Heat proof - Stain resistant - Easy-to-clean - Hygienic	- Can scratch easily - Over time it will dent - Shows fingerprints and water spots

5 Reasons You Should Have Granite Countertop In Your Kitchen

Finally! We no longer wish to live in those ugly houses from thirty or forty years ago! We all want to have beautiful bathrooms and kitchens with recessed lightning, honey glazed cherry or maple cabinets, stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. If you don’t have the budget to have it all, you should at least get your new granite countertop.
And there are 5 reasons for that:

1. Granite countertops are the number one selling point if you ever decide to put your house on the market. No matter if it’s going to be in a year or in ten years – your granite will look like new even then. It will provide beauty and elegance that will be appreciated for a lifetime.

2. Granite is made entirely of natural material. With today’s trend to be “green,” you will not only have a gorgeous kitchen it will also be environmentally safe. Since each piece of granite is different in color, your countertops will be unique and distinctive.

3. Granite is the most durable, chip and scratch resistant material. It is also heat resistant which means you can set hot pots directly on it. Natural stone is also immune to freezing, thawing, mold and mildew. In fact, no other material lasts longer. It even has a lifetime warranty! Try to beat that with laminate.

4. Granite is easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is to clean the surface with mild household cleaners (a few drops of dishwashing detergent or Murphy’s Oil Soap) and water. All adhered materials like gum, food, nail polish or paint can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife. It’s that easy. Preserving your natural stone is even easier: wipe down a topical sealant once a year. It will also enhance the surface sheen.

5. It’s the most popular kitchen countertop because it is affordable! When dealing directly with the factory, you pay wholesale and keep the change. With prices starting at $20 per square foot, you no longer need to buy cheap laminates every ten years. Even if you add a nice edge to it, you are still looking at the price that is within your budget. If you are not able to find a direct importer of granite in your area, you can always have your handyman do the drawing of your kitchen countertops and order custom made pieces online and have them shipped to you. Don’t be afraid of the shipping cost. Even though the natural stone is heavy, the shipping is relatively low (approximately $350 within continental US).

There is no substitute for the dramatic effect that can be achieved by adding natural stone accents to your kitchen. You know perfectly well that every time you throw a party, most of your guests will be in the kitchen with you. Why not give them that atmosphere of relaxed comfort and elegance to enjoy? And as for you – you will love your new granite countertops and will have that ultimate satisfaction every time you enter your kitchen.