Granite is a high-end material valued for its sturdiness and unique patterns and shapes. It is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that is extracted from quarries all over the world. There is a potential that the granite’s quality will vary as a result. You may make better choices by using basic tactics and understanding what to watch out for. Knowing that granite slabs cost between $80 and $150 per square foot would motivate you to do better. Here are the characteristics of a good quality granite:
Absorbency
Although natural stone is porous, the absorbency of a quality granite Pittsburgh is less than that of marble or other solid surfaces. Water will bead on the surface for a few minutes and evaporate, but any oil substance will leave stains if not immediately wiped off. However, most stains can be removed with a poultice or paste. If the stains are persistent, granite should be sealed with a natural stone sealer.
If the absorbency is too high, you can try performing a lemon juice test on the sample. This test will reveal whether the stone is absorbent and how prone it is to acid. If the stone stains immediately, it will likely absorb a large amount of lemon juice or cooking oil. The more quickly the sample stains, the more absorbent the stone is; thus, it is not recommended for kitchen areas.
Hardness
One factor that influences stone selection is the hardness of a particular granite. A quality granite should be between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale. In comparison, a diamond is harder than a granite. Although the relative hardness of granite can influence a purchase decision, other factors determine the hardness of a stone. Granite is an igneous rock with grains large enough to be seen without a magnifying glass. While granite is extremely durable, its visual potential is nearly limitless.
Heat Resistance
Quality granite is highly resistant to heat. Using a thermal stone bulletin to determine heat resistance is an excellent idea. It provides both resistance and thermal conductivity values. Granite is a good choice for a kitchen countertop, as it is scratch and stain-resistant. When sealed, it is easy to maintain. Granite is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures over that range could leave burn marks and damage the sealant. Cold temperatures can’t damage granite alone, but sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack. It’s best to avoid high temperatures, as the stone will eventually begin to erode. However, extreme cold and heat cycles can damage granite countertops. It’s best to protect granite countertops by installing a new sealant every two years.
Patterns
When buying granite slabs, look for natural variations in color, texture, and veins. These will indicate quality. In addition, they should be free of cracks and dings. A quality slab will also be less likely to develop cracks, dents, or blemishes. If it does have these characteristics, it’s probably better to avoid it. You can also look for laminated edges.
While low-grade granite is a budget-friendly choice, it will still look good. The design will likely be simple with less color variation. It’s the perfect choice for an understated look and is affordable. Mid-grade granite has more color variations than level 1, usually imported from Brazil or India. It also has more patterns. Granite countertops with high-quality patterns are more expensive. The best way to choose the right stone for your home is by consulting with a local granite specialist and reading product reviews online.
Colors
The color of a quality granite slab can vary widely. It is possible to choose your specific color by choosing from among the subsets of the spectrum. For example, if you want a deep red color for your counters, you should go for a red granite slab. For a lighter color, choose a white granite slab. The difference between a dark red granite slab and a light pink granite slab is the amount of feldspar in the slab.
While white granite is always in style, choosing a color that fits the room is important. White granite has a timeless quality. It pairs well with most decors. One of the most popular colors is Alpine White, a warm white that’s popular for both interior and exterior use. It’s also very versatile, combining well with dark woodwork and contrasting with many different finishes. White Ice granite is a mid-range white granite that can be used for counters in contemporary and traditional settings.
