Granite Countertops

Granite is a completely natural stone quarried from the earth. Being a natural stone it is always beautiful with its solid feel and versatile usage. Many people think nothing can compare to real stone in terms of colors and durability, and they stick to granite countertops regardless of the advancing technology in engineered stones.

Granite kitchen countertops are timeless and elegant. They are a bit high-maintenance since they are natural stones, but they offer you excellent beauty in return. You can have granite surfaces in almost any space in a house. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common places where you can use exceptional quality granite.

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Granite Specifications and Applications

Granite is a coarse-grained magmatic rock. Found in abundance as massive boulders, granite has been used as a versatile construction and design element for many years. Granite countertops, particularly, are one of the quintessential additions in any kitchen or bathroom. Therefore, most home improvement projects include granite in one way or another.

Generally, granite slabs can be customized to the size specified in your project. However, an average slab size is 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. The thickness is another point to be considered. Usually, they offer slabs ¾ inch and 1¼ inch thick. The thicker slabs are used for high-traffic worktops, while the thinner cut stones are better for vertical uses, such as kitchen backsplashes.

Though it is usually associated with kitchen countertops, granite uses are many. Bathroom vanity tops, flooring, monuments, wall tiles…etc. are some other places to use granite.

Granite Colors

When choosing the right granite countertops color and pattern are the key factors to consider. As a natural stone, granite comes in unique colors and patterns. Therefore, each granite slab is different. However, we can still categorize them into main color types.

White Granite Countertops

White interiors emit a sense of purity, freshness, and peace. Landmark offers some of the best examples of white granite stones, such as Moon White, Ornamental White, and Salinas White.

Gray Granite Countertops

Gray granite countertops show balance and neutrality in the interior design while adding a classy and strong character. Landmark has some of the most amazing gray granite stones in their portfolio, such as Silver Cloud or Steel Gray.

Black Granite Countertops

Black countertops are perfect for those seeking a sleek and elegant look at home. They look even better in large bright, white kitchens. One beautiful example of black granite stones is Black Pearl, which you can find at Landmark.

Black Granite Countertops

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Why Should You Choose Granite?

Granite stones are well-known for their unique patterns and strength. When buying a granite slab you know that it was once beneath the earth’s surface, and is now yours. Though it looks similar to some other stones around, it is not exactly the same. This is a fantastic feeling for many homeowners as it feels exclusive and unique to their household. Also, granite is one of the hardest materials used in residential and commercial settings. It promises a long service life with the proper maintenance. It is resistant to heat and scratches, allowing users to enjoy their surfaces more thoroughly without the fear of ruining it.

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Why Should You Choose Landmark Surfaces?

Landmark Surfaces offers the highest quality at affordable prices. You will find all the best granite models at Landmark. In addition, we are dedicated to getting you the best samples of granite kitchen countertops and other granite surfaces.

Landmark is a local store that you can easily drop by to see and feel the mesmerizing granite countertops in Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fredericksburg. Note that seeing the natural stones with the naked eye and touching them in person is very important. Apart from selling, we are also installing the granite in Northern VA. So, you can get your granite slabs without making too much work for yourself.

Granite Countertops: Advantages and Disadvantages

Granite countertops are so popular, but you should still know about the advantages and disadvantages of granite before getting caught up in the hype.

Pros of Granite

It has a luminous surface that is unique in pattern.
The surface is resistant to daily scratches and spills.
It is resistant to high temperatures.
It is easy to clean.
It adds a good resale value to your property.

Cons of Granite

Since each slab is unique, finding the same slab after a while is almost impossible.
Installation can be expensive.
It needs occasional sealing for maintenance.
Being hit with heavy objects can crack it.

Granite Price

According to Forbes, the average granite countertop cost per square foot is between $40 and $100. It can go even higher by adding the labor costs of installation.

There are some common types of granite slabs that you can find everywhere, easily. Then there are some rare types of granite slabs, which are pretty scarce in nature. Granite countertops cost more if you are looking for something very rare. However, there are many beautiful options for granite slabs with various colors and patterns. Therefore, they are much more affordable than the rare ones.

How to Take Care of Granite?

Here are some key maintenance routines that will help you lengthen the life of your granite countertop.

Use A High-Quality Sealant

Though some people don’t seal the surface at all, it is always better to seal it to protect the surface and inner structure from spills, stains, etches, etc. However, stay away from cheap, low-quality products for this purpose.

Don’t Put Hot Pans Directly on Surface

Though it is resistant to high temperatures, very hot pans or pots can damage the surface. Using coasters can help you protect the surface.

Use Cutting Board

Granite surfaces are hard and resistant to damage but sharp objects, like a knife, can still cause chipping on the surface. Also, the stone makes your knife dull. So, you should always use a cutting board.

How to Clean Granite Countertops?

Once you get it sealed, cleaning is even easier. You can use some warm water and a little bit of mild soap. Drying the surface with a lint-free cloth immediately after cleaning is also very helpful in keeping the luster and beauty of the slab.

FAQs

There are some more details that people would like to know about granite and granite countertops.

What Type of Rock is Granite?

Granite is a phaneritic igneous stone, which means it is a magmatic rock.

How to Get Stains Out of Granite?

Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide with some water for harder stains and apply the mixture to the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes, scrub the stain using a soft brush, and then rinse it.

Where is Granite Found in The World?

There are different types of granites quarried around the world. However, the majority of the granite is found in Brazil, Italy, India, and China.

Is Granite The Hardest Rock?

No. Quartzite, a metamorphic rock, is harder than granite.

What is The Standard Thickness of Granite?

The standard thicknesses in granite slabs are ¾ inch and 1¼ inch.

What's The Difference Between Granite and Quartz Countertops?

Granite is a completely natural stone, while quartz is an engineered stone containing mostly natural quartz and some additives.

How Can I Get a Granite Countertop?

You can buy a granite slab and have it installed. However, granite is a heavy and expensive product. Even a small mistake can cost you a lot. Therefore, we advise you to get professional help. Landmark offers the best granite countertops in Alexandria, Fredericksburg, and Chantilly. We would be glad to help you since we have the finest models and best installation of the granite available in Virginia.