What Are Granite Countertops Made Of

Granite is a durable and resistant material with natural elegance. Thus, it is a highly preferred material, mainly as a countertop or a sink, in the living spaces, both indoor and outdoor. What Is Granite Countertops Made Of? If you are curious, read our article.

How Thick are Quartz Countertops

What are Granite Countertops Made of?

Granite countertops are made of granite, which is a natural material. Granite is typically and most commonly found in the mountains of Italy, Brazil, and India. It is an igneous rock with a coarse-grained structure. Granite, which consists of minerals such as quartz, mica, and feldspar, is quarried in large blocks. After this first step, the significant material is cut into slices in approximate size. The slicing phase is also completed at the quarries; the blocks are then transported into areas where fine work of shaping and polishing and eventually the sale would occur.

Different Types of Black Granite Countertops

Is it Honed or Polished? What is the Difference?

Even though polishing is considered one of the core steps of producing a granite countertop, not everyone prefers a polished granite surface. Many architects, interior designers, and homeowners think that the natural character of granite is much more attractive. So, what is the difference between a honed and polished granite countertop?

A granite countertop being honed means that it did not go through polishing. Therefore, it appears satin or matte. On the other hand, polishing pads give a polished granite countertop a glossy finish. As a result, it has a shinier appearance, and it is more suitable for the spaces commonly used, thanks to its non-porous surfaces. Honed countertops have a more natural look; however, they need regular sealing and are more prone to stains and damage due to their porous surface.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

Let’s start with the disadvantages of having a granite countertop:

• These countertops, especially the honed ones, necessitate some maintenance. You might need to reseal your countertop every year.
• The elegance and durability come with a price. Keep in mind that they are on the expensive side of the spectrum.
• If you do not regularly and adequately seal your countertop, the material can attract bacteria due to its porous structure.
• If a heavy object falls to the surface of the granite countertops, the material might chip. This is a risk for almost any surface;

however, repairing or changing a granite countertop might be costlier than many other alternatives.

Despite these disadvantages, there are much more advantages. First of all, a granite countertop will stand in your living space like an ageless natural art piece:

• They are easy to clean. With a simple cleaning solution containing soap and water, you can quickly clean any stain.
• They are resistant to damage as well as hot materials.
• Since they are durable, they will have a high market value whenever you want to sell them off.
• You will obtain an original piece since each one of the slabs is unique.
• There are more than 20 available edge options so that you can get creative with your design choices!