Granite is well known for both its beauty and its strength. These qualities make it excellent for everyday use on kitchen and bathroom countertops. With modern machinery and workmanship, it’s easy to make your granite countertop the shape you want for a lifetime of style and durability.

granite basics

Granite is a type of igneous rock or created by magma. It forms when the natural movements of the earth’s crust force magma between layers of other rocks and minerals. Magma cools and hardens between these other rocks and minerals, giving granite its distinctive appearance. Granite comes in many different colors, largely dependent on the minerals or crystals that were present when it formed.

in the quarry

Your granite countertops begin their journey above ground when they are quarried from a granite quarry. Granite is quarried in large chunks which are then cut into smaller, more workable slabs. Once in good size slabs, the granite is carefully transported to a local installation company, granite storage yard or granite showroom.

granite is chosen

A granite slab is usually chosen for a project before it is cut further. This allows project specifications to be taken into account to ensure that the granite itself is ideal. Color and crystal formation are strong determinants of whether the granite will be used for the project. Any cracks or large stains are also taken into account as these should be removed from the final product.

Training

When it’s finally time to cut, a diamond blade saw is used to cut the countertop to project specifications. This process produces a lot of dust, so most fabricators use a wet sheet technique, where the water keeps the sheet cool and dust to a minimum, or they use a sheet with a vacuum attached. Computers are generally used in this process to avoid human error.

detailing

Once the granite’s general shape is correct, it is moved to high powered water jets which create the appropriate detailed cuts such as holes for sinks, faucets and faucet handles. Once these holes have been made, the granite is handed over to the craftsmen to be cut and finished. These craftsmen can create many different shapes for the borders, allowing the consumer to choose a border that complements the overall design of their project. Once the edge is complete, the entire part is inspected and polished to its final state.

Installation in your home

At this point, your granite countertop is ready to be installed in your home. Although it is possible to complete the installation process yourself, it is much better to hire a professional to install your granite countertops. Professional installation companies can guarantee their work for many years, while a DIY installation may run into problems at some point.