Granite countertop requirements and needs

As most of us are aware, granite is a pleasant igneous rock, exposed to heat and fusion that formed part of the earth for millions of the years. Since granite is a natural stone, it is graded as per the application to which it is put. The granite is at times graded based on the region to which it belonged. Granite is a heat resistant rock and it is durable and scratch resistant.

Granite, the hardest building stone has very dense grain which makes it stain-resistant. Granite is available in a wide array of colors and textures - such as black, grey, pink, multi colored etc. Granite is available in the market as tiles and slabs, and is commonly used for kitchen countertops, bathroom countertops, bar tops, and vanities.

There is no doubt that opting for granite for countertops is an excellent choice as it can blend harmoniously with any type of style be it contemporary or modern. You will also be able to find granite in a variety of beautiful colors that positively enhance the specific dcor of your kitchen or bathroom. If you favor eye-catchy dcor and assured durability, then granite kitchen bathroom vanity is the perfect choice for your home.

In recent years, granite has become a popular choice for bar, kitchen and bathroom countertop as granite has become much more affordable for even middle-income households. Of course, granite does resist staining but it is porous and may require frequent sealing every three years.

There are generally two different kinds of granite available for countertops - Consistent and Variegated. With Consistent Granite, a consistent pattern exists throughout the slab. This form of granite has a very uniform appearance and is much easier to match at the seams. Variegated Granite usually has a swirling vein through out the slab varying in color. This can make it difficult to match the slabs and you will be hard put to pair two pieces. 

But this shortcoming is amply compensated as variegated granite can lend a very aesthetic look to your kitchen and bathroom countertops. Please bear in mind that granite countertops invariably possess a seam somewhere, so plan for these seams in such a way that they will not be too visible.

Before purchasing a granite top perform the following test to find out if it has been doctored. Get a clean white cloth and apply some acetone (nail varnish remover) to the surface of the granite. If any residue or black color is observed on the top, rest assured it has been dyed.

When you buy granite on the internet, you will be able to see few samples. But you should make sure that the stone delivered to you is what you have seen and approved while placing orders. This is because the granite you purchased today may differ on the next day. The stone you purchased should belong to the same batch from which you purchased before. If the stone purchased is from a different batch, then it may present a horrifying look incongruous with the rest.

You will best advised to have your granite countertops installed by competent professionals. Usually your designer or contractor can help you find the right professional for the job. As Granite is a natural stone product, it invariably has a certain degree of porosity. So, after installation, it must be cleaned and sealed with impregnating sealers that are semi-permeable. This is because impregnators do not affect the natural beauty of the stone and do not wear off like a surface coating. However, re-sealing is necessary at least once every three years. The coloration of the granite will never change and it will always be bright and vibrant as when the granite was first installed.