Granite countertop
selections.
When the natural, timeless beauty of granite is introduced into a kitchen or bathroom, it instantly transforms the room into an elegant, sophisticated setting. Nature dictates the features of granite, and, much like fingerprints, finding two separate slabs of granite that are exactly alike is difficult. The specifications of granite used for countertops define its natural characteristics, how the slab is selected for countertops and backsplashes and the proper care and maintenance of granite countertops.
Features of Granite
Granite selected for countertops will have features that naturally give each piece of granite its individual character, beyond its colors and patterns. Upon close examination, the granite may have cracks, or fissures, small holes and its surface texture may be polished to a smooth finish or it may have a texture to it.
Orientation
Resembling the flow of water, granite rock sometimes has fluid veining patterns that flow through the solid rock. Its vertical, horizontal, width or length orientation in countertops and backsplashes determines the feel that the granite evokes in the space. When the veining flows left to right, the texture feels like a river flowing across the counter. For up and down, or width-wise, orientations, the granite flow will feel like a waterfall that flows down the walls and off the counter.
Installation
Granite for countertops is cut into thin coordinating slabs, and they are cut to the width and length specifications of the countertop area. Additional decorative cuts can be made into the granite, such as cutting the granite with a curved profile, making a cutout for a sink and routering decorative finishes into the countertop's edge. Several hands are necessary to set a slab of granite onto its base. For countertop spaces that are larger than a granite slab, one or more slabs of granite are butted together at their seams and joined together with an adhesive especially formulated for granite. This adhesive is either clear in color or tinted to match the granite countertop. Once it sets and dries, it yields a virtually seamless granite countertop appearance.
Uses
Granite countertops are functional surfaces used for a variety of purposes, including food preparation, food service and display in a kitchen and as a work surface and display counter in a bathroom. While granite is a highly durable stone, don't place very hot pots or cut foods directly on its surface to maintain its sealed finish and to protect the longevity of the stone.
Maintenance
Granite countertops are not maintenance-free surfaces, but once the surface is sealed, it is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Granite countertop sealants last about one year, so they require annual applications. The most preventive way to maintain the quality finish of granite countertops is to clean up spills and messes as soon as they occur to prevent staining. Cleaning up a granite surface with a mild soap and water mixture and a cloth is all that the counter needs to clean up a mess and to maintain its protective finish. All-purpose cleaners and other cleaning chemicals, such as cleansers and disinfectants, may eat away at the granite's sealant finish.
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