If you’re considering granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, there are a few things you need to know about the material. These three types of granite are categorized according to their thickness and designs. They are typically imported from India and Brazil. Midgrade granites are generally 3/4-inch thick and feature more unique designs. However, if you’re not sure how to pick the right stone, you should consider looking at the differences between the grades with professionals.
The biggest difference between granite and quartz is in the way they are mined. Granite is mined from the earth and must be transported around the world to the manufacturing facility. Quartz, on the other hand, is mined abroad and processed within the United States. In addition to utilizing recycled materials, many quartz manufacturers are trying to replicate granite’s natural beauty. One example of this is the Cambria quartz countertop, which is made to resemble the look of granite.
Another difference between granite and composite quartz is that these two materials are made of different types of material. In general, the industry-standard thickness of kitchen countertops is 3 cm, but some suppliers quote slab prices based on thinner materials. The installed price of your granite countertop depends on a number of factors. Read our guide to purchasing and installing granite countertops to learn more. Granite counters come in a wide variety of colors, names, and finishes, and many of them feature unique 3D color movement.
Another difference between granite and laminate is the color. Some people are attracted to granite because of its variation in tone and texture, while others are attracted to the more uniform appearance of a marble countertop. Granite is a good choice for those who want a timeless look. The material has many pros and cons, but granite is expensive and does not suit every style or color. It can be difficult to find granite slabs that look fresh, but it’s possible to find ones that still have timeless appeal.
Another important difference between granite and marble countertops is how easy they are to clean. Both stone materials are resistant to acids and bases, so hot objects like pans, knives, and other items will not burn. And they won’t scratch easily – in fact, granite countertops are 7th on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, so they are almost impossible to scratch. However, granite countertops are very resistant to heat, which is another reason why they’re so desirable for kitchens.
If you have a granite countertop in your bathroom, you can clean it using the same methods as you would for granite countertops in the kitchen. To remove smudges and soap buildup, use hot, soapy water. Avoid using acidic cleaners on granite countertops because they can bleach the stone. Instead, use mild dish soap with a neutral ph. Then, wipe off any wet patches with a dry cloth. Once the granite is completely dry, you can seal it again.
While granite countertops can cause radon to accumulate, they are not directly linked to higher levels. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is found in all kinds of soil. Most of it dissipates in the air, but some can seep into the basement. Exposure to radon over a long period of time can cause lung cancer. Fortunately, radon-venting equipment can help you solve this problem.
Cost-wise, granite countertops can be affordable. Prices depend on the type of granite used, size, and a number of slabs used. A simple countertop may cost between $55 and $100 per square foot. You should remember that low-end granites will probably have hidden fees and high-end granite can cost up to $200 per square foot. It’s important to consider the price of granite countertops before committing to a project, however. A quality granite countertop will pay off for itself.
While you can choose a slab of any color that you want, granite will have seams. Granite slabs are generally 9-feet by five feet in size, but if you want a large island, you can choose one without seams. However, if you prefer an L-shaped or U-shaped layout, seams may be inevitable. To minimize seams, the fabricator can mix a custom epoxy that is approximately 1/8-inch thick.
