Applications of Granite Slabs and Tiles

Granites in the commercial sense are hard natural stones which are polishable and need to be worked on by harder tools than for marble for cutting, shaping and polishing. They are usually suitable for interior and exterior use. Thus have different geological origins and minerals. Petrographically, they are either magmatic or metamorphic rocks. The beauty of granite coupled with its physical strength and chemical resistance, makes it the material of choice in construction applications.

Floors :
Slabs look better than tiles.
Check material for staining, water absorption and rusting.
Consider surface finishes other than polished.
Darker colours preferable in commercial areas.
Free lengths can be used.

Walls :
Slabs look much better than tiles.
Surface finishes other than polished can be consider for
external walls.
Keep weight in mind.

Skirtings at bottom of wall :
Long thin slabs can be used.
Finishes other than polished can be used.

Window sills / Door and window frames :
Slab edges can be rounded or chamfered, and polished.
Kitchen Platforms - home :
Fine grain material looks better than coarse grain.
Material should be checked for staining, water absorption and pin holes.
Front edges of slabs can be rounded and polished, or water-restraining strip can be put.
For backsplash area, use granite strips in lengths matching the countertop lengths.
                 
Kitchen Platforms - commercial : Defective material can be used to lower the cost since hygiene is the main consideration.
                 
Bathroom Platforms : Rounding of edges or cut-out of basins should be got done from a professional company.
                 
Counter Tops :
3 cm thick slabs look better than 2 cm ones.
Front edge can be profiled and shaped and polished.

Shelves e.g for showpieces at home / shops :
Tiles or thin slabs with both surfaces polished can be used.
Edges can be rounded or chamfered, and polished.

Standing Dividers :
Edges can be rounded or chamfered, and polished.
                 
Table Tops and other furniture :
Buy only when completed including the edges and the legs.
                 
Nameplates :
Fine-grain black granite with edges chamfered gives the best contrast with the lettering.

Granite is quarried in blocks which are cut into tiles or slabs.

For Tiles, sizes are 2' x 1'. Standard thickness is 10 +/-1 mm. Tiles are cut in machines which accomodate only small blocks of size just greater than 2' x 1'.

For Slabs, blocks of required length and width are cut in vertical saws. These generally use a 2 meter diameter disc thus giving slabs up to 2'6" wide and 10 ft. long. Standard thickness is 18 +/- 1.5 mm.
                 
For Wider slabs, the blocks are cut in a gangsaw. Slabs upto 11' x 6' can be obtained. The standard thickness of gangsaw cut slabs is 20+ / 1 mm.

Tips for Installing Granite Countertops

How to Clean Granite

Sealing Granite Slabs to Keep Them Looking New

Granite slabs used for countertops can come in different finishes. The most common is a smooth and glossy finish, which is achieved by intensive polishing at the fabrication factories using huge sanders for smoothing the surface and rotating pads for buffing it.

Some people prefer a matte look for their granite slabs. This is often used for flooring and for use in bathrooms where it is unsafe to have stone that is extremely smooth. Matte is achieved by using rougher, larger-grained sanders.

You will also come across flamed granite varieties. These countertops are subjected to a torching process, which makes for a textured look. The tumbled look, on the other hand, features edges that are more rounded than the others.

To protect whatever finish you choose for your home, you should always make sure that the slab is properly sealed.

Sealing granite slabs to make them last a lifetime

Acids can be very harsh and could wreak havoc on the sealer of your countertop. In the kitchen, there are a lot of substances that are acidic and whose spills, therefore, should not be left unwiped on the countertop. Some examples are vinegar, juice, and even coffee.

Over time, these spills could eat away at the sealant applied on the surface of the countertop. When this erodes, the liquid may find its way into the stone itself and through the spaces between the particles, making stains permanent.

To clean spills, use a sponge to dab the spill, as wiping it spreads the damage on the surface. Use a mild cleanser or detergent to safely remove any harmful chemical substances left behind by the spill. Most importantly, never use harsh chemicals and abrasive scouring pads to clean granite slabs with. Always use only a pH-neutral chemical to disinfect and sanitize your countertops.

When you have done a good job of properly sealing granite slabs, you won't need to worry about burn stains from hot pots or scratches from knife chops. Granite is one of the hardest materials you can ever find for a countertop, and they can even withstand the abuse that careless children heave on them.

Granite slabs - the whole ones, not the granite countertop tile variety - can cost you an arm and a leg and should thus be properly taken care of. Despite the price, sealing granite slabs is much easier than maintaining the integrity of granite tiles because the latter has a lot of joints and spaces you need to always seal off. As long as the sealant of a granite slab or tile countertop is preserved, you will be assured of an eternally shiny countertop that's going to be the envy of your neighbors and friends.

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