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Granite is the most popular choice for homeowners when it comes to their countertops making it a high demand and luxurious item in any home. There are so many options when it comes to choosing the right countertop for your home. Not only is the visual beauty of granite important but also the quality. The cost of a piece of Granite does not always mean it is high-end granite. A rarity in the color and pattern as well as the country of origin plays a large role in the quality and cost of granite. The thickness of the slab is also very important when it comes to granite being high-end.
What makes Granite High end?
There are four main factors that make granite considered “high-end” size of the slab, rare patterns, vibrant colors, and origin of the stone. One of the rarest types of granite the world is Van Gogh Granite known for its aqua blue and mint green color with burnt orange veining. Since the combination of blue and red granite specifically is so rare in nature it is the most expensive.
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What is Granite Graded?
Unlike other industries granite does not have a standard for the quality grading system. Granite is given its “grade” based on the retailer's standards. There are generally three levels of granite which include commercial/ builder-grade granite, Mid-grade granite, and high-quality granite.
Commercial grade granite tends to be softer in minerals and has less variety of colors than mid-grade or high-quality granite. Commercial grade granite consists of the most common and accessible granite such as Santa Cecilia, New Caledonia, Venetian Gold, and Black Pearl.
The distinctions between the different grades of granite are all pretty similar in physical quality. High-quality granite is marked as such due to its rarity. High-quality granite usually has rare patterns and most vibrant colors. Since granite is a natural stone every piece is unique. In some cases, high-end granite is the only of its kind. The most unique granites are Blue Pearl GT, Lava Jewel, Blue Bahia, and Van Gogh granite.
Where does Granite come from?
Granite is a natural igneous rock. It takes hundreds even thousands of years for granite to form in underground volcano chambers. It forms slowly during a crystallization process of magma. Granite is made of mostly quartz and feldspar but also includes small amounts of other minerals.
Granite is mined from the earth since it is an igneous stone. The place where granite is mined is referred to as quarries. Granite is extracted from the quarries and then transported to facilities where it is cut into slabs. Those slabs are then shipped all over the world to different fabricators. Next, the slabs are cut into home surfaces and installed creating breathtaking home designs. Granite is mined from many different places all over the world.
Most of the granite sold in the United States is from Brazil, India, and Canada. High-end granite is rare and harder to get it typically comes from Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece. Granite can also be found here in the United States.
On average how much does Granite cost?
Granite typically retails anywhere between $35- $75 per square foot and goes up from there. The cost of granite is determined by thickness, appearance, porosity, and country of origin.
If you are looking for the cheapest possible option it would be a builder/commercial grade slab. High-end granite will always be at the higher end of the price spectrum but will be better both in quality and eye appeal.
How should I install high-end granite?
You will need a professional to install your granite countertop for you. You should not attempt to take on the job yourself. Having a professional do the job can prevent any chipping or minor damages happening when the countertop is being installed.
What is the most expensive granite?
Overall, you will find that the most expensive types of stone are red, purple, and blue granite. Various types of blue granite, like Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite, are in the high-end of the price range. The most expensive type of granite is Van Gogh granite. This is because these slabs are highly desirable, yet very rare.
Factors to Consider when purchasing granite:
Granite Thickness
The ideal thickness for counters is at least 1 to 1 ¼ inch. The thinner the slab the less durable the surface will be. The thicker the granite the higher quality it is considered to be. High-end granite is minimally 1 ¼ inch.
Granite Appearance
It is important to check out the appearance of granite before purchasing looking for any imperfections such as natural stress marks, scratches, and chips. When looking at samples it is important to remember no cut of natural stone will eve be identical.
Granite Porosity
Porosity is another factor that is very important to consider when purchasing granite. The porosity of granite impacts the way you care for the stone and how much sealant it will require. Granite is a porous natural stone, if it is not properly sealed, the liquid is able to penetrate and damage the surface. The good news is that there is an easy fix to this problem granite countertops are able to be sealed which will prevent damage to the surface of the stone.
Granite Durability
Granite is a very durable resistance to scratching, cracking, and chipping. Granite is also one of the most heat resistant countertop materials. A properly installed and sealed granite countertop will look like new for an entire lifetime under normal use and proper care. Granite usually does not require re-sealing.
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Marble vs Granite
Next to granite Marble is the second most popular choice for homeowners when it comes to their countertops. With the trend of all-white kitchens on the rise, it leaves consumers questioning the difference between the two. When comparing price marble slabs retail for about $100 per foot and go up from there. Granite generally retails around $35 to $75 per square foot making it much more affordable. Marble requires more upkeep and maintenance than granite because marble is very porous and requires re-sealing once every few months. Overall, high-end Granite is more durable and affordable than Marble. No matter what material you choose for your home both marble and granite are beautiful show-stopping stones that are guaranteed to transform your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
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