GRANITE
Polished granite counter tops are a popular element of up-scale kitchens. Such a natural stone conveys a sense of beauty and warmth that is combined with a durable work surface.
Food preparation, including rolling dough, can be done directly on the surface without scratching or staining. Because of its density and non-porous nature, granite is naturally cool surface; therefore, hot pots can be set directly on counter tops without blistering or scorching. There will be slight variations from slab to slab because of mineral content and veining which adds to the character of the stone.
For most counter tops the optimum slab thickness is 1 1/4".
AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT FINISHES
Polished
This glossy surface is smooth, not very porous and offers you the reflectivity of polished crystal. It brings out the brilliant colors and grains of natural stone. The shine comes from the natural reflection of the stone's crystals - not from an artificial coating.
Honed
This satin surface can provide varying levels of gloss, depending on your personal preference. It features relatively little light reflection, and generally is preferred for floors, stair treads, thresholds and other locations where the presence of water might make a polished finish slippery or where severe traffic would wear off the polished finish.
Battle Brushed
A stoned brush technique that looks antiquated, battle brush appears old and smooth. It wears well, especially when buffed, yet retains the look of a floor made of 2000-year-old stone.
Flamed
The "flamed" process exposes stone to intense heat, causing the crystals in the stone to "pop up" - producing a coarse and slip-resistant surface ideal for exterior areas.
Tumbled
Rough hewn and aged, this texture is achieved by tumbling small bits and pieces of marble, limestone and even granite against the surface to achieve a worn appearance.
Sand Blasted
Common in the preparation of any stone or concrete surface, this finish results from applying a pressurized flow of sand that provides a textured surface with a matte gloss finish. Being one of the hardest of the dimension stone types, granite was historically avoided by the smaller, local stone fabricating shops, who favored marble and limestone due to their easier working properties. A recent boom in the supply of affordable machinery and abrasives technologies eliminated these previous difficulties in fabrication. The use of this stone has skyrocketed in residential interior applications as a result. Available in a striking array of colors, durability, longevity, and economy make it ideal for kitchen counter tops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors.
Some synthetic surfaces scratch easily, while the hardness of the minerals comprising most granites surpasses that of the utensils that are used on them, resulting in excellent scratch resistance. Typically heat resistant up to temperatures of ±250°C (±480°F), although direct application of localized heat sources is discouraged, since strong thermal gradients within the stone can initiate cracking. Studies of bacteria retention on common counter top surfaces have proven granite to be superior to the majority of surfaces employed for that purposes (Ref: MIA Technical Bulletins).
It's extreme durability offers fewer care and maintenance concerns than marble when used on the floor. For improved wear-ability, consider selecting a honed or brushed finish, as it will add traction to your step and ease the burden of maintenance.
