Granite Countertops Information
Granite Countertops
 To answer some of your questions about granite countertops and help you plan your kitchen or bathroom upgrade, we have assembled some helpful information and planning tips for you. These include how to calculate countertop area, granite colors, granite countertop fabrication and finishing tips, granite countertop installation tips, granite countertop edge styles, and site preparation tips.
Granite is sold in slabs to insure the grain and color of all of your countertop surfaces match, but your cost is calculated by the square foot area of your countertop. If the particular slab your countertops were made from measured 54 square feet and you countertop area measured 50 square feet, you would only be charged for 50 square feet. The square footage includes cutouts for sinks or drop-in appliances like some cook tops. Don't forget to count the back splash in your estimate. Click here to print a PDF worksheet to help you calculate the area of your cabinets(you will need Adobe Reader). After you measure the cabinets and calculate the square feet of surface, we can give you the cost per square foot of the granite you select to figure your cost. The cost of granite varies according to color and pattern chosen.
Several factors affect the price of granite, but the most important are supply and demand. Supply is the affected by the accessibility of the quarry, the uniformity of the stone within the quarry, and the stone's workability. A granite that is exquisitely figured, one that contains rare colors (e.g. blue), or one that is found only in a third world country will be more costly.
Once a customer has selected granite as their countertop material, the next step is to choose a color. The color and pattern for your kitchen countertops is a very personal choice. Most of the time, but not always, the top will be the focal point of the kitchen. Patterns and colors vary greatly so there will always be a piece of granite that will fit in with your decorating ideas. You have over 100 styles to choose from.
Granite Countertop Fabrication and Finishing
Fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price. Generally, the more complex the shape of the project and particularly the shape of the finished edges, the higher the price will be. Fortunately, a single thickness plain polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want a custom edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done. But keep in mind that if the fabricator has to buy custom cutting bits, he will add their cost to the price. Granite is usually polished to a high gloss finish but brushed finishes are also available.
Fabricators may sell finished pieces, but slabs are always sold intact. The price includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern. More here.
Sinks for granite countertops
 There are two types of sinks used with granite countertops, refereed to as drop-in and under mount( shown). Sinks may be stainless steel, composite, or a number of other materials. When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30" sink will not fit in a 30" cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select.
Granite Colors and patterns
Granite is a primordial stone with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. These variations, referred to as 'movement', should be expected and are the source of its natural beauty. Also, keep in mind that the veining in the granite can effect color perception. Sometimes two different grain sizes occurring in the same slab will appear to be of a different color. Mineral concentrations may cause patches that appear darker or lighter.
Every slab of granite varies somewhat within any given color and pattern. If you are unfamiliar with granite, a granite slab ordered may not be identical to a sample you are shown. While the samples are intended to represent the quarry's product, each slab may differ slightly in color and veining. Indeed, even a single granite slab will have color variations from one end to the other. This lack of predictability gives the product its unique character and adds an element of nature into human-designed spaces.
For this reason, we recommend that you take the time to select the slab intended for your countertops. While color options are numerous, it's usually best to choose a specimen that is stocked locally because of the cost difference. If a slab has to be special-ordered, the freight would be prohibitive and the lead-time could be several weeks. In addition, the customer would have to agree to accept the color and markings sight unseen.
Granite Countertops Fabrication And Finishing
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