Granite Slabs and Tiles and Their Many Different Uses

Durable, Versatile, and Beautiful Granite Tiles
One of the most popular stones used in modern homes today, granite is a hardy stone that is as beautiful as it is tough. More commonly used in kitchen counter tops due to its resistance to acidic stains, granite is also a popular flooring option. The rich colors and patterns which granite possesses have been sought after by both homeowners and builders interested in making something that exudes class as well as permanence.

The Harsh Origins of Granite
The toughness and durability of granite owes itself to its production process which literally took millions of years to make � way below the earth's surface. Liquid magma forces itself between layers of rock and forms a layer of its own, which then cools very slowly and then fuses with a variety of elements such as mica, feldspar, and other trace elements. These trace elements contribute to the mottled and patterned appearance that is a distinguishing feature of granite.

From the Quarries to Your Home
Granite is a natural stone that is harvested from rock quarries, not unlike its other stone counterparts. Huge blocks of granite are first removed from the rock face and are then cut to size using wire saws that have been treated with abrasives such as sand, or even diamond, to ensure that the wires cut through this very tough stone. Water is used as a coolant to prevent the wire saw from heating up and also to minimize the dust that comes with cutting such a big piece of stone.

From a big chunk of rock, granite is then cut to slabs which can then be taken to factories to be polished and cut. The slab is then cut and calibrated accordingly to ensure that the granite's surface and thickness are even.

Once these processes are done, the granite slabs and tiles are now ready for your inspection.

The Many Uses of Granite
The durability of granite and its wide array of colors and patterns make it versatile. However, the most popular use for granite seems to be that in the kitchen in the form of countertops. Granite possesses a quality that makes it a appropriate stone to use in kitchen countertops, and that is its natural hardness. It is resistant to heat, scratching, and even spills. Once polished, natural granite will maintain its shine, and that is obviously an attractive feature homeowners like you. Bathrooms have also seen granite tiles as a commercial building material. The same properties which make it a great countertop in the kitchen also function well in bathrooms, foyers, and hallways of public buildings. When used in the shower, one must take care to only install honed granite as polished granite can be very slippery and dangerous when used in an environment like this. Granite slabs and tiles can also be used in floors, whether internal or external. Decks, patio areas, and terraces are particularly great places to install granite pavers. Gardens can also benefit from granite in the form of garden benches or side walks. Clearly, granite is as versatile as it is beautiful.