Granite Worktops: Beauty and Functionality

Quality Granite worktops can be very useful and they can make your home look good. Worktops can be used in many parts of your home not only your kitchen and your bathroom. The right worktop can add style and value to your home. You can try using inexpensive materials or have your cheap worktops resurfaced; but if you want real quality in look as well as function you must choose high quality granite worktops.

There are lots of reasons to choose granite work tops. They are easy to maintain, hard to scratch and are able to resist burns from pots and pans. Granite is also available in a wide range of colors and with numerous different natural designs. The stone tends to be able to gain a beautiful patina.

Granite is an igneous rock that is formed by the cooling and hardening of lava under the earth’s surface. The rock is made up of a number of minerals. The primary minerals found in granite include mica, feldspar, quartz and plagioclase feldspar. The amount and type of minerals in the specific area of the world where granite is formed creates the differences in color, design and texture of the granite.

Granite is the hardest stone after diamond. It also has a very dense grain which makes it very hard to stain. The durability of granite is very well documented. It can last for centuries and can withstand chopping and other knife work associated with food preparation. Once the rock is treated with a protective coating to counteract its natural porousness, its smooth dense structure means there is no place for bacteria to hide. It can easily be wiped clean making it great for kitchens and bathrooms.

Granite has been used in palaces and all manner of upscale homes for centuries because of its texture and lustre. Quality granite worktops have colors that are naturally graded in the rock with some areas of the stone having a slightly different color and design. This adds to the beauty of granite worktops and helps them to match with any decor. Quality granite worktops can be used in commercial or residential buildings. It can be made into tiles, flooring, splash-backs, bartops, fireplaces, gravestones, headstones, bathroom surfaces and water-features including fountains, ponds and pools.

Quality granite countertops come in an astounding array of colors. The most common colors granite comes in are black, pearl, tan, brown, steel grey, gold, brown, green, white, mahogany, tortoiseshell, salt and pepper. It is also available in several different naturally occurring designs. Several countries specialize in specific colors of granite. Black is mined in Australia, India, South Africa and Sweden. Grey is mined in the state of Georgia in the U.S. Red granite is mined in Brazil and China. Blue granite is found in coastal Africa and Brazil. Green is found in Norway and India. Brazil and South America is the primary source of gold granite. White granite is found in Brazil, China and Italy.

Taking care of your quality granite worktops is not difficult. All you need is mild soap and water. Dry the worktop with a soft cloth. Other maintenance supplies include waterproofing oils, cleaning fluid and wax. Do not use abrasive cleaning materials like metal pads and scouring detergents. Also avoid alkaline and chlorine based cleaners and do not use bleach. Citrus liquids, fizzy drinks, wine, vinegars, beetroot, curry saffron, red wine, black currant spills must be washed up immediately to prevent staining. Kitchens take a lot of abuse from grease and heat. If you use a topical sealant your quality granite worktops will remain fresh looking for many years.