Granite is one of the most widely-used construction stones in the world. Being massive and thus lacking internal structures while displaying hardness and toughness, granite appeals to builders and buyers alike because of its strength and its variety of coloration, which includes blue granite.
This stone is typically used for flooring tiles today, but in earlier times it was a common foundation stone for New England and other early American homes. Granite is also thought to be supplanting marble as monument material because of its durability, and it is now a popular option for kitchen and other household countertops. Other uses include fireplace construction, columns and even patio decks.
Blue granite is considered one of the most stylish granite choices for home and structure designers. It is mined most commonly along the coastal areas of Africa and Brazil, and tiles cost as little as $4.75 per tile for 12”x12” tiles and as high as $6.25 for the same size tile. Many of these tiles come either in strictly blue stone or in blends of blue and brown.
Some finishes can be coarse while others are highly polished, depending on the customer’s desires. Decomposed granite will be the preference for patio decks, foundation work and columns, while polished finishes are the customary preference for countertops, fireplaces and many monuments. Decomposed granite patios are really popular for a course yet elegant look.
Those who like color variables may find green granite more to their liking because it is believed to have the most variables of any granite. Some examples include the aqua and blue shadings in Norwegian green granite and the rose and gray shades common in Indian green granite. However numerous designers and builders believe blue granite to be the top choice because it works well with almost any décor, particularly shades of lavender, royal blue, ice blue and sapphire blue.
If you choose to remodel your home with blue granite countertops or trimmings, it is a good idea not to go by small catalog samples. These samples generally show only isolated pattern details that will not give you the full picture of what your countertop or trimming will resemble when the work is finished. Visit a gallery or shop and see complete slabs to get the full picture, especially if you have designed your prospective countertop yourself.
While granite keeps its appearance for many years to come, it still requires daily maintenance with pH-neutral cleaning solutions, and immediate cleaning of spills with soft absorbent cloths. Long-range maintenance, including re-sealing, waxing, and polishing can be done little more than once or twice a year. And a waterproofing solution—mandatory with any natural rock and especially porous rock—must be applied regularly, but in small amounts. Consult the manufacturer of your countertop granite for the best treatment advice.
June 24, 2010
Granite