Granite is
an igneous rock, which means that it is a solidification of magma or lava. As such,
this highly sought-after stone must be imported to this country for use as a
magnificent finish in our homes. Granite importers in Aurora have long standing
relationships with the exporters of granite that they deal with. The process to
getting granite in your home could start in a faraway place you may never get a
chance to visit.
Where Does Granite Originate From?
Granite is
formed beneath the earth's crust from feldspar, quartz, and mica. Other
minerals involved in the rock's formation give it the brilliant colours and
patterns that make every piece unique. Huge rock formations are mined in
quarries. Those rocks are then sliced, usually between two and three cm and one
side of each slab is then polished before it is shipped out. Granite is a
common mineral that has been around for thousands of years. It comes in a wide
variety of colours with infinite designs and striations throughout. There are
no two slabs that will be identical due to the formation process of the
amazingly beautiful rock. There are several countries that granite importers in
Aurora can obtain slabs from. Some of these include China, India and Brazil.
Fabrication
In order
for a slab of granite to become a countertop, it has to be fabricated.
Specially trained and certified fabricators know exactly how to cut and finish
the slab to make it fit in your space with minimal joins. Although it is
possible to cut a granite countertop yourself, the specialized tools and time
required may make the price of a professional fabricator worth the money.
Cutting granite can take time, and it is very messy. If you happen to make a
mistake there is no way to erase it. Leave this part of the process to the experts.
Installing Granite Countertops
The
installation of granite countertops is also a task better left to the pros.
Granite typically weighs approximately 6 kg per 6.5 square cm. This means that
an average countertop of three cm thickness and 2.5 meter length will weigh at
least 68 kg. This is not a task that should be taken on alone. Having the right
tools will ensure that the job is done correctly. The most important step in
the installation of granite countertops is insuring the correct measurements have
been taken. Since most counters are longer than the average slab length, it is
necessary to have seams. Seams should be carefully planned to occur in an area
of the cabinet where there will be a lot of support for the joining pieces.
This is crucial as the seams left with
inadequate support can over time separate with one side being higher than the
other, leaving your counters uneven, and unattractive.
Sealing and Maintaining
Granite is
definitely one of the hardest rocks found on earth. It makes excellent kitchen
countertops because it is impermeable, heat and scratch resistant. Regularly
sealing your granite countertops usually every two
years
will ensure that this gorgeous addition to your home will shine on for years to
come.