How Is Granite Extracted And Processed?

How Is Granite Extracted And Processed?

Granite countertops have grown increasingly popular over the years due to their durability, bacteria resistance and beauty. However, have you ever wondered how is granite extracted and processed or even questioned what exactly granite is? Granite is an extremely hard and durable rock formed when magma is cooled underground. It is an igneous rock, created as plutonic rock when the magma cools. In the ground, granite is granular and crystalline.

Granite’s Formation

Inside the Earth, below what is known as the mantle layer, is a layer of molten rock formed by radioactive elements that occur naturally as the ground breaks down and decays. The decaying material releases a significant amount of heat which melts the rocks around it.

Plates under the Earth move and the heat builds up pressure causing geological events that push the melted rocks toward the surface. The surface temperature is cooler than the magma so the molten rock is cooled as well. This forms igneous rocks, one of which is granite. Granite usually contains quartz and feldspar but has also been known to contain mica.

How Is Granite Extracted

Mining operations use different methods to extract granite which forms in large deposits, called slabs. The area where they are extracted is known as a quarry. Because granite needs to be extracted in large pieces, typical blasting methods are not possible. Instead, granite miners use high-capacity extractors, cranes, tamb rock machines and chemicals to remove the granite slabs. Teams dig around the slabs to break them free, work that is tedious and difficult.

Once they are released from the ground, they are pulled onto trucks capable of carrying the heavy stone. Slabs of granite can weigh more than 40 tons. The slabs are polished and transported to fabricators who cut them into the lengths most commonly used for residential and commercial construction. In some cases, granite may be processed on site at the quarry, depending on the mine company.

After granite is polished, fabricated and cut, it is transported to retail and commercial outlets for distribution.

If you are considering a bath or kitchen remodel and would like to learn more about granite, contact us today by phone or online to learn what options are available. Our knowledgeable customer service representatives can help you determine the best countertop for your needs and help you get the kitchen or bathroom you have always dreamed of having.

In The Epic Debate Of Granite vs Caesarstone, Who Wins?

In The Epic Debate Of Granite vs Caesarstone, Who Wins

If you are getting ready to remodel your kitchen, you’ve likely encountered the two schools of thought regarding whether granite or Caesarstone is a superior choice for your kitchen countertops. While granite floors and counters are beautiful and durable, lasting for thousands of years in some historic buildings, some homeowners and builders prefer Caesarstone instead.

There are pros and cons involved with each choice, and when it comes down to the time in which you will make your choice, the decision really will depend on you and your stylistic preferences.

Maintenance requirements of granite vs Caesarstone

Caesarstone is a type of engineered stone countertop that is made by combining 93 percent quartz particles with hard resins. The resins work to bind the stone particles together. The result is an extremely dense material, far more so than the more porous granite. This means that a kitchen that uses Caesarstone countertops will not require the application of sealants.

By contrast, granite will need to be sealed at least annually for the best protection. If you skip sealing it, you risk the integrity of your countertops. Granite that has not had its annual sealing may start absorbing liquids and potentially be stained over time as the sealant wears off.

Color and textural differences

Both granite and Caesarstone will enhance any type of kitchen. They are each available in numerous textures, patterns and colors. Quartz countertops have pigment that is added during the manufacturing process and can be colored throughout. Granite will come in its own natural colors and styles.

Granite lovers feel that having that natural look that granite provides is irreplaceable. Those who love Caesarstone instead tend to point to its uniformity as the deciding feature for them. No matter which type you choose, both are beautiful and within the same range of price.

Caesarstone and granite resist scratches, dents, gouges and heat, and both will last a lifetime if proper care is taken. Granite and quartz countertops both come from natural stone although Caesarstone has additional manufacturing steps. While they are both exceptionally hard, quartz slabs are slightly heavier and harder than granite slabs.

Granite is stunning and its natural look is hard to match. In most cases, however, granite is not uniform in its appearance. If you want a uniform color for your countertops, Caesarstone may be a better choice for you. If you instead prefer the unique and beautiful look granite can provide, you can’t go wrong by choosing it instead.

While some people will continue to debate about which is the better choice, designers agree that the best option is the one that meets the individual’s needs and stylistic preferences. In order to determine which works better for you, you’ll want to look at slabs of both.

Choosing the Perfect Stone Tiles For Your Home

Choosing the Perfect Stone Tiles For Your Home

When you are trying to pick the flooring type to install for your home renovation, choosing natural stone can add elegance, durability and beauty. You’ll want to make certain to choose the stone that will fit best with your home.

Part of this is understanding what types are available as well as the characteristics and features of each.

There are several different natural stone options that can work well in different rooms of your house.

Travertine Tiles

Travertine tiles are formed out of calcite, and they are a bit softer than limestone. These tiles come in several different earthen hues and come in either polished or porous forms. Because of the porous nature, these tiles do require professional sealing to prevent them from being stained, especially if you have children or pets.

Marble Tiles

A classic choice dating back thousands of years, marble tiles are truly one-of-a-kind. Marble comes in several different shades and is characterized by its veins. The veining of marble occurs while the stone is being formed, making each stone completely unique. Unfortunately, marble is highly porous, making it susceptible to staining and scratching.

Granite Tiles

Granite is a terrific choice for flooring, both when you use it inside as well as outside. Highly lustrous, granite can make your floor shine with a high polish. It is one of the strongest stones available and is just below diamond in hardness. It repels water and can be trusted to stand the test of time. It is a cold stone, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you are considering it for your flooring.

Slate Tiles

Formed out of metamorphic rock, slate has a very rustic appearance. It is great for providing traction and resistance to slipping. Slate tiles do come in a fairly limited range of darker hues, making that one of its downsides.

Limestone Tiles

Formed from calcitrate, limestone shows the natural striations when it is formed into tiles. This gives it a similar striated appearance to wood flooring. It comes in lighter colors and is very durable, but it does absorb water, making it a better choice for indoor renovations.

Sandstone

Yet another metamorphic stone, sandstone provides terrific traction and is very durable. It is a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens and hallways alike. One limitation is that it lacks much color choice.

With better familiarity with the available types of stone, here are some additional factors you should consider so you can choose the one that’s right for you and your home.

1. Expense

Installing stone flooring tiles requires the use of qualified professionals. Cutting these stones is much more complicated than cutting wood. Installing stone on your home’s subflooring also requires a lot of additional work. You’ll also need to think about other materials that you’ll need, such as grout, plaster or cement. Thinking about where in your home and how large the space is is important, as natural stone flooring is one of the more expensive choices.

2. Purpose

While stone blends beautifully into almost any room in your home, you’ll want to consider how the room is used. For example, slate may be a better option for bathrooms. Children’s bedrooms may not be the best place for most types of natural stone tiles since most are rather hard or prone to staining.

3. Lifestyle

You’ll want to think about the lifestyle you have when you are choosing stone flooring. Pets may not like them. They may also take a longer period of time for installation.

If you are wanting a terrific choice for flooring in your home, choosing stone tiles is definitely a good option. By keeping your tastes and needs in mind, you are sure to find the stone tile that will best fit you and the room in which it will be installed. To learn more about the different options, give the professionals at Flemington Granite a call today. You can also complete your information in our provided contact form, and we will get back to you shortly.

5 Ideas For Your Summer Bathroom Remodel

5 Ideas For Your Summer Bathroom Remodel

The condition of a bathroom is far more noticeable to a visitor than the actual size of the space. No one wants to freshen up in an outdated or dirty bathroom that has obviously been neglected for years. Transform your space with a few smart updates to make it feel more hospitable, clean, and luxurious.

Improve the Lighting

Improve the LightingConsidering that most bathrooms do not have more than a single window, adding a skylight is a great way to make the room feel much larger. Any natural light is a smart idea in a remodel because it eliminates the feeling of being in a small, dark space. The brighter bathroom is going to seem more inviting and clean.

Increase the Storage

It’s normal to have a lot of small cosmetics, cleaners, and personal products that need to be organized in a designated spot. Storage is a great way to get rid of the obvious clutter and make the bathroom more functional. A large vanity cabinet and storage solutions hidden beneath the sink are easy ways to make great use of limited space.

Hide the Toilet

Hide the ToiletAlthough at least one toilet is a necessity in every home, there is no reason it has to become the focal point of the room it’s in. If there is an opportunity to conceal it with a pocket door or partial wall, it will shift attention to the rest of the bathroom. Homeowners may find that this simple change creates more space for increasing the size of the vanity or sink.

 

Be Bold

Every room should have some element of contrast to create a focal point. The tile, walls, and decor do not have to match perfectly, in fact, it is recommended to break up the room with an interesting tile pattern or dark cabinets. Keep the majority of the room sleek and clean, and then add a striking element that makes the room feel more interesting.

Add Natural Stone

Add Natural StoneMarble and travertine are attractive cuts of natural stone that do not hit the high points on the price spectrum. A gorgeous countertop, tile, or tub surrounding can make a bathroom feel completely luxurious. If cost is a concern, consider a sink backsplash or other small natural stone addition over an entire slab countertop.

Take a moment to provide your details through our contact form so that we can schedule a consultation. We look forward to finding transformation solutions your space that meet your style and budget goals.