Granite is one of the best materials you can use to serve your countertop needs. It adds beauty to the surface you use it on and offers a resistant texture that will not easily damage.
If you are looking for a durable countertop, a granite countertop is a good fit. I like granite because it offers excellent results and also serves a unique purpose.
It doesn’t sustain stain and dirt easily like some other countertops.
You will find out how granite quarrying is and other relevant things you should know. Continue reading for more.
What Is Quarried Granite?
Quarried granite refers to granite from quarries. The place where natural stones get extracted is referred to as a quarry. Granite is one of the igneous rocks. It is extracted from holes beneath the earth. Once the extraction is complete, it becomes shaped as a granite block.
With the use of explosives, the granite is separated from the bedrock. Following the separation, the granite is designed into slabs with the help of the appropriate machinery.
Essentially, the quarried granite is the source of the granite countertop you’ll see in homes. It goes through an operation or process, which starts from the point of extraction to the final stage.
The Process Of Quarrying Granite
The quarrying process starts with an investigation of the quarry to determine the right spots to mine. This is done by the rock specialists who understand the process of quarrying. Following the specialists’ assessments, the quarrying process can kick-start.
The quarrying process itself involves the use of machines. The mining company uses the machine to blast holes then blast the stone out in its raw and rough form.
The company will blast out the amount needed based on assessments. Following this stage, the granite will be put together in its raw form, and the refining stage will begin.
Are All Granite Slabs The Same?
The straightforward answer is that all granite slabs are not the same. One essential feature of granite slabs is that they are unique and tailored to the appeal of the person buying.
Even the granite slabs originating from the same quarry are not the same. They are designed and shaped differently.
The slabs are placed in bundles such that slabs from the same block are put together. This ensures that the countertop which a homeowner gets will not only be unique but also create a matching surface.
This makes granite one of the premium and valuable materials available in the market. It’s why granite countertops are found across various homes.
So, essentially, granite slabs are not the same. They are grouped differently, and each slab has its distinctive features.
Where Is Granite Quarried From?
Granite can be quarried across various locations in the world. This doesn’t mean granite exists in all locations at the same amount. Some locations are more prolific than others.
Some of these locations include:
- India
- Brazil
- Italy
- China
- United States
The quarries across these places are of different large sizes.
How Does Granite Go From Quarry To Your Countertop?
Quarrying granite refers to the extraction of granite from the source. To get the granite countertop, the first step of the process is to extract the granite from the right sites.
This is done through the use of machines that make for a seamless extraction process. Some of the productive locations can be found in Italy and Brazil.
Following the extraction stage, the granite will come out rough, and as such, in need of fine-tuning. Therefore, the granite will be sent to a workshop where the granite will be fine-tuned and reshaped into the right sizes.
At this stage, a technician will work on the granite to cut and polish it adequately. This is done using the million machine, which improves the nature of the granite, and makes it look more presentable.
After this stage, the granite will come out a slab between the size range of 7 and 9 feet.
To get the right countertop, you’ll have to choose the slab that best suits your needs. The major factor to be considered here is the color variation of the slab.
You need to consider if the color variation appeals to you. It is from the slab that the specialist will fabricate the adequate countertops to match your needs.
For effectiveness, the fabrication specialist has to measure your kitchen to get the right way to design the slab into matching countertops.
Your fabrication specialist will supply the measurements, and the measurements will be used to get the right sizes of the countertops that meet your kitchen specifications.
Following this stage, the right slabs will be designed, and the installation process will take place. You’ll have to prepare your kitchen for the installation to ensure that all is in order before the slabs are installed.
Once you do this, you can rest assured about getting excellent results.
Can You Install Granite By Yourself?
Granite is a heavy material that requires some level of expertise to handle. If you’re not an expert concerning granite, you should not attempt to install it.
This might lead to poor results or even compromise the surface you’re working on.
This makes it essential that you hire a specialist to handle the installation. The specialists offer excellent services that match your kitchen specifications.
All you need to do is prepare your kitchen for the installation.
Final Thoughts
The countertop you see in houses and perhaps use in yours starts with a process. That process is referred to as the quarrying process. This is the first stage where the stone is extracted from beneath the earth.
Following this stage, the granite is then sent to the workshop, where it’s refined.
Getting the best countertop requires that you involve a specialist. The specialist will measure your kitchen, and determine the right slab to match the specifications of your kitchen.
This ensures that the slab chosen serves your needs.
The installation process is one that requires the services of a professional. Granite installation is not something to handle yourself if you want to achieve excellent results.
If you have more questions, our Boston Granite countertop professionals are happy to help out.
You can connect with us on 978-447-1001 or reach out for a quote.
Related Questions
Here are the answers to some of the commonly asked questions.
Where Is The Largest Quarry In The World?
The largest quarry in the world can be found in the US. It is located in North Carolina and has a size of 66 football fields.
Do I Need A Specialist To Choose A Granite Slab?
Choosing the right granite slabs requires that you know the right size to choose. To do this, you’ll need the measure of your kitchen’s surface and all necessary specifications. This can be easily done by a specialist.