ALL ABOUT GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
Granite is an igneous rock predominately made of quartz, mica, and feldspars. It can be found all over the world with South America and India being two of the more predominant suppliers of stone for the building industry. It is quarried into huge blocks, sliced into slabs or tiles, and polished to the specified finish desired. Granite varies from fairly uniform grainy patterns to dramatic swirls and comes in a huge range of colors. Each piece of stone is unique making each installation in your home equally as special.
TEXTURES & STYLES
Granite comes in four different textures. Not every stone is available in all the finishes. Texture choices are more limited in tile form.
Polished: Polished granite is the most common finish. It is shiny and has the smallest pores therefore is the most impervious to staining. Almost all color choices are available in the polished finish.
Honed: Honed granite is smooth with a matte finish. It shows less dust than polished but is more susceptible to staining and watermarks, requiring more maintenance. Be especially cautious with oils as they can be absorbed into honed stones.
Antiqued/Brushed: More and more stones are becoming available in the antiqued finish as this style is gaining in popularity. This look can fit into a broad range of styles. It has a satin finish with a slight texture. The surface of the stone has been treated with a silicon carbide brush which removes the softer material and burnishes the stone creating an unusual and durable finish.
Flamed: The flamed finish is achieved by torching the surface of the granite creating a rough texture. This finish is generally used on floors in commercial projects.
DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Installing a granite countertop is a meticulous process that begins with creating a detailed template of the countertop area. This template captures precise measurements, including cutouts for sinks, faucets, and appliances, ensuring the granite slab is custom-cut to fit perfectly. Once the slab is selected, it’s carefully cut using specialized tools to achieve clean edges and any desired design features. Before installation, the underlying cabinets are thoroughly inspected, leveled, and reinforced to support the granite’s substantial weight.
During installation, the granite slab is positioned with precision, and installers make fine adjustments to achieve a seamless fit, especially around corners and edges. Strong adhesives are applied to secure the slab firmly in place, and any visible seams are filled with color-matched epoxy to create a cohesive, polished look. Installers also ensure that the surface is perfectly level, using clamps or shims as needed to maintain stability.
Once the granite is securely in place, the surface is meticulously cleaned, polished, and sealed to enhance its natural beauty and protect it from daily wear and tear. The sealing process helps guard against stains, moisture, and scratches, ensuring the countertop maintains its durability and elegance over time. This combination of expert craftsmanship and attention to detail results in a stunning, functional centerpiece that adds lasting value to any space.
SEALING, CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Proper care and maintenance are key to preserving the beauty and longevity of your granite surfaces. Keeping a well-maintained seal helps protect against stains, moisture, and daily wear, while using the right cleaning products ensures your stone retains its natural luster. It’s important to test any new cleaners or sealers in an inconspicuous area before applying them fully, as granite can react differently depending on its finish and porosity. At Baptista Design, we recommend and offer a range of trusted products from Miracle Sealants Company, available through our showroom.
Stonetech Revitalizer: This versatile product is ideal for refreshing the look of your granite. It’s a pH-neutral cleaner combined with a light sealer, perfect for occasional use to boost protection and shine. Simply spray and wipe for quick maintenance, though it’s not designed for everyday cleaning.
Stonetech KlenzAll: A reliable, pH-neutral daily cleaner that’s safe for regular use on all granite surfaces. It comes ready-to-use in a convenient spray bottle, making it easy to keep your countertops spotless without compromising the seal.
Stonetech Enhancer Pro: This penetrating sealer enhances the natural colors of your granite, giving it a rich, “wet” look without altering the stone’s finish. It’s especially suited for honed and brushed stones where color vibrancy can benefit from a subtle boost.
Stonetech Impregnator Pro: Designed for deeper protection, this penetrating sealer features advanced polymers that effectively block larger pores, making it ideal for flamed and textured stones. It’s also a great option if you prefer a natural, non-enhanced appearance on brushed or honed granite.
Stonetech Bulletproof: Perfect for polished granite, this water-based penetrating sealer offers maximum protection against stains without changing the color or finish of your stone. It’s a long-lasting solution to keep your granite looking pristine with minimal maintenance.
Granite is available in both tile and slab formats, though slabs have become the preferred choice for countertops due to their seamless appearance and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re caring for kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, or decorative stone features, regular sealing and the right cleaning products will keep your granite looking its best for years to come. Visit our showroom to explore our selection of care products and get expert advice tailored to your specific stone surfaces
Slab: Granite slabs are a beautiful way to add value and personality to your home. They vary greatly in price depending on color, availability, and country of origin. A typical slab is seven to ten feet long. Depending on your layout there is a possibility of having seams. Slab seams are filled with a matching color epoxy making them more durable than grout seams. We adjust the template layout to make the stone’s movement continue through the seamed area to the best of our ability.
There are several edge profiles to select from, although not all stones can accept all edge details. Mineral deposits, pockmarks, fissures, and pits are all naturally occurring in some stones. These can affect the material’s ability to accept a polish, occasionally creating dull spots. These are not defects of the stone, they are characteristics that remind you that you have a beautiful naturally formed rock, not a manufactured product…think of them as freckles. If these characteristics do not appeal to you please ask us about the quartz products that we offer.
With so many options of types of granite, we are sure your personal tastes will be satisfied. We look forward to your investment lasting more than a lifetime.
