Granite Countertops Ultimate Guide

Types of granite colors, names, edges, maintenance and care, granite cost, and much more. Everything is here, in this Granite Countertops Ultimate Guide. If you are looking to remodel your home’s kitchen or bathroom and you’re on a search for the perfect, 100% unique natural stone countertop, you’ve come to the right place. We will show you different types of granite colors but we will also provide you with all the information needed for easy maintenance and care. This ultimate guide will also make it easy for you to choose the right edge for your granite countertop and find the best price in town. We’ll help you find the the right granite color for your kitchen and use it to make your home truly special and timeless. Once you get all the information you need from our Granite Countertops Ultimate Guide, We’ll be waiting with many slabs to choose from and don’t forget to ask for a free estimate.

In this guide:

Types of Granite: Definition
Types of Granite Colors
Types of Granite Edges
How to Differ Types of Granite Grades
Granite Countertops Cost
Granite Countertops Maintenance and Care
Choose the Right Types of Granite Countertops in Georgia

Types of Granite: Definition

What type of rock is granite?

granite is a very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline texture formed essentially of quartz and orthoclase or microcline and used especially for building and for monuments. Many people are able to easily recognize granite because it’s so commonly used in everyday buildings.

Granite Definition

Granite is a very hard, granular, crystalline, igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, and feldspar and often used as a building stone. It is harder than marble and has visible grains. Those within the granite industry who fabricate, install and sell stone slabs refer to this natural stone simply as ”granite”. The industry also calls stones like basalt, gneiss, diabase, monzonite, gabbro, pegmatite, syenite, schist, anorthosite, granodiorite, diorite, and many other rocks, simply “granite.”

Types of Granite Use

The granite industry uses granite stone to create building objects like counters, flooring, walls, stairs, cursing and building veneers.

When granite is quarried from the Earth, they cut it into large slabs or blocks. These granite slabs and blocks need to have a specific width, thickness, and length. The granite industry uses these slabs further for different purposes depending on these characteristics.

All types of granite are perfect for everyday use because they are heavy and strong, water resistant, wear and tear resistant, and durable. Countertops, floors, and walls made of different types of granite can also be quite beautiful to the eye because this stone is able to be shine when polished.

These unique features allow granite to be highly desired among natural stone and used for multiple purposes in residential and commercial, interior and exterior everyday applications

Types of Granite Colors

Granite colors are determined but the minerals and rocks that make up the particular piece of granite. Quartz, amphiboles, feldspar, potassium, and mica (muscovite or biotite) minerals give granite many unique patterns and color variations. Different types of granite colors depend on the concentration of these minerals in the actual stone.

For example: quartz gives granite mainly milky white color, feldspar provides an off-white shade, biotite gives dark brown or black color, amphibole dark green or black, muscovite – yellow or metallic gold, and unique salmon pink color comes from the abundance of potassium feldspar mineral. The combinations of these minerals give us different types of granite colors – white granite, black granite, black and white, pink granite, red granite, blue granite, and green granite.

Types of Granite Edges

After you have chosen your granite for your remodel project and after you’ve decided on what color is best for your home, it’s time to determine what kind of type of granite edge you will choose.

Granite edge profiles are the shape that the edge of your granite kitchen top will take. You can choose between the following types.

Eased Edge

This type of granite edge is by far the most popular. It is not too rounded but it is also not too sharp. This edge is a 90-degree square edge that is slightly eased. This type of granite edge create a thick look to the granite countertop. It is easy to clean and doesn’t hold spills that so often happen in a kitchen.

Straight Edge

These edges has a slightly rounded design. They are best for simple and clean, contemporary countertop designs. This type of edge will easily blends with the kitchen and doesn’t steal attention from your kitchen countertop.

Beveled Edge

If you’re goal is to achieve a modern look in your kitchen, choose this type of granite edge. Beveled edge features a 45-degree angle clipped flat corner. Your granite fabricator will be able to customize the angle and the width of the bevel edge to meet your needs. Because of its simple, flat design, beveled granite edge is easy to clean and maintain.

Bullnose Edge

It features rounded look ideal for sophisticated traditional kitchen countertops and bath decors. Pick this edge type if you want your granite countertop to appear thin and classic. If you want the bonus ease of maintenance, this is the best of all types of granite edges. Keeping it in pristine condition is simple.

Ogee Edge

This is a classic look granite edge, perfect for the traditional kitchen. There is a groove on a bottom that is rounded. Ogee edge can feature a simple, subtle line, or a deeper, more visible and dramatic curve. If you’re wanting to make a statement with the edge, that Ogee Edge is perfect for you. Keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for a smaller kitchen space as it might take all the attention. Its curves also take much more effort to maintain and keep clean.

Waterfall Granite Edge

It is rounded and features clean and sleek look, perfect for modern, contemporary designs. This edge looks like there is almost no edge at all. That is why its name is Waterfall. It seems like granite flows over the countertop without a stopping point. This is also one of the safest granite edges you can choose.

How To Differ Types of Granite Grades

It is great that you have decided to use some of the types of granite we presented you in this Countertops Ultimate Guide. If you would like to gain deeper knowledge of different granite grades, you’ve come to the right place. We are proud to say that AA Granite Fabricator Direct provides only premium grade granite slabs.

Low-Grade Granite is commercial grade or builder’s grade, entry level granite stone. This low-grade granite is cut thinner, usually about 3/8 inch. Builders are using it for pre-fab remodels and building apartments. It features a simple design and standard colors.

Mid Grade Granite is generally imported from Brasil or India. It features a bit more unique colors than the low grade Granite and 3/4 inch average thickness.

Top Grade Granite these include the finest quality, most unique designs, veins, rare colors, and patterns. Highest grade granites are usually cut into 3/4 inch or more average thickness. This is the kind that AA Granite Fabricator Direct specializes in, here you’ll be to choose the actual slabs rather than just looking at samples.

Granite Countertops Cost

Granite countertops have an affordable price comparing to other natural stones like marble and quartzite. The final granite countertops cost will depend on the final size of your countertop and on the number of granite slabs you’re purchasing. Average cost of granite countertops ranges from $40 to $100 per square foot. Generally, fabrication and installation come free of charge. The thickness of the granite slab, as well as the pattern and color, will also affect the price.

At AA Granite Fabricator Direct the granite countertops cost is lower than the average. We have included a free estimate, free fabrication, free edge treatment, free sealer treatment, and free installation and even a free sink in our low granite countertops prices.

Granite Countertops Maintenance and Care

Granite countertops are fairly easy to care for. This natural stone is exceptionally durable and strong. To keep its impeccable looks and performance, make sure to seal it once a year. When your local granite fabricator installs your granite countertops, they will seal the surface. Sealant gives your granite countertops best protection against moisture and spills.

Clean your granite counters daily using a soft, cotton cloth and mild water with just a drop of ph neutral cleanser or any ph neutral liquid soap. Make sure not to use any scrubbers or harsh cleansers. If your granite is sealed properly, light cleaning is all that you need to keep it looking and performing perfectly. All types of granite countertops can withhold high temperatures, so putting hot pots and pans on them is not a problem. However, a damage is possible under extreme temperatures so make sure to be careful

Choose the Right Types of Granite Countertops in Georgia

AA Granite Fabricator Direct is located in Norcross Georgia and Serves Greater Metro Atlanta. We carry all types of granite countertops you would want to consider for your kitchen remodel. Ask about our specials deals per square foot installed, we have the high selection to choose from and lowest prices around.

Whether you are planning a residential or commercial project, we hope this Granite Countertops Ultimate Guide has given you all the necessary information you need to know. When you come to our granite slab yard in Norcross GA, we will answer any questions you may have and show you all the slabs you are interested in. You can also contact us online today and find that perfect type of granite countertop you’ve been looking for.

Click a city to learn more about granite fabrication in your area:

Atlanta
Norcross
Lawrenceville
Johns Creek
Suwanne
Alpharetta
Snellville
Duluth
Tucker
Sugar Hill
Buford
Braselton
Dacula
Flowery Branch
Gainesville