All granite is high-end, compared to manmade materials like vinyl. However, granite is a natural stone, and that means endless available varieties.
Granite also can be used as a catchall term to mean granite-like materials (don’t be fooled — there is no such thing) or even faux granite. You want to make sure your slabs are genuine — know from whence your granite came!
This stone is mined around the world, and each region produces different unique characteristics. It’s created in the magma chambers of volcanoes, and slowly rises to the earth’s surface over several thousand years. As you can imagine, during that process a lot can happen. From the quality of the soil to the actual mining process, no two slabs are alike. Still, you’ll find big differences when you get into high-end territory.
What Makes it High-End?
Think of granite slabs like diamonds. They’re all beautiful and durable, but some are more so than others. The thicker the slab, the higher quality. Some people simply prefer the look of thicker slabs, while others need it because they have kids and/or are rough on countertops.
Another factor is uniqueness. Brighter colors and more unusual patterns will fetch higher prices. Take a look at sample slabs in the store, and you’ll probably gravitate toward the pricier granite.
This scarcer granite is often mined from areas that don’t produce much. Just like anything precious, it’s a matter of supply and demand. The rarer the slabs, the higher the price. More expensive granite can dramatically improve the value of a home — but so can just about any granite, really.
For a lot of homeowners, the goal is a natural stone countertop. If high-end fits into the budget, that’s a bonus, but remember that all stone is steeped in natural beauty.
Luxury for All
Regardless of your slab, you’ll need professional installation and maintenance to ensure it lasts a lifetime. All granite needs to be sealed, and then re-sealed every few years. It also needs to be wiped clean on a regular basis, and care should be taken when putting hot pans on countertops.
Granite can certainly stand up to most kitchen challenges, but practice care when you can. Should disaster strike, however, many chips and cracks can be repaired without replacing the entire slab.
If you’re interested in high-end granite, good news: There’s no single quality that determines what’s high-end and what’s not. The common slab thicknesses are 2 centimeters and 3 centimeters. Otherwise, your choice comes down to what speaks to you and what catches your eye.
Talk with the experts at Creative Granite & Design today to begin creating your dream kitchen or bathroom, complete with high-end granite features.
