When you are planning to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom, your first stop should be to one of the best granite suppliers in Windsor. They will have a large selection of gorgeous natural stone slabs from which you can choose. Most granite suppliers also carry a wide variety of stone pieces to enhance the look of your new home or renovation project. Granite suppliers in Windsor offer expert assistance and professional guidance while choosing the appropriate stone for your project. Choosing a granite piece for your home will be a pleasurable experience when you have the years of specialized knowledge of a professional on your side.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock that is formed when magma under the earth’s crust is heated to extreme temperatures. This causes pressure which forces the mass upwards. During this process, the magma then cools and forms the granite rock formations that are found in various areas of the earth. Granite is mined in quarries, and due to the massive size of some of the granite rock formations, it is necessary to blast the granite with explosives to remove the sections that are being mined. From the quarry, the granite is then sent to a manufacturing plant for processing. It is usually cut on machines that have several rock cutting blades in order to make several slabs at one time. Once the slabs are cut to the specified thickness, they are then sent to another area, usually in the same processing plant, to have the surface finished.
Finishes
There are several different ways that granite can be finished. Choosing a finish for your granite is just as important as choosing the slab itself. Different finishes will have different looks and can affect the area you are planning to use the piece. That being said, each finish reacts to elements in a different way. For example, a polished finish will be slippery when used on a floor that is subject to dampness, and a flamed finish in the same situation would offer more traction.
- Polished Finish – Polished granite gives the stone a smooth, shiny or glossy reflective look. This finish highlights more of the natural look and depth of your stone. Polished granite is said to be easier to keep clean and free from staining as the polishing process seals off more of the pores that could retain odour and stains.
- Honed – Honing causes the granite to have a matte finish. The opposite of the polished finish as it isn’t reflective at all. This is a popular finish when the granite is to be used for flooring or stairs as it offers more traction than a polished finish if it becomes wet.
- Flamed – The flaming process is achieved when a flame of extreme heat is fired at the surface, causing the granite to pop. This leaves a textured surface which is very popular in outdoor flooring applications, as it offers a higher level of traction than some of the other finished.
As you can see, there are several stunning natural stone selections for your perusal. Your granite will last a lifetime. Skilled granite suppliers in Windsor will ensure that you love your choice at least that long.