Decorating Guides
10 Places Perfect for Granite
From floors to countertops, discover ways to use granite in your home
Used for thousands of years, granite has been regarded as a symbol of status, strength, and durability. It is an igneous rock that is made of quartz, mica and feldspar, which also give the stone its unique range of colours. Granite is available in various patterns, such as streaks, waves and swirls, which add to its aesthetic appeal. Here are some great spots around the house to use the versatile granite and make the most of its benefits.
Granite can be used across the kitchen – especially the cooktop or stove area, since it is heat resistant. One can choose a colour that complements the decor, or contrasts with it. For example, one can pair black or charcoal granite with darker cabinetry for a Gothic feel – or go classic with contrasting white cabinetry.
Tip: Though tempting, it is best to avoid cutting directly on granite, as it dulls the blade of the knife. Also, cutting or chopping directly on granite leaves a metal residue behind that is rather difficult to remove.
Find out which granite countertop finish is right for your kitchen
Tip: Though tempting, it is best to avoid cutting directly on granite, as it dulls the blade of the knife. Also, cutting or chopping directly on granite leaves a metal residue behind that is rather difficult to remove.
Find out which granite countertop finish is right for your kitchen
2. Overmount sinks…
Since granite is relatively non-porous, it is a hygienic solution for sinks, as grime or other bacteria are unable to seep in and make the zone a breeding ground for germs. Being a natural stone, no two slabs of granite will be completely identical – and this gives a one-of-a-kind finish to the small sink space. Depending on the granite weight, brackets may be used for support in overmount sinks.
Tip: Any rock must contain 20 per cent quartz to qualify as granite. For instance, many blue granite forms are actually larvikite (an igneous variety of monzonite) or anorthosite (a rock that contains abundant blue labradorite).
Since granite is relatively non-porous, it is a hygienic solution for sinks, as grime or other bacteria are unable to seep in and make the zone a breeding ground for germs. Being a natural stone, no two slabs of granite will be completely identical – and this gives a one-of-a-kind finish to the small sink space. Depending on the granite weight, brackets may be used for support in overmount sinks.
Tip: Any rock must contain 20 per cent quartz to qualify as granite. For instance, many blue granite forms are actually larvikite (an igneous variety of monzonite) or anorthosite (a rock that contains abundant blue labradorite).
3. …And drop-in ones too
Drop-in sinks made from granite have a smooth finish that prevents food and debris from collecting in the crevices. As it is a heat-resistant material, hot utensils do less damage when put straight into the sink.
Tip: Sinks have more seams as multiple pieces of granite need to be properly lined up and joined with epoxy. This gets trickier with unique veining or patterns. To reduce costs work out the seams’ design prior to installation.
Drop-in sinks made from granite have a smooth finish that prevents food and debris from collecting in the crevices. As it is a heat-resistant material, hot utensils do less damage when put straight into the sink.
Tip: Sinks have more seams as multiple pieces of granite need to be properly lined up and joined with epoxy. This gets trickier with unique veining or patterns. To reduce costs work out the seams’ design prior to installation.
5. Bathroom walls
Granite walls lend elegance and character to spaces such as bathrooms. Considering this is a very wet zone, granite sealers can be used for added protection against mould-staining, etching and dirt buildup.
Usually lighter and subtle patterns are used in smaller bathrooms to give a sense of expanse. With bigger ones, one can go for boldly-veined patterns that instantly transform the bathroom walls into an artistic masterpiece. Along with walls, granite can also be used for shelves and benches.
Tip: While thinner granite is prone to hairline cracks and should be avoided in horizontal application, it is perfect for vertical applications, such as on walls.
Granite walls lend elegance and character to spaces such as bathrooms. Considering this is a very wet zone, granite sealers can be used for added protection against mould-staining, etching and dirt buildup.
Usually lighter and subtle patterns are used in smaller bathrooms to give a sense of expanse. With bigger ones, one can go for boldly-veined patterns that instantly transform the bathroom walls into an artistic masterpiece. Along with walls, granite can also be used for shelves and benches.
Tip: While thinner granite is prone to hairline cracks and should be avoided in horizontal application, it is perfect for vertical applications, such as on walls.
6. Backsplash
The durable and water-resistant granite works well for backsplashes. It may contrast with the colour and texture of the countertop. If you have enough granite left after installing the countertop, then go budget-friendly and use the same stone on the backsplash too (as shown here).
Tip: Adding resin with caulking helps secure the backsplash to the countertop and prevents moisture from seeping in.
Check out these 24 striking floors from Indian homes
The durable and water-resistant granite works well for backsplashes. It may contrast with the colour and texture of the countertop. If you have enough granite left after installing the countertop, then go budget-friendly and use the same stone on the backsplash too (as shown here).
Tip: Adding resin with caulking helps secure the backsplash to the countertop and prevents moisture from seeping in.
Check out these 24 striking floors from Indian homes
7. Dining table
Granite is often used on the tabletop for an opulent finish and a solid surface for keeping hot pots, pans, and so on. It can also be used on the table base. Take a cue from the design here, which is made of several slabs of granite threaded with iron pyrite or ‘fool’s gold’, as it is commonly known. The result is a striking bespoke dining table.
Granite is often used on the tabletop for an opulent finish and a solid surface for keeping hot pots, pans, and so on. It can also be used on the table base. Take a cue from the design here, which is made of several slabs of granite threaded with iron pyrite or ‘fool’s gold’, as it is commonly known. The result is a striking bespoke dining table.
8. Staircase
Granite can be used on the steps to bring in old-world charm and a touch of grandeur. Often, granite is treated with sand to make it slip-resistant, which is crucial for areas like staircases. The result is a finish which is rougher than levigado but less rough than flamed granite.
Tip: Use granite only on top of steps instead of the front to save costs. One can combine granite and porcelain to create an interesting design.
Granite can be used on the steps to bring in old-world charm and a touch of grandeur. Often, granite is treated with sand to make it slip-resistant, which is crucial for areas like staircases. The result is a finish which is rougher than levigado but less rough than flamed granite.
Tip: Use granite only on top of steps instead of the front to save costs. One can combine granite and porcelain to create an interesting design.
9. Accent walls
Granite is a clever stone choice for accent walls, because it is fuss-free and can handle quite a bit of wear and tear without getting damaged. While polished granite walls exude a sleek, modern look, the unfinished ones give a rustic finish. See how the vivacious streaks on this polished granite create an instant focal point for a seating area.
Granite is a clever stone choice for accent walls, because it is fuss-free and can handle quite a bit of wear and tear without getting damaged. While polished granite walls exude a sleek, modern look, the unfinished ones give a rustic finish. See how the vivacious streaks on this polished granite create an instant focal point for a seating area.
10. On the floors, of course
A gorgeous granite floor offers splendour and durability to your home. The stone is also cool underfoot, which makes it right for tropical and warmer climates. However, granite can be a little slippery, so pick an unpolished finish that is more slip-resistant. Since it is UV-resistant, the colour of the stone won’t fade with time, making it right even for semi-outdoor or outdoor areas.
Tip: Simply mop the floor with a soft wet cloth for cleaning. Don’t use powdered cleansers, steel wool, metal scrapers or any kind of scrub pads on it, as they may stain and damage the floor.
Read more:
5 Popular Granites for Kitchen Countertops
Granite Composite: A Long-Lasting Kitchen Sink Material
Tell us: Apart from the above, where else have you used granite in your home?
A gorgeous granite floor offers splendour and durability to your home. The stone is also cool underfoot, which makes it right for tropical and warmer climates. However, granite can be a little slippery, so pick an unpolished finish that is more slip-resistant. Since it is UV-resistant, the colour of the stone won’t fade with time, making it right even for semi-outdoor or outdoor areas.
Tip: Simply mop the floor with a soft wet cloth for cleaning. Don’t use powdered cleansers, steel wool, metal scrapers or any kind of scrub pads on it, as they may stain and damage the floor.
Read more:
5 Popular Granites for Kitchen Countertops
Granite Composite: A Long-Lasting Kitchen Sink Material
Tell us: Apart from the above, where else have you used granite in your home?
Did you know that granite scores between six to seven on the Mohs scale of hardness? It implies that very few minerals can scratch it – making your countertop the workhorse of the kitchen.
Displayed here is the speckled finish which is very popular for countertops. It adds visual interest and accentuates the simplest of kitchen designs, such as of cabinets. Equal parts of quartz, feldspar, and amphibole in the composition result in this look.