Granite is a popular building material for several reasons. It’s strong, durable, and beautiful. However, not all granite is the same when it comes to quality.
How a granite slab is graded will give you a good idea of its qaulity. There are generally three grades of granite – levels one, two, and three. Grade one is the least expensive and lower in quality while grade three has the highest quality and is the most expensive.
Four Factors That Determine a Granite’s Grade
The grade of a granite is based on four factors:
Place of Origin
A granite’s place of origin can affect its grade and price. Most of the granite sold in the U.S. is either quarried domestically or comes from Canada, India, or Brazil. Rarer, higher-grade granites often come from Spain, Italy, Greece, and other Mediterranean countries.
Thickness
Granite is cut into slabs of various thicknesses. Thicker granite slabs are stronger and more durable than thinner ones, the thicker the slab, the higher the grade.
Aesthetic Appearance
Granite is desired as much for its beauty as it is for its strength and durability. Granite with vivid colors and striking patterns receives the highest grades. While natural flaws like fissures and pits don’t impact the value of a granite slab, defects like scratches, stains, dents, and chips can.
Porosity
Higher-grade granites are less porous and more resistant to liquid infiltration than lower-grade granites.
The Three Grades of Granite
Granite is typically classified into three grades based on its quality, durability, and appearance:
Grade One/Commercial Grade
Commercial-grade granite is the most basic grade of granite. It may have more imperfections, such as visible seams, pits, or color variations. It’s often used in projects where cost is a significant consideration and where aesthetics is less critical, such as in commercial buildings or rental properties.
Grade Two/Standard Grade
Standard-grade granite is of higher quality compared to commercial grade. It usually has fewer imperfections and a more consistent appearance. It’s a popular choice for residential kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities where a balance between cost and quality is sought.
Grade Three/Premium Grade
Premium-grade granite is the highest quality available. It typically has very few imperfections, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns. Premium granite is often used in luxury residential projects and high-end commercial applications where the aesthetic appeal and durability of the stone are paramount. Grade three granite slabs tend to be between 1 and 1 1/4 ” in thickness.
Professional Granite Maintenance in the South Bay
No matter what grade of granite you have in your home or business, you want it to remain in the best condition possible. Fuller Granite Repair offers professional granite cleaning and maintenance services to home and business owners throughout the South Bay and Orange County area. Our team of highly trained granite care technicians has the expertise and resources to clean and restore your granite features, including resealing and chip repair services.
If you require professional granite care services, call Fuller Granite Repair at 855-289-1738 or reach out to us through our website. Be sure to ask about our 10% Internet special!