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Shops offer many 'granite sinks' for the kitchen. At first glance, sinks do not resemble granite stone. What are they really?

This is a kind of marketing trick because these products are made of 80% natural material and 20% resins, so-called binder. It is not really granite but a mixture of ground quartz sands and resins. The mass is cast in special forms giving shape and properties to the sinks. These products have little in common with granite, it is more a natural mixture that has been given an appropriate - catchy name. So it can be clearly stated that granite sinks with granite only have the same texture and name in common.

Given the durability, practicality and effective appearance of granite countertops, window sills and slabs, it is not surprising that they have become such a popular kitchen function in the last few decades. Granite combines functionality with aesthetic values to create a charming touch at home while providing a durable and comfortable work surface. Granite countertops can be beautiful and very efficient, but they are not wear-resistant. To prevent destruction or staining of stone surfaces and to extend the life and usability of such elements, they should be properly sealed and well maintained. In fact, high-quality granite impregnates provide such good protection for delicate stone surfaces that they become quite easy to clean and maintain.

So, when it comes to protecting granite countertops and keeping them in excellent condition for a long time, surface impregnation is the best solution.

Granite is quite porous, so it quickly absorbs liquids, semi-solids and even bacteria. Unless you quickly remove a leak, as soon as it appears, the liquid will easily penetrate deep into the stone and permanently soil the surface. To restore the great look of a damaged countertop, you will need professional help.

However, if the countertop is properly impregnated, spilled substances will stay on the surface much longer, giving enough time to clean it.

After applying to the surface of the granite impregnation, it penetrates into the pores and "clogs" them, significantly reducing the stone's absorption capacity. Therefore, liquids and other liquid materials are not easily absorbed and cannot stain the surface.

Granite is a conglomerate of minerals and rocks, mainly quartz, potassium feldspar, mica, amphibians and other minerals. Granite usually contains 20-60% quartz, 10-65% feldspar and 5-15% mica (biotite or muscovite). The minerals that make up granite give it unique colors that we see in different types of granite.

The relative share of minerals of different colors in granite is mainly due to the original source of molten rock that has cooled to form granite. If the molten rock was abundant in potassium feldspar, granite would become more salmon-colored. On the other hand, if the molten rock is abundant in quartz and minerals that make up the amphibol, you'll probably get black and white spotted granite commonly found on countertops.

• Quartz - usually a milky white color

• Feldspar - usually broken white

• Potassium feldspar - usually pink - salmon color

• Biotite - usually black or dark brown

• Muscovite - usually metallic gold or yellow

• Amphibol - usually black or dark green

Many of our clients are asking themselves about finishing the elements for new home stairs. The basic question refers to flamed and polished products. The flamed elements are non-slip, which is necessary for external stairs. This ensures safety during cold and rainy days.

To add a charm to such stairs, polished risers are used. In our opinion, external granite stairs should necessarily be flamed. If we are considering internal granite stairs, here is no such problem and you can use all-polished elements without thinking. In our assortment there is also an alternative in the form of brushed elements.

Measuring new window sills is not a complicated matter and anyone can really do it. A properly installed window sill should be recessed into the sides of the wall (lintels) of at least 3 cm (the standard is to allow window sills 3-5 cm into the wall).

Additionally, it should be placed under the window to a depth of 0.5 - 1.5 cm. The width of window sills should be 3-5 cm larger than the outline of the wall.

External window sills must necessarily have an incision on the water - drip. This is the undercut that forces the rainwater to flow in front of the elevation.

2 cm thick board: 54 kg / 1 square meter,

3 cm thick board: 81 kg / 1 square meter,

4 cm thick board: 108 kg / 1 square meter,

5 cm thick board: 135 kg / 1 square meter,

8 cm thick board: 162 kg / 1 square meter,

Granite is heavy and requires adequate equipment or human resources to unload the goods upon delivery. Check the weight of the goods before delivery so that you are prepared properly.

Cleaning granite and marble is not a difficult task. However, you need to follow a few rules to not damage this stone surface. First of all, do not use powdered cleaning agents or abrasive stone cleaning pads. Even cleaning products containing pumice (which is powdered volcanic stone) can damage your stone worktops or floors and you will never regain its previous shine. Never use any products that are acidic - this applies to substances such as ammonia.

Always use cleaners and cleaning agents designed specifically for natural stone, widely available in all DIY stores.

Both stones are mined from the ground (just like the relatives of marble - onyx and travertine). It is worth noting, however, that these materials are very different from each other. Granite is deeply formed in the Earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.

The family of marbles - limestone, travertine, marble, onyx - formed as a settlement - skeletons and shells of animals, plant matter, mud - at the bottom of water reservoirs. After millions of years, it solidifies into a stone. Because its main ingredient is calcium, it can be influenced by acids, such as vinegar and citrus drinks. Materials formed from limestone are not as resistant to weather conditions or time as granites.

Granite is formed by solidifying liquid magma (molten rock) under pressure from the earth's crust. It consists of feldspar, quartz, mica and other volcanic minerals, making it one of the hardest stones in the world. For centuries it has been used for construction and decorative purposes. Granite is extremely resistant to wear and time, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor floors. When used outdoors, the granite mineral structure is not dependent on the freezing and thawing cycles.

The choice of adhesive intended for the assembly of granite elements can be a kind of mystery. There are many assembly adhesives on the market. Which of them should we choose to keep our stairs or window sills intact for many years?

Experts emphasize that when choosing the right product, we should manage the type of stone and its size, but also the quality of the substrate. Therefore, the substrate on which the elements will be mounted should be properly prepared and, above all, primed.

A large group of natural stones, both marble and granite, is prone to discoloration. There is also a risk of water penetrating into the element and migration along with calcium compounds to the surface of the stone. This is avoided by special mounting adhesives for the assembly of granite and marble. The assembly should be done with a highly elastic white color glue. Choosing the right adhesive is the basis for the installation of natural stone, which guarantees its lifetime durability. For installation of external elements, products resistant to atmospheric conditions such as snow, rain or frost are provided.

Dimensioning the stairs, just like window sills, is not a particularly difficult task. First of all, our new stairs must be comfortable to use. The width and height of the step have the greatest influence here.

The principle provides dimensioning according to the following scheme:

2H + S = 0.60 - 0.65 m, where h is the usable height of the degree, s is the usable usable width of the degree.

Step height:

H = 14-19 cm, very comfortable stairs,

H = 15 cm, comfortable,

H = 16 cm, medium-comfortable,

H = 17 cm, medium-comfortable,

H = 19 cm and more, uncomfortable stairs.

Step width:

S = 25-32 cm stairs very comfortable,

S = 32 cm, comfortable,

S = 30 cm, medium-comfortable,

S = 29 cm, medium-comfortable,

S = 29 cm and less, uncomfortable stairs.