Many people often abuse kitchen countertops in their homes, they just aren’t aware of it. Even kitchen countertops, which generally appear scratch or impact resistant, may not withstand constant pounding and exposure to extreme temperatures.

This is the reason why granite countertops were introduced to the kitchen world. This natural stone comes in an exciting and dizzying array of various colors, making it a top choice for homeowners looking for beauty and durability in kitchen countertops.

granite countertop manufacturing

Processing a single slab of granite is a complicated process and involves many sites, from where it was squared to the showroom where you selected it.

Granite, also known as dimension stone salt, is commonly quarried from countries in Europe, South America, southern African countries, and Nordic countries. Huge machinery is used to extract it from the earth and transport these heavy slabs from the extraction site to Verona, Italy, where they complete the manufacturing process.

Here, kitchen countertops are cut, sanded, and polished to make them ready for installation when they hit retailers. Massive conveyor belts are used to transport the slabs from one step to another. Pieces that somehow fall short of the minimum required sizes can still be sold as granite tiles, for a more affordable price.

Manufacture of kitchen countertops: 3 types of finishes

In addition to color and pattern variations, there are also 3 different types of fabrication used for the face of the stone: honed, polished, and stained granite. Polished granite results in a matte finish. This is accomplished by removing the granite slabs from the conveyor belt before they can reach the polishing stage.

Although this type of finish may appear more elegant than a smooth, shiny finish, it is also more prone to staining and a bit more difficult to clean on a daily basis. People who also want their kitchens to be vibrant will not be happy with granite kitchen countertops with a dull finish.

The stained finish is responsible for the slight shine you’ll find on countertop surfaces. This type of gloss is somewhere in the middle, meaning somewhere between a polished and a matte finish.

Finally, there is the polished finish, where one side of the slab is sanded until shiny. To achieve this, the granite slab has to finish the entire fabrication of the kitchen counter and run the entire length of the conveyor belt. It sits under buffing wheels fitted with abrasive pads that grind the surface smooth.

Each type of finish exudes a different character and overall effect in the room where it is used. Choose finishes carefully before settling on the right one for your type of granite kitchen countertop. One thing is for sure though, granite countertops instantly increase the value of your home. They will also last a long, long time with proper care and use – definitely a worthwhile investment for your unique crib.