The hardest, most durable natural stone — built for daily use across 100 years.
Granite is an igneous rock formed by the slow crystallization of magma beneath the earth's surface. Composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica, it's the most common exposed rock on earth's continental surface and one of the hardest building stones (Mohs 6–7). Its interlocking crystal structure makes it virtually impervious to staining or etching.
By the numbers
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 |
| Water absorption | 0.05% |
| Freeze-thaw | Outstanding |
| Density | 2.75 g/cm³ |
| Applications | Countertops, exterior, commercial |
| Cost range | $10–25 / sq ft |
Surface options
Mirror finish, maximum color depth. Standard for kitchen countertops and lobby floors.
Matte satin. Contemporary and fingerprint-forgiving. Popular for modern kitchens.
Torch-textured, rough surface. Maximum slip resistance. Standard for exterior steps and paving.
Wire-brushed texture. Aged, natural feel. Great for outdoor kitchen counters and fireplace surrounds.
Matte textured finish. Hides fingerprints and water marks. Growing in popularity for kitchen countertops.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- ✓ Hardest natural stone — virtually scratch and etch-proof
- ✓ Near-zero water absorption — naturally stain resistant
- ✓ Outstanding freeze-thaw performance
- ✓ Ideal for outdoor kitchens, commercial flooring, exterior
- ✓ 100+ year lifespan with minimal maintenance
- ✓ Widest color and pattern range of any stone
Considerations
- – Heavy — 13–15 lbs/sq ft for 3cm slab
- – Seams visible on countertops over 10 ft long
- – Must be professionally cut and installed
- – Large-pattern slabs can look busy in small kitchens
- – More expensive than tile or engineered options
Granite — common questions
How to Choose and Fabricate a Granite Countertop
From slab selection to installation — a complete guide to granite countertop projects.
Visit the slab yard in person
Granite slabs vary enormously within a single color name. Visit the stone yard and select specific slabs — ask the yard to pull them out so you can view them vertically at eye level. Bring cabinet door samples and flooring samples for reference. Mark your slabs immediately with chalk or tape.
Measure and template
Have a professional fabricator template your kitchen AFTER cabinets are installed. Templates create exact cutouts for sinks, cooktops, and edge profiles. CNC-cut granite tolerates no error — never accept a countertop fabricated from a hand-drawn sketch.
Select edge profile
Eased (flat, softened corner): modern and easy to clean. Bullnose (rounded): classic, comfortable. Ogee (S-curve): traditional elegance. Waterfall (90° vertical edge): contemporary. Mitered (two pieces joined at 45°): creates thick appearance. Edge profiles are cut simultaneously with fabrication — decide early.
Inspect before installation
Before installation, examine the finished pieces for chips, cracks, or color inconsistencies. Check that seams will fall where planned and that patterns align at key locations (around the sink, at islands). Small adjustments are possible before installation; none after.
Seal and maintain
Apply penetrating sealer before use. Most fabricators seal during installation. Reseal annually with a granite-specific impregnating sealer. For daily care: pH-neutral cleaner, dry with a soft cloth after each use, use trivets for pots.
Granite price guide
The full Granite price guide covers material vs. installed costs, regional pricing across all 6 US regions and Canada, format-specific breakdowns, and the top cost drivers for your project.
Full Granite price guide →Find Granite suppliers near you
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