A look at Top 5 Factors That Determine the Cost of Granite

While you have made up your mind to go for granite slabs and countertops, it is obvious that you will look for the highest quality and the best price. In this context, the most important thing that you should do is to compare the prices of the slabs from different suppliers in your area. Moreover, it is also crucial to note that several factors work together to determine the overall price of the stone and its application. If you are well aware of these factors, you will certainly be in a better position to make an informed decision on the options to consider. Let us take a look at top 5 factors given by Indian Granite Wholesalers.

1    Mining and transportation-

You must be aware that granite is mined underground, and the mechanical process involved in bringing out particular slabs involves huge intensity. Based on that process, the cost will vary. Moreover, it is not produced in all countries. In countries where it has to be imported, the cost increases due to transportation and handling. This is very different from other materials used for countertops.

2    Quarrying, cutting and fabricating in different areas-

The cost would have been lesser if the stone was quarried, cut and fabricated in a single area. The production process involves quarrying the stone in one area, and sending it to another area for cutting. Finally, it is taken to another facility for fabricating. The whole process involves huge cost, which will reflect on the final price of the slab.

3    Customization and design-

The amount you have to pay for your granite slab will also depend on the level of customization you want. The design of the edges also plays a great role in this context. Homeowners with children prefer bullnose edges because these are not sharp. In some cases, complex edge treatment might increase the cost because it requires more skill and time.

4    No two granites are same- 

One of the main reasons for the popularity of this stone is that no two granite slabs are same, and therefore, each slab looks unique. This is mainly because of the difference in mineral content like quartz and feldspar. These minerals determine the color, texture and pattern of the slab. The slabs that are deep in color with consistent pattern are rarely available and hence these will be costly. On the other hand light blue granite also gives a feeling or originality and uniqueness due to which it costs more.

5    Types of granite-

Again there are three different types of granite. These include tile, modular and slabs. Tile costs the lowest because it is easy to install. The modular one ranks in the next place and you can reduce the cost by installing it yourself. These are already polished and edged. Just cutting in the correct size and placing them will do the work. The slab is the most expensive because of its original look and lack of seams.

Considering these factors, it will not be easy for you to get an idea and you can make the most appropriate decision.

Why Should You Go for Granite for Kitchen Countertops?

Whether you are planning to build a new home or looking forward to renovating our home, particularly the kitchen, you might want a unique and distinct look. It is a well known fact that a homemaker spends most of her time in the kitchen, and hence it is obvious that you will look forward to a dream kitchen. Now there are plenty of things to consider even in the kitchen. Right from the floor tiles to the cabinets and countertops, you cannot overlook any of them. In this article, we will give special attention to countertops because they are great to begin with. Now the question that comes in this context is the ideal material suitable for countertops. If you never thought of granite, you can give it a thought now.

Experiencing Loads Of Benefits with Granite Kitchen Countertops:

Once you make up your mind in selecting granite, you will find loads of benefits. Take a look at some of the top benefits as stated by Indian Granite Wholesaler.

Functional and durable-

The countertops made of stones like granite are undoubtedly functional and long lasting. Installing this natural stone is not a difficult task. You will be highly satisfied with the look and feel of the countertops, and of course the overall look of the kitchen. 

Available in varieties-

In the context of granite, you can make a choice from a plethora of varieties. Not only does the stone serve various purposes, but also, available in a range of colours and finish. Hence, you can easily make a selection, as per the nature and theme of your kitchen.

Add to the freshness-

Granite countertops are the best ways of freshening up your home. The degree of elegance in these rocks is not available in any other material. You can always go for any of the options that best suit your taste and budget. They are even a good treat for the eyes. After a long and tiring day, your mood will get lifted when you step into your kitchen. Moreover, the polished finish will also give a natural look to the kitchen.

Easily affordable-

In the context of countertops, it is obvious that you would like to choose something affordable. It is also true that lots of options are available. However, the granite countertops will be available with your budget. Apart from that, once you invest on this stone, you will not have to think of another investment in the near future.

Suitable for any décor-

Regardless the décor in your home or kitchen, granite is highly suitable for any kind of décor. Once it is installed, you will feel the difference it can bring, as a whole. You will also feel satisfied at the fact that natural beauty of the stone can be never duplicated. Hence, everyone will admire your selection.

Now that you know about the exclusive wonders of granite, you should not give any more thoughts over it. Look forward to choosing a great colour and texture that you want for the kitchen countertop. You will be satisfied.

Top 5 Aspects That Make Quartzite Popular Construction Material

Versatile and beautiful, Indian quartzite slabs are known all over the world for their eloquent appearance and durability. A popular choice among interior designers and homeowners, Indian quartzite tiles are used as countertops, table tops, swimming pool tiles, wall cladding and paver blocks. They can be easily engineered with other natural stones and Portland cement.

Prolific Features of Indian Quartzite

Aspects that make quartzite a popular construction material are:

•    Multi-coloured varieties
•    Fresco features
•    Water-resistance
•    Ceramic coating
•    Superior finish
•    Compatibility with other stones

Indian quartzite wholesalers offer more than 200 different colour shades. The finish is so smooth, you can even walk barefoot. It is resistant to scratches and does not wear even when corrosive agents fall on the surface.

Top quartzite varieties for modern homes

The top-selling quartzite slabs from Indian natural stone dealers are used extensively in art galleries, boardrooms, conference halls, terraces, premium resorts and palaces. Here are top 5 quartzite colours.

1.    Black Sparkling Diamond

This is one of the most saleable quartzite varieties. It resembles a cobweb with grey and brownish speckles. It has granulated surface with non-uniform spacing between the arcs. Prices start from USD 25 per square feet; the tiles are preferred for kitchens, bathrooms and balconies. They are one of the most durable varieties from the natural stone collection. Hence, they are also used in external wall claddings and feature walls.

2.    Blue Gem

Resembling a shallow blue sea, the sandy granules on the blue background make it a very progressive natural stone collection from Indian quartzite tiles catalogue. The stone has blue and grey speckles mottled uniformly all over the surface. The dots collate closely as you near the centre. Available in shapes like square, block, rectangle, oval and chips, these tiles can be used in bathrooms, swimming pools and sinks.

3.    Classic Blue

 Very similar to the Blue Gem, the Classic Blue quartzite tiles have smaller dots and mottles compared to the former tile variety. Classic blue is also called the “Resort Tile” for its royal elegance. Often used in assortment with Pink marble and Dholpur sandstone, the Classic Blue quartzite tiles are available in lighter as well as darker shades. Prices start from USD 50 and rise according to the thickness and gloss of the tiles.

4.    Beach Dunes

For the love of beige and brown, this quartzite tile variety from the Indian stone wholesalers remains the first choice for kitchen countertops. The assortment has a very unique dot and gradient. The blue and green dots are ambiguously present around the centre. Edges are cut into curves to accentuate the overall appeal.

5.    Sky Blue Falls

The grey and black combination has opened new horizons to explore in modern housing interior designs.  The deep blue dots spread lavishly across the surface resemble the floor of a waterfall bank. Darker the blue dot, higher is the cost of tile per square inch. Famous in the bathrooms of the Italian suites, Sky Blue Falls is used extensively in bathrooms, sinks, wash basins and tubs.

Top 4 Kinds of Indian Granite used for Commercial Building Projects

The durability, strength, versatility and affordability make Indian granite a top choice for commercial and residential projects. The emergence of online natural stones stores have made it easy to get the natural stone of your choice. If you are planning to buy Indian granite then don’t forget to visit elegant natural Stones, the top supplier of variety of stones like marble, granite, limestone, Indian slate stone slabs etc.  Here, we take a look at top four kinds of Indian Granite used for commercial building projects.

1    Colombo Juparana Granite:

The Colombo Juparana Granite texture resembles the fruit - peach. Its color is a blend of golden, gray and brown tones. The stone has wavy patterns all over it, the veining when looked from top gives a golden-rosy appearance. It comes up as a good choice for foyers, hallways etc. It is available in both tile and slab forms, so you can easily buy the one that matches with your commercial flooring/wall cladding needs. The mines located around Karnataka are known for quarrying premium quality Colombo Juparana Granite. The granites located from this region have higher texture of brown.

2    Ivory Brown Granite:

The texture of ivory brown as the name suggest is the blend of ivory and brown tones. The granite when given mirror polishing looks quite similar to glossy marble in finish, but comes up at a very less price. It has veining and lining in beige running around the base of the stone. A mirror finish Ivory Brown Granite comes up as a great choice for art galleries, exhibition halls, entrance hall, lobby etc. The stone is in high demand for commercial projects related to hotels, malls and shopping complex. The Ivory Brown Granite is one of the highest exported natural stone to European art galleries. The state of Tamil Nadu is known for mining Ivory Brown Granite.

3    Black Galaxy Granite:

The Black Galaxy Granite is the favorite of top architects, engineers and interior designers. The stone has small golden colored spots with occasional white spread across the stone which gives you an illusion of sparking diamond. It is used for wall cladding in commercial establishments. The Black Granite is tough, durable and easy to clean, these qualities makes it ideal choice for commercial building projects. It can also be paired with other stones to form interesting patterns. 

4    Indian Juprana Granite:

The Indian Juprana Granite is known for its stunning good looks. The gold colored stone has light black veining all over it. The unique patterns give a honeycomb looks to the natural stone. The Indian Juprana Granite apart from its outstanding strength and durability is known for its easy upkeep.  It needs very less maintenance, so simple cleaning with a wet cloth will make it shine like new.
 

These are the top four kinds of Granites used for commercial building projects. If you are planning to buy the natural stone don’t know where to get genuine natural stone then visit elegant granites, the top Indian Granite supplier and wholesaler of premium quality natural stones.

A look at Top 4 Granites Quarried from Southern Part of India

The southern belt of Indian is bestowed with abundant flora and fauna. When it comes to natural stones like granite, marble, the southern part has best natural stones mines. Let us take a look at top four granites quarried from southern India.

1    Black Pearl Granite:

The black color represents sophistication and class; if you are looking for such a stone for your building projects then Black Pearl Granite is the answer. The stone has pearly white specks distributed evenly all over the stone, it is the reason it is called Black Pearl Granite. The stone reflects light, so it is ideal for places where you want the space to be well illuminated. The stone gives an illusion of fine shingles wrapped under a glass sheath when looked from a distance. A time when space has become a problem these come up as perfect choice to create an illusion of space. The state of Andhra Pradesh, in India is known to have mines of Black Pearl Granite.

2    Sira Grey Granite:

    

The Sira Grey Granite texture as the name suggest is Grey. It has white specks all over it which gives it a damp chalk like look. The granite is known for its remarkable characteristics.  It is resistant to water, freeze, thaw, dews etc. It also remains unaffected by fire and heat.   All these qualities makes it a great choice for areas like elevators, restaurants, casinos, spas, health club, hospitals and government offices where you see lot footfall. The stone needs very less maintenance and will glitter like new for years. It is the reason it is very much demand. The Sira Grey Granite is quarried from mines located in and around Karnataka.

3    Silver Pearl Granite:

Silver Pearl Granite is trending nowadays. The silver granite with white and dark grey chips has the charm to uplift aesthetic appeal of any surroundings. It comes up a great choice for interior as well as exterior. The Silver Pearl Granite is extensively used in kitchen for perimeter countertops because of the streamlined look it renders to the area. If you want to know where these natural marvels are mined from then the answer is Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

4    Red Multi Color:

Are you looking for a natural stone that not only looks magnificent but stun your guests with its charm then take a look at Red Multi Color Granite. The blood red texture with light black veining simply looks eye-catching. The red multi color granite is extensively used in interior building needs. The multi red granite looks perfect in reception area, large corridors, passageways of hotel and theme based building projects. Now you must me wondering from where the best quality of multi red granite is quarried. Well, no prize for guessing as again it southern part of India. It is quarried from mines located in and around Karnataka region.

Although there are lots more granite mined from southern region but these are top four top four when it comes to popularity. If you are planning to buy then don’t forget to visit Elegant Granites, the largest Indian Granite wholesaler and Indian limestone exporter to get every kind of natural stone at premium rate.

How cleaning of natural marble and slate stone is done

Restoring Indian marble and slate stone is a thriving business. Despite top quality finish and post-sales services, many buyers are making a beeline to the cleaning and restoration experts to take care of minor issues. Marble and slate stone require an elaborate cleaning and restoration regime to give them the “unblemished natural” look. Regular cleaning won’t be enough in most cases, especially if you are living in an urban city area or bay area. Pollution, dirt, dust and footfalls take a toll on the surface appearance. For a highly reflective surface, Indian slate stone slabs and marble exporters recommend polishing and sealant application to prolong the glossy finish.

How cleaning of natural marble and slate stone is done?

 

Cleaning of natural Indian stones involves 3 distinct processes. They are:

-    Blow dry cleaning
-    Misting
-    Polishing using abrasive chemicals/ machining

Before polishing and restoring of the natural stones, cleaning the corners and pockets is necessary. Any invasive dust particle will tear the sealant apart and lead to further damage.

Shining marble floors

If the marble floor you installed last year has already begun to lose its sheen, it requires a radian polishing powder application. It is the cheapest and smartest way to retain the glossy finish that the Indian marble manufacturers are known to deal in. Minor scratches, stains and cracks are camouflaged using a mix of buffing and polishing procedure, which takes less than 45 minutes.

Slate stone cleaning and sealing 

 

Indian slate stone is a popular natural building material used for roofing and flooring applications. The durability of Indian slates is known all round the world and are available in multiple varieties. Cheaper versions have made it to the market, but the commanding position that slates hold remains unchallenged. So, how to retain the appeal over the surface even years after its installation?

Points to be noted

o    High gloss stone sealers are available in the market that provides the surface with a superlative shine and long-lasting protection. These water-based polishes are non-volatile in nature and have mild fragrance.

o    Indian marbles and slates are susceptible to oil and grease stains. The application of the sealers comes handy if you have installed natural stone in areas like kitchen, bathroom, store room and bar. Here is how you restore the natural stone.

o    Close the doors and windows while applying the sealers.

o    Avoid contact with water, oil, sunlight and any impurity.

o    Remove the sealant coating already existing over the surface. Only expert installation personnel know how to scrub and re-touch the surface.

o    Apply the sealers every 18 month to restore the sheen.

o    Don’t use restoration techniques for glazed and non-absorbing surfaces like woods and decks.

Experts recommend the use of water-based mildly acidic floor detergents. They are clear in nature and have non-staining interaction with the slate surface. Regularly wiping the surface with detergents can yellow it and cause staining along the edges. Use of 0.01 inch sealant cover is the most preferred way to keep the Indian slates young and shiny for decades to come.

Top 5 Tips For Cleaning Natural Limestone Floorings, Walls, Tiles And Paving Blocks

Indian limestone slabs are one of the most preferred natural stone composites used to lay flooring, wall tiles, counters, outdoor paving and shower surfaces. Limestone slabs from India have been in use since centuries. Indian sandstone and limestone were used extensively in Northern and Western India for building forts, barracks, ponds, tombs and pavilions. Today, they are used in cladding, flooring and paving. If you have limestone and sandstone flooring at home and are confused about going ahead with cleaning regime, here is a Top 5 Tips For Cleaning Natural Limestone Floorings, Walls, Tiles And Paving Blocks advised by Indian Limestone Exporters.

Always vacuum first before mopping

Most limestone experts observe that the Indian customers complaint about scratches and cracks on the surface. The staining of the floor occurs because of the brooms and sticks. Don’t use Indian brooms. Instead use vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to dust away. For outdoor purpose, use water jets or air blower. Suction mechanism won’t come handy for cleaning of outdoor Indian limestone slabs.

1. Got a stain, drop talcum powder on the surface

If you have alcohol or oil drop on the limestone surface, here is an easy way to manage it and prevent staining. Sprinkle some amount of talcum powder on the oil drop and cover it with a dry linen or cotton cloth. This would soak the oil and prevent it from staining. The ideal way to sprinkle talc is to put it on and around the drop so that the stain is not spread to the adjacent surface.

2. No soap, no vinegar and absolutely no detergent

It is said that the Indian limestone can withstand virtually any chemical attack. Still take no chances. Instead of using regular cleaners and detergents, use mildly warm water and two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide. First wipe the floor with plain water, and then clean it with the chemical solution. Again mop the surface with plain water. This way you will keep the limestone glossy and beautiful much longer than what it was initially designed for.

3. Maintain the health of the Sealant topping

Take care of the sealant that comes with the Indian limestone slabs. It is applied on the surface to prevent it from getting scratched, stained or cracked. It also prevents the accumulation of filth over the cracks. Use of abrasives and loading heavier items over the limestone slab surface tends to wear out the sealant over a period of time. Modern day sealants are not meant to last more than 40 months. Change it as soon as the term is over. It will save you the cost of replacing the whole set of limestone tiles and slabs.
4. Watch out for usual culprits

Apart from oil drop, wine, dust and stone chips, there are other elements that can cause havoc to the health of the limestone slabs like:

• Hairs
• Nails
• Peels from vegetables and fruits
• Blood drops
• Ash from cigarettes and incense stick

If you don’t remove them regularly, they can damage the surface and stain it permanently, even when sealant is intact.