Granite Worktops- Fugen Stone

It makes sense that you would want to minimise your impacts given the growing knowledge of how our consumer culture affects the environment. There are many ways to achieve this in the kitchen, and kitchen worktops are a fantastic place to start. Granite is one of the more environmentally friendly materials available.

What is Granite?

When hot lava cools and crystallises before reaching the earth's surface, granite is created. It is composed of three naturally occurring minerals: feldspar, which is typically white or pink, quartz, which has a tendency to resemble glass, and pale mica, which is glossy and black. When these three primary minerals are combined, the granite's appearance will vary depending on the concentration of each mineral.

Granite is it renewable?

The resource granite cannot be replenished. It forms over the course of millions of years. Radioactive dating has revealed that several granite deposits in the south west of England are about 300 million years old. Although granite has been used as a building material for many years and has hardly touched the vast reserve of granite in the ground, it is theoretically feasible for the world to run out of granite. Granite makes up over 80% of the planet's surface and is the most prevalent stone there is.

Purchase of Granite

The process of extracting granite from the ground requires the greatest energy, but technical advancements in the stone business are making quarrying more and more environmentally benign. Granite is entirely natural and has no negative consequences. Contrarily, the production of synthetic materials like laminate frequently involves the use of harmful compounds like formaldehyde and resin. The environmental effects of granite can be contrasted with those of sustainable wood in terms of procurement.

Granite Containers

Because granite is frequently moved as slabs, there is no need for non-recyclable packing. Granite is transported on its side vertically to prevent damage so that potholes and other road imperfections do not affect the goods.

The Process of Cutting

Granite cutting requires relatively little energy, and even though it could release stone dust and other compounds into the air, a skilled craftsman will have access to sophisticated safety equipment that can mitigate this problem.

Upkeep of Granite

After your granite worktop is installed, maintenance is really simple. Since granite is a natural stone, it is not porous, making it easy to keep clean and hygienic after sealing. Simply wipe it down with a light dish soap or a solution of isopropyl alcohol. This means that you can maintain a clean countertop without using expensive or unpleasant chemicals.

Durability of Granite

Granite is significantly more durable than alternatives, which is the major characteristic that makes it an environmentally beneficial material for the kitchen. Granite is the second-hardest natural substance after diamonds in terms of hardness. It can easily last over 25 years and frequently lasts as long as the home itself because it is not vulnerable to deterioration from normal wear and tear. Other countertop materials, like vinyl and laminate, won't last nearly as long and would need to be replaced more frequently, producing additional waste that can't be recycled.

Granite Countertop Disposal

Your granite countertop can be reused if the time ever comes when it has served its function. Many people sell their leftover granite so that it can be utilised for retaining walls, paving stones, and driveway materials. Granite is environmentally friendly since it can be reused and is very unlikely to wind up in landfills.

Granite is an excellent option for a minimal maintenance, high impact, and environmentally responsible countertop material because of its durability and reusability. Our skilled craftsmen at Fugen Stone have more than 65 years of expertise working with granite. To discuss an estimate or to see our selection of granite samples in person, email us or stop by our showroom.