Granite has a long history of being used in various aspects of building construction.
In the past, because of the durability and natural beauty of polished granite, granite has been used in government buildings and wealthy individual's homes as flooring, tables, countertops, mantles and more.
As advances in tools and fabricating processes have improved, so has the method in which granite can be used.
Proper care is still necessary in order to maintain the beautiful finish which only natural stone can provide.
The home owner has very little control over the handling and what happens to the countertop before final installation and sealing.
The home owner, however, should visit the fabricator's warehouse in order to select the marble, granite or other natural stone to be installed.
Each slab will have its own unique color and veining.
If more than one slab is required for one job, this is the time to make sure each slab is similar in color and veining and from the same quarry as the first piece.
Choosing slabs at different times or different quarries is a sure way of not achieving a similar match regarding color tone or veining.
Although granite is largely impervious to much which can be thrown at it, the durability and longevity of a finished countertop begins at the quarry and then the fabricator.
Despite its strength, damage, such as cracking, can occur in transport.
Because of this possibility many stone fabricators, if not all, will cut, shape and fit a slab of granite on-site.
Every other natural stone used for countertops or fireplace mantles and hearths is of a softer stone and is also handled with care during transport.
It is a good practice for a countertop installer to dry fit the stone countertop before permanently securing a slab.
Often times seams will be present for abnormally long runs or a L-shaped cabinet arrangement.
Again, the mixing of the epoxy for the seam joining is usually mixed on-site, as well, in order to achieve a close color match to the countertop color.
Once installation and sealing is complete very little needs to be done in order to maintain the granite surface.
Granite, like other natural stone, is porous, but the denseness of granite can naturally prevent almost any staining.
Although sealing is not always required, sealing the granite provides a little extra insurance against staining.
Granite is exceptional at withstanding high temperatures from kitchenware and is very durable against cutlery.
The home owner still should adhere to wise choices regarding setting hot pans on the countertop or using the countertop itself as a cutting surface.
By following the directions of the fabricator, a granite countertop can look as good 20 years from now as it does the day of installation.