Granite flooring - pros and cons

Since ancient times, granite as a building material has been classified as a premium material. Considering its properties, we can talk about a perfect balance of exquisite natural beauty and durability. Unique strength parameters are the reason for its popularity and use in all sectors of the construction industry - hydraulic, private, and civil engineering. 

Recently, another application option has emerged - its use in various interior design projects, where the combination of aristocratic elegance and solidity of the visual perception of such a stone looks very stylish and original.

Origin and main properties of granite

Massifs with a high content of granite have several variants of origin: magmatic, metamorphic, and mixed. The main source that contributed to the formation of such a structure is magma. 

The formation process takes place in two ways:

1. As a result of gradual cooling and subsequent solidification of the magma structure that remains in the Earth's interior.
2. Metamorphism is a change in rock under the influence of various factors. It can be the effect of high temperature, high pressure, gaseous or liquid substances.

The wide range of applications for granite is due to its diverse polymer composition. This material consists of a large volume of sodium-potassium spar (up to 40% of the total content) and quartz in the amount of 20-30%. The strength characteristics are determined by the percentage of quartz, and the color is influenced by the shade of feldspar.

Depending on the brand of stone, the amount of mica can reach 5-10%, and plagioclase - 20-25%.

What are the advantages of granite paving?

The excellent technical and operational characteristics of granite have made this material a real “king” in most finishing and construction works. 

Durability

The extremely dense natural structure has a density of 2700 kg/m3, which creates compressive strength parameters in the range of 120 to 250 MPa. These properties are the key to excellent resistance to any mechanical impact and adverse weather conditions. Among natural analogs, granite is second only to diamond in terms of strength.

Durability

It is difficult to name another building material that after 500 years looks like it was used only yesterday. There is a direct correlation between this parameter and the size of granite crystal grains - the smaller they are, the stronger the structure becomes. 

According to these indicators, the material is divided into three categories or classes:

1. Grain size up to 2 mm - fine-grained.
2. From 2 to 5 mm - medium-grained.
3. Coarse-grained - more than 5 mm.

Frost and heat resistance characteristics

Another argument in favor of granite is its ability to withstand up to 300 cycles of deep freezing without damaging its structure. This allows it to be used for exterior finishing work. Another undeniable advantage is its excellent heat resistance. Polymorphic changes occur only at 600°C and above.

Water resistance

The moisture absorption rate of 0.05-0.17% will guarantee that granite will be the optimal finishing material for the arrangement of swimming pools, saunas, and fountains.

Environmental friendliness

The fundamental difference in comparison with artificial products is the absence of toxic substances during heating. And the level of radiation background of natural granite in almost all cases does not exceed 10-15 μR/h.

Additional advantages of granite

Several factors contribute to the popularity of granite products in various fields.

A wide range of textures

In many cases, an unpolished surface is used, which has original decorative properties. In this case, the surface acquires a sculptural expression and perfectly absorbs light.

Light processing using diamond grinding and polishing technology gives the material a perfect mirror-like shine. It achieves a luxurious effect of shimmering in the light due to mica inclusions. 

Extensive color palette

Depending on the style of the building and the owner's preferences, you can choose granite in blue, classic light gray, pink, blue, red shades. The presence of a cloudy-smoky, striped or spotted pattern adds additional sophistication to the stone.

Compatibility with other types of stone

The versatility lies in the ability to combine very organically with such components as metal, ceramics, wood. There are no problems with adding attractive touches to any interior style.

As for the disadvantages, it is difficult to name anything but a large weight, which in some cases causes difficulties with transportation. The price of granite may also seem quite high, but it is worth it. After all, the aesthetic and technical properties far outweigh such disadvantages.

Where is granite most often used?

These positive properties make this material an indispensable solution in many interior and exterior works:

• paving roads and walkways;
• lining the interior walls and exterior of swimming pools, fountains, fireplaces;
• decoration of underpasses and subway stations;
• for the manufacture of sculptures and other architectural elements;
• decoration of staircases outside and inside the premises;
• creating attractive facades;
• in workshops for the production of window sills, countertops, decorative vases, etc;
• elegant flooring.

Granite is very popular for use as a curbstone.

A brief overview of all the pros and cons of granite paving allows us to make a brief summary.

There is no other natural material in nature that can be compared to granite with such a combination of technical parameters, durability, and aesthetic appearance. When you are building your home, business center, restoring an architectural monument, landscaping a certain territory, implementing an author's design project, it is simply impossible to do without such natural beauty!