Granite slab is one of the most popular types of flooring. It is valued for its strength and durability. This building material gives a special style and effectively transforms the space. It is for this reason that granite slabs are so loved by designers. The presented rating will help you make a choice.
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Granite is considered one of the hardest minerals. It received this property due to the rocks that prevail in its composition. The mineral also consists of such elements as potassium, silicon, aluminum, manganese, iron, chromium, tungsten, titanium, etc. This combination “decorates” the material with various patterns. It should be noted that depending on the deposit, the stone varies greatly. So a stone from Russia and, for example, from Kazakhstan are two completely different minerals. This happens because of the different ratio of elements in their composition.
Undoubtedly, this type of coating has a number of advantages, but, nevertheless, there are a number of disadvantages that it is better to familiarize yourself with before buying.
Granite coatings are distinguished by the following features:
Also, this type of coverage is distinguished depending on the type of work.
Heat treated.Their main difference is in the rough surface. To obtain this effect, the stone is heated to a very high temperature, and then doused with a stream of special gas, which is under high pressure. Thanks to this technology, the plate receives the property of "non-slip". Ideal for creating walkways, sidewalks, courtyards, as well as finishing steps, porch cladding and other areas outside the building.
Polished. This type of coating has a perfectly polished surface. Used for wall decoration in bathrooms, living rooms, and foyers. Also, very often, the basement of buildings is lined with such a stone. This is due to the properties of granite - a stone plate will reliably protect the walls from moisture, wind and temperature extremes.
Polished. The difference between this type of coating in the surface, which has a matte effect. Thanks to him, the stone does not become slippery even when wet. Great for finishing steps, floors, as well as outdoor areas. Often used for cladding facades of buildings.
Slabs of granite with a chipped surface. This type of coating is also called "wild stone" or "rock". He received such names due to the relief texture of the front side, which outwardly looks like raw rock. Great for cladding facades of buildings. Often used for interior compositions - with its help they create spectacular accents, decorate fireplace portals.
Granite paving stone. It differs from other varieties in thickness. In fact, granite paving stones are bars that are obtained as a result of splitting or sawing a stone. Use it for a paving of paths, sidewalks, platforms, court yards. It has a rough surface, so it is ideal for covering pedestrian areas.
Paving stones are of different types:
Granite coatings are popular not only for facade decoration, but also for creating interior expositions. When choosing, first of all, you need to be guided by in which part of the house the material will be used. For different purposes, different stones are used, which differ in the type of processing, aesthetic and physical characteristics.
Below are the main areas of application of this building material.
The most common products are:
At the moment, there are three ways of laying stone pavement:
The choice of adhesive depends on the coating, load and thickness of the stone. The solution is applied to the material and surface. The correct consistency of the solution is determined by lifting an already laid plate - there should be no crust on the composition.
Work in this case should start from the corner, while the stone is laid end-to-end.When laying, you need to tap the plates with a hammer with a rubber nozzle to prevent the formation of air bubbles.
Insulation is placed under the plates, and no preparation of the base and perfect alignment are required. You can also use metal fasteners that hold the plates. The free space behind the stone is filled with a mortar of cement and sand.
Manufacturers of granite finishing materials are divided into premium, middle and economy class. The material of Italian production, for example, Marazzi Group, is recognized as the best. The Russian manufacturer Italon is not inferior in quality. In the middle class, it is worth noting the finishing material produced by the Turkish company Vitra and the domestic company Creto. The materials produced by the Polish company CERSANIT and the Russian brand Estima are considered the best among the budget ones.
Heat treated stone flooring is ideal for outdoor landscaping. The production of this plate includes heat treatment, due to which the material is anti-slip. It has a regular rectangular shape. Dimensions 30 x 3 x 60 cm.
The average price is 3700 rubles.
In the common people - paving stones. Weather resistant, non slippery. Perfect for finishing sidewalks, pedestrian areas, areas near buildings. Dimensions 10 x 3 x 20 cm.
The average price is 3500 rubles.
This type of stone will help create a unique and very spectacular interior. Suitable for finishing the facades of buildings. New Imperial has such important properties as moisture resistance, wear resistance, frost resistance and fire resistance. The dimensions of the plate are 60x30 cm.
The average price is 4550 rubles.
Tan Brown will give a unique look to any home. Suitable for facades, as well as interior decoration. It has a high level of moisture resistance, wear resistance and frost resistance. Separately, it is worth noting the fire resistance of the coating. Very easy to care for. Dimensions 60x30 cm.
The average price is 6300 rubles.
Ideal for finishing facades of buildings. It has a high class of resistance to atmospheric phenomena, as well as fire resistance. Helps protect the base of the building. Dimensions - 60x30 cm.
The average price is 5100 rubles.
This type of finishing material, although it belongs to the type of polished, but due to heat treatment, it has the effect of "non-slip". Perfect for finishing steps, both in the house and outside. Often used to create curbs, pedestrian areas. Dimensions 60x30 cm.
The average price is 3890 rubles.
This stone comes from India. Differs in high moisture and wind-shelter properties. Fire and chemical resistant. Ideal for interior decoration. Extremely easy to care for. A pleasant amber shade of the coating with a fine-grained structure will help create a unique interior. Dimensions 60x30 cm.
The average price is 6300 rubles.
This type of stone is the best solution for street paths and pedestrian areas. It looks very unusual, due to artificial aging, which is obtained through a special processing technology - sawn wood. Looks very impressive. Possesses high moisture — and wind-shelter properties. Dimensions 60x30 cm.
The average price is 2700 rubles.
Nowadays, it is extremely easy to purchase a granite slab. You can go to any hardware store or order online.
The most popular online stores are: Atlant-Granite, ABV-stone, Leroy Merlin, as well as popular marketplaces such as Ozon and Yandex.Market. Before buying coverage, you must first decide on the place and read the reviews.