granite stairs

Stairs for the house - flamed or polished?

Many of our clients are asking themselves about finishing the elements for new home stairs. The basic question refers to flamed and polished products. The flamed elements are non-slip, which is necessary for external stairs. This ensures safety during cold and rainy days.

To add a charm to such stairs, polished risers are used. In our opinion, external granite stairs should necessarily be flamed. If we are considering internal granite stairs, here is no such problem and you can use all-polished elements without thinking. In our assortment there is also an alternative in the form of brushed elements.

granite window ledges

How to correctly measure window sills?

Measuring new window sills is not a complicated matter and anyone can really do it. A properly installed window sill should be recessed into the sides of the wall (lintels) of at least 3 cm (the standard is to allow window sills 3-5 cm into the wall).

Additionally, it should be placed under the window to a depth of 0.5 - 1.5 cm. The width of window sills should be 3-5 cm larger than the outline of the wall.

External window sills must necessarily have an incision on the water - drip. This is the undercut that forces the rainwater to flow in front of the elevation.

granite weight

How to calculate the weight of granite correctly?

2 cm thick board: 54 kg / 1 square meter,

3 cm thick board: 81 kg / 1 square meter,

4 cm thick board: 108 kg / 1 square meter,

5 cm thick board: 135 kg / 1 square meter,

8 cm thick board: 162 kg / 1 square meter,

Granite is heavy and requires adequate equipment or human resources to unload the goods upon delivery. Check the weight of the goods before delivery so that you are prepared properly.

granite cleaning

How do you clean granite and marble?

Cleaning granite and marble is not a difficult task. However, you need to follow a few rules to not damage this stone surface. First of all, do not use powdered cleaning agents or abrasive stone cleaning pads. Even cleaning products containing pumice (which is powdered volcanic stone) can damage your stone worktops or floors and you will never regain its previous shine. Never use any products that are acidic - this applies to substances such as ammonia.

Always use cleaners and cleaning agents designed specifically for natural stone, widely available in all DIY stores.

granite and marble

Difference between granite and marble

Both stones are mined from the ground (just like the relatives of marble - onyx and travertine). It is worth noting, however, that these materials are very different from each other. Granite is deeply formed in the Earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.

The family of marbles - limestone, travertine, marble, onyx - formed as a settlement - skeletons and shells of animals, plant matter, mud - at the bottom of water reservoirs. After millions of years, it solidifies into a stone. Because its main ingredient is calcium, it can be influenced by acids, such as vinegar and citrus drinks. Materials formed from limestone are not as resistant to weather conditions or time as granites.

granite durability

Granite - the most durable building material

Granite is formed by solidifying liquid magma (molten rock) under pressure from the earth's crust. It consists of feldspar, quartz, mica and other volcanic minerals, making it one of the hardest stones in the world. For centuries it has been used for construction and decorative purposes. Granite is extremely resistant to wear and time, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor floors. When used outdoors, the granite mineral structure is not dependent on the freezing and thawing cycles.

granite stairs

What stone adhesive should you choose?

The choice of adhesive intended for the assembly of granite elements can be a kind of mystery. There are many assembly adhesives on the market. Which of them should we choose to keep our stairs or window sills intact for many years?

Experts emphasize that when choosing the right product, we should manage the type of stone and its size, but also the quality of the substrate. Therefore, the substrate on which the elements will be mounted should be properly prepared and, above all, primed.

A large group of natural stones, both marble and granite, is prone to discoloration. There is also a risk of water penetrating into the element and migration along with calcium compounds to the surface of the stone. This is avoided by special mounting adhesives for the assembly of granite and marble. The assembly should be done with a highly elastic white color glue. Choosing the right adhesive is the basis for the installation of natural stone, which guarantees its lifetime durability. For installation of external elements, products resistant to atmospheric conditions such as snow, rain or frost are provided.

granite stairs

How to project the stairs?

Dimensioning the stairs, just like window sills, is not a particularly difficult task. First of all, our new stairs must be comfortable to use. The width and height of the step have the greatest influence here.

The principle provides dimensioning according to the following scheme:

2H + S = 0.60 - 0.65 m, where h is the usable height of the degree, s is the usable usable width of the degree.

Step height:

H = 14-19 cm, very comfortable stairs,

H = 15 cm, comfortable,

H = 16 cm, medium-comfortable,

H = 17 cm, medium-comfortable,

H = 19 cm and more, uncomfortable stairs.

Step width:

S = 25-32 cm stairs very comfortable,

S = 32 cm, comfortable,

S = 30 cm, medium-comfortable,

S = 29 cm, medium-comfortable,

S = 29 cm and less, uncomfortable stairs.

granite stairs

External stairs made of natural stone

External stairs are an element that is a showcase of any home. They should be made of material that guarantees durability for many years. Granite is undoubtedly such a material. The stairs are most often made of flamed granite, which ensures the safety of use. Porous and matt surface is safe during winter use and rainfall. There is also the possibility of connecting surfaces polished with flames. Then we suggest making a riser of polished material. The basic shades of granites used for external stairs are grays, gold, bronzes, reds and all kinds of shades of black. We warn you that marble is not a good solution in Polish weather conditions. This solution is used by our clients only in the interiors of their homes.

granite stairs

Concrete vs. natural stone

The surface of natural stone adds beauty to any landscape. The use of natural stone during the construction of a swimming pool, patio, driveway or walkways between buildings will give these places a unique charm. Many of our customers have recently replaced pavements made of concrete elements just for stony ones. Unfortunately, concrete is much more fragile and less durable material than granite and, consequently, its life is much smaller. If you are looking for a solution that will stand the test of time and does not require any conservation work, then natural stone is an ideal solution. Depending on the budget, there are a number of cost-effective solutions applicable to your investment. Often the difference between natural stone and concrete is not as large as it may seem, and the benefits are much greater.

granite countertops

How to impregnate natural stone products?

Natural stone and marble have very high aesthetic qualities, however they require special preparation before everyday use. Stone made of water and stains from fruits, vegetables and fat can settle on polished stone and marble. Unfortunately, chlorine and acidic agents also have a negative effect on elements made of natural stone, therefore it is necessary to protect it.

For protection of elements made of granite and marble, appropriate emulsions and impregnating agents are provided. These are funds designed specifically for this purpose, available to almost all popular DIY stores. Impregnation should be used according to the manufacturer's recommendations, however we recommend our customers to use it twice a year.

Stone impregnations close the pores occurring in the stone and prevent the material from absorbing unwanted substances causing, for example, stains and dirt deposits. At the same time, the stone must also breathe. It is very important to carefully impregnate, without omitting any fragments of tiles or countertops.

granite tiles

What should be the thickness of granite slabs used on the terrace?

Granite slabs for terraces and entrances to residential houses where pedestrian traffic takes place should have a relatively thin thickness. Their assembly is then much easier than their thicker counterparts. We recommend granite slabs with a thickness of 2 or 3 cm that will meet their application for many years and will be resistant to all weather conditions.

For surfaces laid directly on the ground, it is necessary to apply gravel and sand ballasts. We recommend, however, to place such elements on dry concrete which will prevent deformation of our surface for many years. The best thickness of elements for home driveways is 4, 5 or 6 cm. After such a surface, we can easily move on a passenger car.

granite window sills

What thickness should a granite or marble windowsill have?

Sills used by our customers have a thickness of 2 or 3 cm. Due to the small difference in price, our customers usually decide on these thicker items. We also recommend granite or marble window sills 3 cm thick due to their greater durability. We guarantee that our high quality window sills will beautify your windows for many years.

• For exterior use, granite window sills polished 2 or 3 cm thick with notched drip,

• For internal use, granite or marble window sills polished 2 or 3 cm thick.

granite worktops

Stone for kitchen countertops.

Everyone who faces the choice of a new kitchen asks a question about the countertops that should be used. Of course, the choice must fall on the stone, because it is the most durable and easy to maintain material. The universal and usually used thickness of granite worktops is 3 cm thick. We advise against the use of marble countertops in the kitchen and bathroom as they do not guarantee such high resistance to use as their granite counterparts. Stains and discoloration and tarnishing are the biggest problems of marble countertops.

cobblestone

What kind of cobblestone should you choose?

Cobblestone is a good choice for your backyard. Natural stone paving provides long term hard landscaping solutions for a wide range of prestige environments. Dimensions of cobblestone depends on traffic intensity outside the home. If the traffic is heavy you should choose bigger granite elements. It provides durabilty for many years.

• For foot traffic, pavings, bike lanes or garden paths the best choice is cobblestone 4/6 cm or 7/9 cm,

• For car traffic, driveways and internal roads you should use cobblestone 8/10 or 9/11 cm,

• For heavy traffic like trucks or bigger cars the best choice is cobblestone 15/17 cm.

granite countertops

Why should you choose granite countertops?

Granite is the leading material for kitchen remodels, kitchen countertops, islands, bathroom counters, outdoor surfaces, fireplace surroundings, tables and decorative accents. Granite is especially substantial for kitchen environments, comes in various styles, colors and finishes. Also the price is very fair.

GRANITE AND MARBLE COUNTERTOPS ADVANTAGES:

• Stone have unique and exclusive design and always suits to every room. You can choose your granite from many colours,

• Granite is very hard and resistant to sketching, bruising, water, fire and other physical threatment,

• Granite and marble countertops are easy to clean. Even water can make it clean. Very important is fact that material is resistant to weather conditions.

window sills

Why granite window sills are better than others?

Window sills are an important part of home or business property construction. The sill not only creates an appealing look to the area around the window itself, it acts as a barrier against moisture intrusion. Choosing the proper sill is a decision made by the architect, construction company, or property owner. Regardless of the instructions in the original building plan, the choice to install natural stone window sills is often made during the initial construction phase. Homeowners often want a more elegant look to the interior of the home, especially when it comes to room accents. Even if the floor is not covered in marble stone, the room takes on a more sophisticated look when the windows are highlighted by beautiful stone sills.

granite garden

How to use granites in a garden?

Natural stone is a good choice for your garden. You can use it for rockery, flower beds, garden steps and other landscape architecture. It's also necessary when you want to make your fireplace, path, driveway or bikelane. Good idea is also granite fountins, granite balls, granite palisades or simply cobblestone garden application. Another option is sandstone application.

stone quarry

How to quarry granite and marble?

Many quarry stones such as marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone are cut into larger slabs and removed from the quarry. The surfaces are polished and finished with varying degrees of sheen or luster. Polished slabs are often cut into tiles or countertops and installed in many kinds of residential and commercial properties. Natural stone quarried from the earth is often considered a luxury and tends to be a highly durable surface, thus highly desirable. The successful and economical working of granite quarries depends upon an intelligent application of a knowledge of the structure of the rock and its natural divisions in the mass, as well as upon improved methods, tools, and machinery for quarrying. The topographical location of the quarry and its relation to facilities for transportation are important factors that affect the productiveness and greatly modify the actual cost of operations in a given place.

window sills

Granite cobblestone or other paving surfaces??

Cobblestone is a very useful material for pavings, bike lanes, roads or driveways. You can also choose the colors from yellow, red, black or grey cobblestone. We produce cobblestone in different sizes, for instance 4/6, 7/9, 9/11 or 15/17 cm. This material has very long durability. You won't change your backyard or driveway for many, many years.

GRANITE COBBLESTONE ADVANTAGES:

Unique, exculisive design. Wide colour palette,

Durability for weather and physical conditions. Resistance for heavy-weight, frost, rain. Guarantee for many years,

Anti-skidding structure, help when the weather conditions are bad and you are driving a car.

granite aggregation

How to make a good foundation?

The purpose of a good road pavement design is to effectively dissipate/spread the load from the tyre footprints of the vehicle over a wider area of the existing natural surface, so that the strength of the natural ground will be sufficient to carry the reduced loading without causing any type of failure, over the proposed route of the road. This usually means a road pavement will be constructed of a number of layers, with each layer having a specific role, engineering purpose, in the road pavement construction.