What Are The Different Grades of Granite Countertops

Kitchen countertops are some of the best investments you can make for your home. As there are so many types of countertops to choose from, it can be quite a challenge to pick one to have installed in your kitchen. There are various countertops as we’ve said but if you really want one that’s worth every penny you spend on it, we suggest getting granite countertops.

Granite is a natural stone countertop that used to be one of the most popular countertop options from way back when. Now, it has been overtaken by the likes of quartz and marble but don’t take this badly. This doesn’t mean that granite is a bad countertop material. In fact, it’s still one of the best countertop materials out there.

You should consider getting granite now more than ever because the price of these countertops have become more affordable. This is because manufacturers are trying to bring the countertop back to the top of the chain. Before you get granite countertops, you should do a lot of research into this countertop material first and foremost.

Granite comes in various shapes and colors. Some are going to fit a lot better in your kitchen while some are going to fit well in others. Aside from the shapes and colors, did you know that granite also comes in various grades?  Picking a granite countertop based on grade might be a good idea if you are on a budget or if you want to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.

This time, we are going to talk about the different grades of granite countertops and what makes them stand out from the others. If you want to make sure that you are getting the right countertop for your kitchen, then it’s only a must that you pick depending on the grade of the countertop as well. Here’s what a grade is and what the different grades are.

What Is A Grade?

Grade is basically the quality of the granite countertop. It is determined by various factors including the veining, the colors, pitting, marking, and the source quarry of the countertop. The grade is measured from 1 to 3 with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest. Of course, aside from the quality, the grade of the countertop also dictates its price. The higher the grade, the heavier the price tag.

If you’re asking whether or not grade matters, the short answer is that yes, it does matter. In fact, it is one of the most crucial factors when picking a granite countertop. The good news is that fabricators are going to help you find the best grade of countertop for your kitchen. Still, it’s better that you know about these grades yourself.

This time, we are going to talk about what those three grades are. Hopefully, you get a better understanding of which is best for your kitchen and your home.

Level 1 – Entry Level Granite

As the name itself suggests, level 1 granite is the cheapest of the three and it’s also the lowest quality of them all. It’s also referred to as builder’s grade granite or commercial grade granite. Although of low quality, this grade of granite is still formidable but it’s not something that you’d find being used inside the kitchen.

This quality of granite is often pre-fabricated. It is commonly used in apartments, prefab remodels, and even furniture. As it is a thinner cut, grade 1 granite often requires the use of a piece of plywood at the bottom to give the slab more strength. That being said, this isn’t the type of granite you’d want if you don’t want heavy-duty kitchen work.

Low-grade granite is often imported from China and is sold through granite resellers. In most cases, these slabs are cut into tile so that they are easier to transport from one area to another. That being said, it’s a good grade for bathroom purposes because of its low durability.

Level 2 – Mid-Grade

This is not the top-of-the-line granite yet but it is certainly getting there. It is an improvement over level 1 granite in every way but of course, it is a lot more expensive than that as well. That being said, level 2 granite has more functionality as compared to grade 1 because it is a lot more durable and thick as well.

Level 2 granite has an average thickness of ¾ inch. Since it is a lot thicker than your standard level 1 slab, you can expect these to be purposeful in living rooms, kitchens, and other parts of the house. That being said, its price range is significantly higher as compared to getting level 1 granite.

In terms of looks,  there is a lot more variety in terms of evening when it comes to mid-grade granite. What this means is that this level of granite is a lot more beautiful as compared to your lower grades. If you are looking for a good aesthetic addition to your home, level 2 granite might just fit the bill.

Most level 2 grade granite is sourced from Brazil or Spain. These are durable slabs for your home so it’s something good to invest on. Most homeowners use level 2 slabs as a countertop surface for their living room or their kitchen since it’s not really a heavy-duty countertop material.

Level 3 – High Grade

Now we go to the cream of the crop in the granite selection. The level 3 grade or better known as high grade granite is the most expensive form of granite on the market. It’s also the most durable and one that’s worth bang for your buck as well. It’s the thickest, most beautiful, and most versatile granite countertop money can buy.

High grade granite is usually ¾ inches thick and it has a lot of colors in the veining. That being said, it is the most common form of granite as well. Due to its durability and aesthetic value, this level of granite is prized as a great addition to any home. Most importantly though, they are used in kitchens, bathrooms, and virtually anywhere around the house.

Like mid grade granite, high grade granite is sourced from Brazil and Spain as well. It’s a material that’s very easy to source and you typically don’t have to wait long before you get your slab delivered and installed. That being said, it is one of the best money can buy for granite too.

Other Grades

It used to be that there were only three grades of granite. However, companies and other manufacturers continue to produce the improving grades of granite. Some companies actually offer grades of granite up to seven. At this level, the stone is very beautiful and very thick as well.

However, keep in mind that these grades of granite aren’t actually very easy to source. In fact, you’ll have to pre-order them in most cases. They are also very expensive so prepare to have your budget dented by a huge expense when getting these special grades of granite.

What Should You Get?

It all definitely depends on you and what you want to get for your home. Of course, we highly suggest getting the best grades of granite possible. Since you are already going to buy something for your home, you may as well make it worth it to get the best grade of granite there is.

If you are going to get granite for your kitchen or bathroom, you should get level 2 and above. These are good enough levels of granite for the kitchen but they aren’t too heavy on the budget as well. If you have the money for it, you might as well go for the special grades of granite since you’re going to pay for unmatched durability there.

The higher the grade of granite you buy, the more valuable it is. It’s better to wait and save for a better quality granite than settle for low grade granite which can break easily. Again, it’s completely up to you about what type of granite you want to get.

As you can see, the grade of your granite countertop matters pretty well. It can make or break your kitchen so make sure to carefully think about the grade of granite countertop that you want to get. If you are unsure about what you want to get for your kitchen, make sure to talk to your contractor about which is the best for your budget and needs.

Finding the perfect countertop for your kitchen is beneficial in many ways. We highly encourage you to invest a ton of research when packing your granite countertop. Granite countertops are supposed to last you for a long time. As such, investing the right amount of research into your next countertop is only essential.

At Granite Expo, you are confident that your needs will be promptly and accurately met with the help of our duly trained, licensed, and bonded technicians. Call us now or feel free to check us on Yelp!

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