Granite

One of the oldest, hardest and strongest stones available, granite is a light-coloured igneous rock with grains large enough to be visible with the unaided eye. It forms from the slow crystallisation of cooled magma below the Earth’s surface.

Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles and other minerals. This mineral composition usually gives mineral grains visible throughout the rock.

Granite tiles are generally thinner, designed for indoor use on the floor and wall.

Conversely, pavers are often larger, coarser, and sturdier, making them more suitable for outdoor areas like driveways, pool surrounds, and patios.

Granite offers a strong balance of durability, visual appeal and low maintenance. It’s hard-wearing, easy to care for and available in finishes that suit everything from modern architectural spaces to more classic landscaping.

Plus, its colour variation and natural texture give each installation a distinctive, premium finish.

Capable of withstanding heavy wear, granite is a resilient and versatile choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces like pathways and driveways.

When slightly textured, its surface also provides slip resistance for wet areas such as pool surrounds.

It is often used for kitchen and bathroom floors, stair treads, feature walls, patios, driveways and pool coping.

Granite is available in a variety of colours, from light grey to deep charcoal, with gentle patterns on each piece. With its varied shades, interior designers, architects and landscapers can choose the most complementary hue for their project’s aesthetic.

Granite tiles are typically from 10mm thick, while granite pavers are generally 30 mm thick. At Marble Plus, we can tailor thickness to your project requirements.

Granite is available in several finishes to complement different styles and applications:

• Polished granite: Granite can be filled and polished for a glossy aesthetic. The high reflectivity makes it ideal for hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens that enjoy ample light.
• Honed granite: This finish is created by grinding down the granite to form a smooth but matte or satin-like surface. It is a wonderful choice for both indoor and some outdoor granite floor tiles.
• Flamed granite: Granite is flamed to boost the colours and slip resistance. A flamed finish achieves a rougher texture, with tiny variations enhancing the stone’s non-slip properties. This is a popular choice for granite outdoor tiles.

Yes. Despite their refined and sophisticated appearance, granite tiles and pavers are incredibly durable.

This natural stone is renowned for its ability to withstand harsh temperatures, moisture damage and general wear and tear, making it a fantastic choice for high-traffic and outdoor applications.

Yes. Granite works well with underfloor heating systems thanks to its high thermal conductivity and dense thermal mass.

Choose granite based on where it will be used, the level of foot traffic, the required slip resistance and the type of finish. For outdoor areas, pool surrounds and pathways, a textured finish can provide better grip, while smoother finishes may be better suited to indoor applications.

Colour, pattern and veining can also vary considerably between granite slabs and batches. Where consistency is paramount, inspect the stone in person at our Brisbane or Sydney showroom.

Granite has an exceptionally long lifespan, lasting for decades when properly installed and maintained.

Yes. Although hard-wearing, granite is a porous stone. Therefore, we recommend sealing it to protect against stains, dust, pollen, pet dander and chemical damage.

Regular sealing, as per sealer recommendations, not only helps to maintain the stone’s aesthetic appeal but also enhances its durability.

The specific type of sealer and the method of application may differ based on the usage intentions. For tailored advice, speak with our team today.

To clean granite tiles and pavers, simply sweep away dust and remove dirt with a soft cloth and a mix of warm water and mild soap. Finally, rinse the surface to remove any cleaning residue.

A professional granite cleaning solution fit for purpose is also suitable. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

The price of granite varies according to the format, thickness and finish selected.

To receive a tailored estimate for granite tiles and pavers in Sydney and Brisbane, get in touch with the team at Marble Plus