Granite is a hard, igneous rock that can mainly found all over the world so this granite material is easily available in your nearest store. This granite is usually from by cooling magma deep inside the earth. There is nothing hard to think about ‘how to cut granite’ but it requires a set of procedures and precautions. Areas like the Andes Mountains and Mount Kilimanjaro have large deposits of granite.
It is formed over hundreds of thousands of years by intense heat and pressure deep below the earth surface. As blobs of molten rock cool they shrink in size and turn into solid rock.
The most common colors for granite are shades of gray, black, white, brown, and pink, you can also choose these colors for your granite countertop or you can go with your taste its totally depends on you. Most granite is quarried as blocks and cut to specific sizes before being shipped to construction sites across the world.
Quartz, feldspar, and mica are just a few of the several elements that gives strength and durability to any granite. Several countries, including Brazil, China, India, Madagascar, Russia, and the USA, mine this granite. This stone can take years for granted to form and it’s difficult to find new sources of granite for mining.
The granite has been used for centuries to make countertops and other types of stone finishes.
It’s durable, so it can withstand a lot more than other materials like marble or wood would be able to. Plus, it’s cheaper than marble and doesn’t require sealing as a marble countertop does.
A granite cutter job is one of the most dangerous in the construction industry. There are many reasons why this job is difficult and dangerous in this guide we’ll discuss why its important to take safety measures before doing this type of work.
Here you get some main reasons due to the heavy lifting involved in this kind of work, stone dust can be damaging to your lungs and these types of granite cuts can result in injury.
What one thing must you take into account? Hire a specialist, you must. Don’t try to do this kind of work if you don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge.
Types of Granite:
One of the most prominent countertop materials is granite. Granite will be available in a wide range of hues and designs and it is also long-lasting and simple to maintain. One of the kitchen’s most adaptable materials is granite. Because it can be used for countertops, tables, and backsplashes.
However, granite isn’t just one type of material you can choose from six distinct types of granite, so here are some things you should know about:
- Quartz-based Granites
- Silica-based Granites
- Basalt-based Granites
- Limestone-based Granites
- Quartzite-based Granites
- Schist-based Granites
But the question arises ‘how to cut granite’?. So we will be studying about the cutting processes of granite in the given paragraph below.
Tools and Materials Required :
- Safety clothes
- Measuring tape
- Sharp cutting blade(usually diamond cutting blade)
- Cutting drill machine
- Wet cloths
- Workbench
- Marker
- Clamping tools
- Safety gloves
- Safety goggles
- Dust remover
- Chisel
See also: Laminate Countertops
Cutting A Granite
STEP 1
First, we will collect all the required tools and materials. Then find a workplace, mostly outside the home or open ground. Clear the area around the workplace so that dust particles will not interfere while cutting granite. Ensure that the workplace should have enough light. This should be the first step on how to cut granite.
STEP 2
Now lift the granite slab (small or large) and position it on the workbench or workplace. Lifting of granite should be done very carefully as it may harm you if it falls on you. Now use the clamping tool and fit it at every corner of the slab so that granite is tight enough to avoid any vibration during cutting.
STEP 3
Protecting yourself or ourselves should be the priority while doing any kind of work. So wear protective clothes, gloves, shoes, and safety goggles. This equipment will prevent you from any injury while cutting the granite.
STEP 4
Take the measuring tape and measure the area to be cut carefully.
To measure granite for cutting, you need a measuring tape and a level surface. You will also need a marker or pencil to mark your measurement on the stone before cutting it.
First, measure the length of the stone with your measuring tape from end to end. Take a measurement of the stone’s width from left to right using your measuring tape. Lastly, use your level to make sure that your measurements are level on both ends of the stone (you can’t cut it until they are).
See also: Sanded vs Unsanded Grout
STEP 5
Granite is a hard stone that can be cut easily with the right tools.
Diamond cutting blades are often used for cutting granite because of their hardness. These blades last longer than those made from other materials, and they can be reused up to 12 times before they must be replaced.
Diamond blades should always be used in conjunction with water or oil so that the blade does not heat up too quickly and lose its hardness.
Diamond cutting blades are created to work well on hard materials like granite, marble, concrete, and glass block, and many other materials. When choosing a diamond cutter blade for granite, there are some important things to keep in mind: the type of blade you need (conventional or circle) and what size it should be.
STEP 6
Now after fitting the diamond blade into the cutting machine, switch on the supply board and start moving the cutting machine on the marked level of granite slab slowly. Now supply a small amount of water over the cutting blade while moving the cutting machine. Keep your hand aligned on the machine, this will prevent any curve cutting of granite.
STEP 7
Remove the dust and debris that has been generated during the cutting processes and take a wet cotton cloth to clean its surface. Now carefully lift up the granite and keep it in a safe place. These are the complete processes or steps on how to cut granite. Generally cutting granite always generates a lot of scraps that can be used for filling purposes.
See also: Standard Counter Height
Cutting a Granite Tile
Granite tiles are durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is fairly popular choice for homeowners looking to remodel their kitchen or bathroom.
However, granite tiles are heavy and require a lot of work to cut. The word granite is derived from the Latin granum, meaning grain. Granite is hard, igneous rock with varying shades of pink, purple, brown, and black.
It can be used for countertops, flooring, driveway paving blocks, veneer sheets for fireplace surrounds or home exteriors, and as landscaping stones. There are many varieties of granite including blue granite and pink granite.
The hardness of the stone makes it a good choice for use on floors and countertops because it will last longer than other types of stone. It is also durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic without being ground down by foot-
Here are some steps you can take to cut your tiles:
- Select the appropriate tile saw for your needs.
- Assemble all the necessary tools before starting the project.
- Cut smaller pieces first, then cut bigger ones.
- Clean up the area afterward (especially if you’re cutting in your kitchen).
