Top-quality granite is a premium material used in countertops and known for its beauty and durability. Unfortunately, granite’s popularity has seen a rise in counterfeit and low-quality stone. Knowing what to look for in granite is essential to ensure you get the best quality for the best price.

There are two main things to make sure of when shopping for granite countertops. The first is to make sure the stone you are buying is authentic and not counterfeit. Once you have confirmed it is the real deal, you will need to determine the granite grade. Top-quality granite will give you durability and a unique look and feel that lasts a lifetime.

How to Check for Counterfeit Granite

Fake granite countertops have come a long way in terms of quality. From a distance, many are hard to distinguish from the real deal. While they may look nice, they don’t offer the same longevity and uniqueness as natural stone. Thankfully, it is pretty easy to differentiate real stone from fake granite with a few simple tests.

The first way to test granite is to lightly tap on it with a ball hammer or similar tool. Real granite will produce a slight ring. Manufactured stone or laminates will not. Another obvious way to spot fake granite is to check the surface patterns. Natural granite will often have imperfections in the design, while artificial granite will have a more uniform pattern.

Two other ways to tell real from fake granite are to check the seams between slaps and to do a moisture test. Seams are more noticeable with authentic granite since the surface patterns are unique. Natural granite will also absorb moisture since it’s a porous stone, while laminate and artificial stone surfaces are non-porous.

Grading Granite

There are three different grades of granite. Knowing the differences between the three will help you find top-quality granite for your project.

Entry Level
Entry-level granite is simple, with little variation in color. It is generally very thin and often backed with plywood or other such material to support it. This type of granite is typically pre-fabricated and contains soft minerals dispersed throughout it.

Entry-level granite is also known as builder-grade or commercial-grade granite. Often seen in furniture, prefab remodels, or in low- and middle-cost housing units, it does not have the durability or visual uniqueness of higher quality granite.

Middle Grade
This granite is sold in thick slabs and boasts a wider variety of distinct colors and intricate patterns. Middle-grade granite demonstrates the well-known strength and durability of granite. While serviceable for many projects, this granite does not show the next grade’s genuinely unique characteristics.

High Grade
If you are looking for top-quality granite, then high-grade is what you want. These pieces of granite exhibit unique, one-of-a-kind patterns that often include veins and sparkling mineral deposits.

Top-Quality Granite Without the Hassle

If you are in the market for top-quality granite, look no further than CCT Natural Stone Designs. We take the guesswork out of granite with an endless selection of the highest quality natural stone. Request a quote today!