Top 10 Reasons to Incorporate Granite Steps into Your Hardscape Design
Let's know about Granite
You already know that granite is a top choice for kitchen and bath countertops thanks to its strength, longevity, and beauty. And while granite might not be the first surface you think of when conceptualizing residential outdoor projects, it should be. Granite is a versatile surface that can be used absolutely anywhere inside or out, both commercially and residentially. Granite is an ideal surface for outdoor stairs, in particular. Whether they’re incorporated into a façade, porch, deck, patio, or sidewalk, granite stairs offer the ultimate in function and beauty. Here are the top 10 reasons we recommend using granite stairs in your outdoor designs:
1: Granite Looks Great
First and foremost, granite is beautiful. Besides being one of the most versatile and functional stones in existence, granite is pleasant to look at. Mother nature makes granite in all of the amazing colors and patterns that she can think of and thanks to technology, fabricators are able to cut granite virtually any way you want it. Granite infuses a look of quality and luxury into any space, inside or out.
2: Minimal Maintenance
Just like with indoor countertops, the best way to protect outdoor granite stairs is to use a sealant. You can have your fabricator seal it for you, or you can easily do it yourself if you’re so inclined. Sealing will make your stairs more resistant to foot traffic and weather all while making it easier to clean. Dust mops will help remove accumulated dirt and dust from marble stairs outside of your home or business. You can also use a power washer for a quick rinse. Granite stairs require little maintenance and have built-in non-slip properties.
3: Defiantly Durable
Granite is one of the most durable and long-lasting surfaces in the world. Two of the main components of granite are quartz and feldspar. These two minerals also happen to be tougher than steel according to the Mohs scale of hardness. Granite will stand up to high foot traffic as well as ice, snow, sun, and temperature fluctuations. Even granite used outdoors will last a lifetime.
4. Naturally Non-slip
The natural quartz found inside granite leads to the material’s non-slip and scratch-resistant properties. Note that any stone surface can become slippery when wet, however, there are some steps you can take, including anti-slip sealers, leathered and honed finishing, or grooves and inlays, to help reduce slipping on granite stairs. The versatility of granite makes the surface an excellent choice for just about any outdoor project.
5. Value in Versatility
Because granite can be found in a variety of colors and it can be easily fabricated by stone experts, it’s virtually unmatched in its versatility. Granite can be polished until it shines or it can be honed, leathered, flamed, bush hammered, and more to create a matte or highly textured surface without any gloss or reflection. Granite can fit in with any specific style or look desired for a space.
6. Shaped for Safety
Since granite can be easily fabricated to suit just about any surface need, it can be rounded for safety. For areas where square or rectangle corners might be dangerous and therefore less desirable, granite can be curved. It can be formed into circles, semicircles, curves, or whatever you can imagine.
7. Endlessly Elegant
Granite is the most widespread rock on the earth’s crust. Therefore, it’s been used by civilizations across the globe to build long-lasting monuments, towers, bridges, and buildings. The Giza Pyramids in Egypt are made of granite, as is DC’s Washington Monument. Granite has an undeniable natural beauty and elegance that’s been celebrated for centuries…and beyond.
8. Comfortably Casual
Just as granite is majestic and elegant, it can also be casual, comfortable, and welcoming. It’s a chameleon that can be made to complement any desired look. Even the shabbiest of chic farmhouses will look fantastic with granite stairs leading up to the porch.
9. More for your Money
Besides adding beauty and a sense of luxury, granite adds value to your property. Adding granite stairs to your hardscape designs often gives your property a higher resale value. It offers a great return on investment.
10. We’ve Got Your Granite
Best of all, Marble & Granite, Inc. makes it easy to find the granite you’re looking for no matter what project you’re working on. Come by any of our New England locations and talk with our in-house stone experts. They’ll help you find the perfect material for whatever it is you working on. From kitchen countertops to front porch stairs, we’ll help you find exactly what you need.
