Five things to do with your old granite countertops
- #1. Trash the old granite countertops The average life expectancy of a granite countertop is long. ...
- #2. Donate your old counter If your stone is still in good shape, consider donating it to Habitat for Humanity or a similar charity. ...
- #3. Convert your granite counter into something new ...
- #4. Recycle your granite countertop ...
What to do with your old granite countertops?
Update Your Kitchen With Inexpensive Countertops
- Painting Countertops. This is possibly the least expensive way to cover up old countertops, especially old wood or linoleum countertops.
- Covering Countertops. It is quite easy to cover up your countertops with different materials such as wood veneer, fabric or metal.
- Painting or Decals for Tile Countertops. ...
- Other Options. ...
What types of stone are used for countertops?
Types Of Natural Stone Countertops: Best Options For Kitchen Counters
- The Classic Granite. Natural granite is one of the rockstars when it comes to a kitchen island and vanity tops. ...
- Delicate and Elegant Marble. Marble is one of the most expensive yet elegant stone countertops you can have inside your kitchen. ...
- Architectural Beauty of Limestone. ...
- The Dense Slate Rock. ...
- Homey Vibe of Soapstone. ...
- Translucent Onyx. ...
- Solid Surface. ...
Should you refinish granite countertops?
Should You Repair, Refinish, or Replace Granite Countertops?
- Resealing. You can find out if resealing your granite countertops is a possible solution by testing the surface.
- Repairing. Repairing granite countertops is another option if they have numerous scratches, chips and cracks on the surface making it look less than attractive.
- Refinishing. ...
- Replacing. ...
How to resurface a countertop with thin granite?
Here are some tips:
- Study real granite at any home improvement center. ...
- Apply coats while the previous layer is still slightly damp. ...
- Add grain with a feather lightly swiped across still-damp paint. ...
- Add veins with a fine-tipped artist brush dipped in a contrasting color — pure white or black are good choices. ...
What is freecycle?
What to do with old granite countertops?
What stone was used in ancient Egypt?
Can granite countertops break down?
Does Habitat for Humanity use granite countertops?
Who owns Granite Selection?
Can granite be used as flooring?
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Can you repurpose granite countertops?
Old Countertops Can Be Reused in New Projects The stone can be refinished, recut, and made into smaller granite or marble pieces after it's been a countertop in your home.
What can you do with outdated granite countertops?
So, what are the BEST ideas to update a kitchen or bathroom with outdated granite countertops?paint the cabinets and/or walls.replace the backsplash.modernize the hardware and light fixtures.refresh the accents.
What happens to granite scraps?
Granite recycling came up to repurpose leftovers for other home-based projects. Granite recycling firms have come up to provide a solution to the granite waste problem. Many recycling companies now transform the remaining stone into thin veneers, pavers, and tiles for home use.
What can I make with granite scraps?
Coasters. Even if you only have a small amount of granite leftover, you can use small slices called granite remnants to create earthy, unique coasters. ... End Table. ... Whiskey Stones. ... Serving Tray. ... A Modern Granite Remnant Lamp Base.
Are granite countertops out of style 2022?
Granite countertops are a kitchen trend to avoid in 2022. They were the standard in the 90s and 2000s but now they just make a kitchen look dated. The new trending countertop is quartzite, a beautiful (and pricy) favorite that took kitchen design by storm.
Is it worth painting granite countertops?
Painting old granite countertops It's really a great idea, because as granite colors go out of style, there has to be some solution to upgrade them other than spending huge money to replace them. Especially if you buy a home where the existing stone countertops are an awful color.
What can I do with countertop remnants?
Here are the ten best ideas for stone remnants.A Bathroom Vanity. Bathroom vanities offer easy maintenance and additional storage space to hide clutter. ... A Kitchen Backsplash. ... Cutting Boards and Cheeseboards. ... Bar Tops. ... Coffee Tables and Desktops. ... Stepping Stones. ... Fireplace Surrounds. ... Trays and Trivets.More items...•
How much of a granite slab is wasted?
Early on we realized that the waste factors, for converting slabs into countertops, was pretty dramatic. Most good fabricators track their waste and over a period of about 3 years we realized that overall we were incurring an average of about 30% waste, which is the industry standard.
How do you break granite scrap?
Select a non-explosive demolition agent such as Dexpan or another brand made of 2.5 percent ferric oxide and 89.6 percent calcium oxide, as well as a small amount of organic resin.Mark a line with water-soluble chalk where you want to break the granite.More items...
What can you do with leftover slab?
Beyond Countertops: 3 Great Ways to Use All of Your Stone SlabCoasters. Ask your fabricator to preserve the material left after fabrication is complete and ask if they can cut a set or two of luxe coasters. ... Serving Trays & Trivets. ... Accent Tables.
How do you cut granite counter tops?
0:523:09How to Cut And Polish Granite Countertop DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip2 ensure the granite cutter is switched off and install the saw blade. And start cutting from oneMore2 ensure the granite cutter is switched off and install the saw blade. And start cutting from one end at low speed. Go slow to avoid chipping of stone. You may choose to cut in two passes for harder.
How do you make a lazy Susan out of granite?
Granite Lazy Susan and TrivetsStep 1: Tools/Materials/Safety Equipment. ... Step 2: Lay Out Your Design. ... Step 3: Cut the Granite. ... Step 4: Final Shaping and Sanding the Granite. ... Step 5: Apply Sealers. ... Step 6: Use Epoxy to Attach Lazy Susan Bearing. ... Step 7: Apply Felt Furniture Pads.
How do I use dated granite in my kitchen?
Choose a simple, complementary backsplash tile. A subway tile in a neutral tone like ivory, off-white, or even greige will complement the granite and actually work to tone it down. Stick with a slightly warmer tone to help it blend in. So if you want a white tile, make sure it's a white with warm undertones.
How do you refurbish granite countertops?
Buy a polishing powder designed for natural stone countertops. You'll generally have to mix the powder with water to form a paste. Then “polish” problem areas with a soft cloth. Some products require you to leave the paste on overnight (mostly for stain removal).
Can I change the color of my granite countertop?
So, yes, you can paint over granite countertops and make them a thing of beauty.
Can old granite countertops be recut?
Granite countertops that last However, if you need to modify this space for a new sink, refrigerator, or cooktop, the good news is that your granite can be recut to accommodate the different setup.
Where Should Your Old Granite Countertops Go?
One thing many people don’t think about right away is how much cleanup is involved when it comes to renovating versus a new construction project. With new construction, you don’t have to worry about removing old items, which saves a lot of time, energy, and cost overall.
Pros of Using Granite
Granite is a natural stone that is incredibly durable, which means it can be reused many times over without deteriorating and with fairly minimal maintenance, too. It also means that it doesn’t have to be mined and processed as often since so much recycled granite stays in circulation.
Cons of Using Granite
Most granite is important, which means the shipping and transport can cause them to have a large carbon footprint. Plus, granite is porous, so it must be sealed with chemicals to minimize staining.
Related Questions
There are many different materials you can use for your countertops. Some of the most common materials include granite, quartz, laminate, concrete, tile, stainless steel, marble, and more. Which one you choose will depend on your personal style preferences.
Final Thoughts on What to Do with Your Granite
If you find yourself with a bunch of old granite countertops on your hands, don’t limit yourself! There is no end to the things you can do with them instead of simply tossing them in the trash, and we’ve only just scratched the surface.
Can You Repurpose Granite Countertops?
Granite is a hard stone, so it can be difficult to repurpose for other countertops. The material can produce unsightly seams when you try to blend with other surfaces. Thus, most granite countertops become something else after you remove them. And the possibilities are virtually endless.
How much does granite cost?
And the thickness of your slab matters too. However, the average price of a granite remnant is between $10 and $40 per square foot. As always, ask the supplier for specifics.
How to break granite?
Cutting and breaking granite remnants is easy. First, use water-soluble chalk to mark a line where you want the stone to crack. Then, drill a few holes along that line to create faults. Each hole should be about two inches wide for best results. And you should space them 12 to 24 inches apart.
What to cover coasters with?
PRO TIP: Cover one side of your coasters with a non-slip fabric to prevent scratching your tables.
Can you make things with granite?
You can make many things with granite remnants, including decorations for your home. However, it’s best to use leftover countertop material if you can because granite can be costly. Moreover, you might need special tools to break or shape your pieces.
Can granite be cut?
Granite can be a challenge to cut and shape, especially without the right tools. Plus, it’s heavy and expensive. So, most homeowners hire countertop installers to do the hard work. Then, they use the remnants creatively to develop a fashionably functional space.
Can granite be used as a countertop?
Granite is a hard stone, so it can be difficult to repurpose for other countertops. The material can produce unsightly seams when you try to blend with other surfaces. Thus, most granite countertops become something else after you remove them. And the possibilities are virtually endless.
What happens after you install granite countertops?
After installing your countertops, you are left with granite remnants that many homeowners don’t know where to take them. Most homeowners toss the remnants in the dumpsters, which is wrong.
Can you make a shelve out of granite?
If you have a long slice of leftover granite, you can create a shelve from it and give your kitchen, bathroom, mudroom or any other room a modern look. When installing the shelve, remember granite is heavy so have the work done by an experienced technician
Can you make a cutting board out of granite?
If the leftover piece is large enough, why not make a cutting board out of it? Although tough, granite is easy to shape and finish giving you cutting surfaces that match the rest of the kitchen.
Can you use a stump for a granite table?
If a relatively large granite slab remains, you can pair it with a good-looking base and convert it into a tabletop. You can use a stump for legs, curve an iron base, or install any other material. Like a glass tabletop, ensure you have bevelled edges for an attractive, safe finish.
Can you serve a slab of bread as a platter?
Whether you are a loner or love entertaining, you can’t go wrong with a serving platter. If you have a moderately sized slab, you can convert it into a serving platter and use it as an accompaniment to cured meats, cheese, fruit, artisan bread and many others.
Can you make a table out of leftovers?
If the pieces are large, you can make an entire table or chair from them. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a lovely round table to sit out on your balcony, patio or kitchen? A table made from leftover pieces is unique, giving your living areas an interesting look.
Can you use leftovers as patio tiles?
Have many leftover pieces? You can lay them on your garden and use them as a patio. You can use slabs of the same pattern or different patterns. It’s up to you to create the design you want. For a great look, ensure an expert does the work with the right amount of experience.
What is freecycle?
Freecycle is a nationwide network where you donate different things to other people. The site sees plenty of items like granite countertops find new life with new owners who value and might need the countertop more.
What to do with old granite countertops?
Five things to do with your old granite countertops. #1. Trash the old granite countertops . The average life expectancy of a granite countertop is long. Remember, many stone countertops throughout the world are still around in historic buildings. Experts estimate that most natural stone countertops can last over 100 years.
What stone was used in ancient Egypt?
Marble was not the only stone used in the ancient world to build the wonders of the world. Some of the structures in ancient Egypt, which still stand today, use granite. Builders around the world use the sturdy stone for building. Occasionally, something happens to your granite countertop. While granite countertops breaking down entirely are rare, ...
Can granite countertops break down?
While granite countertops breaking down entirely are rare, you need to maintain the granite stone. Otherwise, you might not be able to save it. The key to preserving your granite counter is to give it regular maintenance. #2.
Does Habitat for Humanity use granite countertops?
Because Habitat for Humanity builds homes based on donations they can use your old granite countertop. Plus, donating goods like this can reduce your tax bill. However, we are not accountants. Nor do we play a CPA on TV.
Who owns Granite Selection?
Paul Batashev is the owner and CEO of Granite Selection. The company began in 2011 Pay Less for Granite and has been transforming homes since 2011 with its expertise as a kitchen countertop company and manufacturer of fine custom granite countertops. read full bio.
Can granite be used as flooring?
Many homeowners have turned their granite counter tops into flooring, wall decorations, fire pits, tables, shelves, cutting boards, and centerpieces. The sky is the limit if you have some quality granite pieces left. Here are some ideas for a stylish use of granite remnants and our broad collection of remnants to choose from.
