Level 2 grade granite will usually have a thickness of about ¾” thick. The designs and colors will be a little more unique than a Level 1 granite. Also, the patterns for Level 2 granite will show a little more diversity than those seen on a Level 1 granite slab.
Level 2 is a mid-grade granite that offers more color and variation in design than that of Level 1. Typically imported from India or Brazil, this granite selection will have more patterns in it for that unique granite look many love. This grade of stone is a bit thicker, around ¾ inch, which makes it more durable.
Explanation of Granite Grading
This grading system ranges from Level 1, considered entry-level or commercial grade, up to Level 3+ for the highest quality stones. Each grade reflects varying elements such as thickness, origin, visual appearance, and porosity, providing a comprehensive view of the slab's quality.
Categories: Rock & Road Base. Our Class 2 GraniteClass is a crushed and graded blend of aggregates designed to compact tightly with the proper equipment. It provides an excellent base to concrete pavers and asphalt or can be used alone as a driveway or pathway. Also use on paths & other landscape applications.
Level 1 (Entry-Level/Commercial Grade): This is the most basic grade of granite, often pre-fabricated and sourced from China. It's commonly used in apartments and remodeled homes due to its affordability. However, it has a very plain design and irregular patterns.
Common colors like black and white may be more affordable, while exotic or rare colors command a higher price. Thickness: Granite is available in different thicknesses, ranging from 2 cm to 3 cm. Thicker slabs are generally pricier due to the additional material required and the enhanced durability they offer.
20 mm or 3/4 inch Aggregate Base, Class 2, is used in roadways and is an aggregate made of a specific recipe of different sizes and quality of rock inclusive of 20 mm (3⁄4 in) to fine dust. An aggregate is normally made from newly quarried rock, or it is sometimes allowed to be made from recycled asphalt concrete.
Granite is a type of igneous rock. This broad category of rocks forms when hot, molten rock cools down — as the rock cools, it crystallizes and solidifies. To identify an igneous rock that could be granite, look for rocks with crystals. Look for shiny, flat surfaces within the rock — these are the crystal faces.
The weight of granite depends on its density. The average 3/4″ thick granite weighs 13 pounds per square foot, 1 1/4″ thick granite weighs around 18 to 20 pounds per square foot, and 2″ thick granite weighs about 30 pounds per square foot.
One of the biggest hallmarks of quality for a slab of granite is simply how it looks. Unique colors and patterns will earn a higher grade than more standard appearances. Higher quality granite is also less likely to have flaws, pits, cracks, and other imperfections.
The rarest, most expensive, premium-grade, valuable natural granite colors are blues, followed by blacks, greys, and reds. Typically, these natural granite colors are found in only one mine and appear in tiny quantities.
Although it is common to equate price to quality, for granite slabs, it is more a function of supply and demand. Level 1 granite will be more common, there will be more quarries that can supply that stone and therefore the price will be less than a stone that is rare with few places on earth where it can be found.
Classic Appeal:
White granite countertops are a classic choice that never goes out of style.
Expensive granite is often less porous, meaning it has a lower absorption rate and is more resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture. Some cheaper granites may require more frequent sealing and maintenance to preserve their appearance and longevity.
White, black, gray, beige, brown, and even blue granites have all proven to be enduring choices that provide timeless beauty and functionality. Whether you're updating your kitchen, bathroom, or other living spaces, these classic granite colors will continue to impress for years to come.
Granite Colors
For example, quartz gives granite mainly milky white color, feldspar provides an off-white shade, biotite gives dark brown or black color, amphibole dark green or black, muscovite – yellow or metallic gold, and unique salmon pink color comes from the abundance of potassium feldspar mineral.
Which is more expensive, quartz or granite? Both quartz and granite maintain their value for many years to come, and the materials cost approximately the same, with quartz being slightly less expensive. However, luxurious quartz products can be as expensive as granite slabs.
Tap the Granite's Surface
Real granite produces a ringing sound when tapped. Gently use a spoon to tap a granite countertop. Fake granite countertops produce click sounds. The click sounds are mostly dull and small.
The crushers sort the rocks by size, separating them into piles labeled with a size number. Some common crushed stone sizes you will encounter are: #1 – The largest crushed stone, around 2 to 4 inches in size. #2 – From 2 to 3 inches in size.
#2 Stone - small particles, typically ranging from 1½ inches to 2½ inches in diameter. #2 stone is most often seen utilized in stabilized construction entrances and in stone reservoirs.
The Stone Age refers to the prehistoric period when humans made tools and weapons with stone and organic materials such as bone, horn, and wood. These humans were called Homo Habilis which means tool makers.
In contrast, cheaper granite tends to have more uniform patterns and simpler colors, such as black or gray, which are more commonly available. Granite with minimal veining or speckling, like Absolute Black or Baltic Brown, is often more affordable because it is more common and less labor-intensive to extract.
Level 1 granites are considered to be of the lowest quality. Here are the characteristics that best describe level 1 granite. Often referred to as "builder" or "commercial" grade. Features simpler color patterns and may have a higher concentration of softer minerals.