Transforming Your Home with Timeless Beauty and Unmatched Durability
Choosing the right countertop is a defining moment in any kitchen or bathroom remodel. For homeowners in Scottsdale, Arizona, granite remains a top contender, offering a unique blend of natural artistry and rugged resilience. Its ability to elevate a space from ordinary to extraordinary is undeniable. At Desert Sky Surfaces, we have spent over a decade perfecting the countertop installation process, ensuring every project reflects our commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about bringing the elegance of granite into your home.
Why Granite is a Premier Choice for Arizona Homes
Unparalleled Durability
Granite is an igneous rock, forged under immense heat and pressure deep within the earth. This natural formation makes it incredibly hard and resistant to scratches and heat. In a busy Scottsdale kitchen, you can place hot pans directly on the surface without fear of damage, a testament to its robust nature. With professional sealing, granite also stands up well against stains, making it a practical choice for everyday life.
One-of-a-Kind Beauty
Unlike engineered materials, every single slab of granite is unique. The veining, colors, and mineral flecks tell a geological story millions of years in the making. From deep, dramatic blacks to light, airy whites and exotic blues, granite countertops offer an endless variety of patterns. This ensures your countertops are not just a feature but a personal piece of art. You can see some of our stunning past work in our recent projects gallery.
Increases Home Value
Investing in granite countertops is a smart financial move. They are highly sought after by homebuyers and can significantly increase the resale value of your property. Their timeless appeal and long-lasting performance make them a feature that adds both functional and aesthetic value for years to come, a key consideration for homeowners in the competitive Chandler and Scottsdale real estate markets.
From Slab to Stunning: The Installation Journey
Step 1: Design Consultation & Slab Selection
The process begins at our Mesa showroom, where you can explore a vast selection of granite slabs. Our experts will help you find the perfect stone that complements your cabinetry, flooring, and overall design vision. We discuss every detail, from color palettes to functionality, ensuring the material chosen fits your lifestyle.
Step 2: Precise In-Home Templating
Once you’ve selected your slab, our team schedules a visit to your home to create a precise digital template of your cabinet layout. This critical step uses advanced technology to map every angle and dimension, guaranteeing a perfect fit. We account for sink placement, cooktops, and any unique features of your space.
Step 3: Expert Fabrication
With the template complete, your chosen granite slab moves to our fabrication facility. Here, our skilled artisans use state-of-the-art saws and CNC machinery to cut the stone to the exact specifications. This is also when we create your chosen edge profile, whether it’s a sleek Eased edge or a more ornate Ogee.
Step 4: Installation Day
Our professional installers arrive on the scheduled day, ready to transform your space. The process involves carefully removing your old countertops, preparing the cabinetry for the new stone, and setting the granite pieces in place. We ensure seams are minimal, level, and nearly invisible, creating a smooth, continuous surface before applying a final seal.
Material Comparison: Granite vs. The Alternatives
| Feature | Granite | Quartz | Porcelain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | 100% Natural Stone | Engineered (90%+ Quartz Crystals & Resin) | Engineered Clay-Based Ceramic |
| Appearance | Unique, Natural Patterns | Consistent, Uniform Patterns | Can Mimic Natural Stone |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent | Good (Can be damaged by extreme heat) | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Requires Periodic Sealing | Non-Porous, No Sealing Needed | Non-Porous, No Sealing Needed |
| More Info | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Did You Know?
Granite is an igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth’s surface. Some of the most beautiful granite slabs are billions of years old!
Finishes like ‘honed’ (matte) or ‘leathered’ (textured) are gaining popularity in Scottsdale for a more subtle, contemporary look compared to traditional polished granite.
For smaller projects like vanities or islands, you can use remnants. Our Remnant Boneyard offers a cost-effective and sustainable option.
Ready to Elevate Your Scottsdale Home?
The perfect countertop is waiting to become the centerpiece of your home. The Desert Sky Surfaces team is ready to guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect slab to flawless installation. We proudly serve homeowners across Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and the greater Phoenix area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the granite countertop installation process take?
From templating to final installation, the process typically takes 7 to 10 business days. The on-site installation itself is usually completed in just one day.
Do I need to seal my granite countertops?
Yes, granite is a porous natural stone and requires sealing to protect against stains. We apply a high-quality 15-year sealer upon installation. For best results, follow our care instructions for maintaining your beautiful new surface.
Can I use a granite remnant for my small bathroom project in Chandler?
Absolutely! Our Remnant Boneyard is perfect for smaller projects like bathroom vanities, laundry rooms, or small kitchen islands. It’s a fantastic way to get high-quality material at a reduced price.
What is the main difference between granite and quartz?
The primary difference is that granite is a 100% natural stone, while quartz is an engineered product made from quartz crystals, resins, and pigments. This means every granite slab is unique, whereas quartz offers a more consistent and uniform appearance. Granite also requires periodic sealing, while quartz is non-porous and does not.
Glossary of Terms
Fabrication: The complete process of cutting, shaping, and finishing a stone slab to the exact specifications of a project, including a custom edge profile.
Honed Finish: A smooth, matte (non-shiny) finish created by stopping short of the final polishing stages. It offers a soft, contemporary look but may require more frequent sealing.
Igneous Rock: A type of rock formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Granite is a prime example.
Remnant: A smaller, leftover piece of a stone slab from a larger countertop project. Remnants are ideal and cost-effective for smaller applications.
Templating: The process of creating a precise pattern or model of the area where the countertop will be installed. Modern templating often uses digital laser technology for maximum accuracy.