Granite still a hot favourite
PICK AND CHOOSE: Granite comes in all kinds of sizes, patterns and colours.
You are wrong if you believed that the popularity of granite is fading away with the emergence of new entrants like vitrified tiles. It still popular and finding its way even to some luxury apartments.
The life of granite is equivalent to the life span of a house. Granite being a form of natural stone, its ready-to-use advantage makes it one of the favourites among users. With granite, you can forget about polishing. Cut the edges and you are ready
to lay the slabs. Granite tiles go a step further and spare you of the effort of even cutting the edges, as it comes in a finished form.
Let us examine the varieties of granite available in the market in and around Kochi, average costs and their application.
Varieties and cost
Granite slabs and tiles are equally popular and available, depending on one’s choice. Slabs normally do not have a standard size. It could be as wide as 4’. Granite slabs, known by the name “Gangsaw” are of large size such as 10’ x 5’ or 10’ x 6’. Gangsaw costs between Rs.140 and Rs.300 per sq.ft, excluding tax.
These are used as flooring for the entrance, sit out, bedrooms etc. “These slabs should be taken into the house before the construction of walls because of their large size,” says Shaji P.X, sales executive, Kairali Granites. Gangsaw of exportable quality has a thickness of 20 mm.
Granite tiles have thickness in the12 mm range and slabs below 4’ width have a thickness of 18 mm.
Tile varieties of the standard 2’ x 1’ size costs around Rs.40-Rs.100 per sq.ft. Slabs, which have more thickness are costlier than tiles. The price ranges from Rs.65 for slabs per sq.ft and above. It could go upto Rs.200 per sq.ft, in case of a 4’ wide slab.
Some varieties such as Lakha Red are rare and these kinds of monopoly items are expensive. While you will have to pay as much as Rs.100 per sq.ft. for a 2’x1’ piece, for the same amount you might otherwise be able to get a granite slab of 10’ x 5’ size.
In granite, there are limitations when it comes to colour. There are more of dark shades than light ones. Shell White, P white, Red Rose are some of the light shades you can choose from. You have more options with the dark shades including Cat Eye, Sand Brown, Gem Red and Ruby Red. Varied patterns including flower designs, waves, mosaic designs etc are also available in the market.
As granite tiles are cut from blocks, it should be sorted out to match the designs and avoid pattern variation before you lay them in their position.
Application and insight
“Granites are mostly used for flooring in projects in rural areas, where the traditional look is preferred,” says Mr. P.V Thirumeni, Interior designer, Janahridayam, Kochi. Such projects see the use of Gangsaw.
“Granite slabs being large, joints are less,” adds Mr. Thirumeni. According to Mr. Shaji, the use of granite in flats is comparatively less. However, in the recent times, luxury flats have started using granites.
RESMI JAIMON
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