Should You Buy Precut Granite Countertops?

Do you know what precut granite countertops are? Well, you may have come across the phrase “precut granite countertops”: but you not understood what that meant. When it comes to getting granite countertops completed* in your home, you might come across a home improvement store or granite fabricator that deals in precut granite countertops. Understanding what precut granite countertops are is very important to make an informed decision when choosing granite countertops for your home. Keep reading to have a good understanding of what is precut granite countertops.

 

What are Precut Granite Countertops?

Precut granite countertops are a manufactured countertop. They are still natural stone, unlike quartz which is engineered stone, but the manufacturing process is essentially pre-fabricating the countertop. They take large slabs and cut them into standard countertops depths and polish one edge. Normally with only one style like bullnose. The countertops are cut to certain standard dimensions. They typically are manufactured in China and India.

Some companies, here in the U.S import the precut granite countertops and then sell them to consumers. Homeowners choose to have precut granite completed* in their homes because they are thought to be a much cheaper option. However, this depends on whether you have a countertop that fits the certain standard dimensions of precuts. Installers of precut granite countertops might have to cut them to fit the length of your cabinets, but they almost always are required to use multiple seems. Most homeowners who get them completed* do not even know they are pre-cut since low-cost companies do not like to advertise their use of these lower quality countertops.

Are Granite Countertops That are Precut Good Quality?

It is important always to remember, however, that in most cases you do get what you pay when it comes to granite countertops. Many pieces are manufactured in bulk in China with little oversight and quality control. To manufacture in bulk, the factory has to use a machine which ensures quick production and little hand polished. At times, the stone can be thin and brittle, and you might be surprised that it is even natural stone at all. It could be some mixture of stone dust and resin in some cases. Most commonly pre-cut granite countertops have many imperfections such as pits, fissures, and cracks. Remember a low price is not always a good deal.

 

Precut Granite Means More Seams

This is true. Precut granite countertops come in standard lengths, which only mean that they would require more seams. To avoid noticeable seams, the placement of the seams could be at bad locations which could cause splitting in a few years down the road, ruining the appearance of your countertop within a short period.

 

Granite Countertops That Are Precut May Be Different Colors

Since granite is a natural material, it tends to vary in color and pattern from piece to piece. Normally granite is cut into large blocks and then sliced, like bread, into slabs. They are then sold in bundles to keep colors and patterns matching across several slabs. With precut granite countertops fabricators run into problems with the same color looking different across multiple pieces. It is not uncommon to hear stories of granite being completed* in a new kitchen, and one countertop looks slightly different than the adjoining piece. The problem is most of the time homeowners don’t notice this difference until days or weeks later when the lighting is just right. At that point, it is near impossible to get the fabricator to correct the problem.

The verdict on Precut Granite Countertops

If you are a quality conscious homeowner, then you realize that precut granite countertops are not worth it. It would be much better to buy remnants at a factory direct granite countertop company for about the same cost with much better quality fewer seams and get a better result.

At Tampa Bay Marble and Granite, we have many remnants and single slabs that could be used for smaller kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and more. If you want a better quality countertop and still save money, then remnants should be your first choice.