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How much does a granite slab weigh?
In recent times, granite has emerged as the first and foremost choice people have for the different areas of their home like kitchen countertops, backsplashes, and bathroom countertops. The natural stone is not only visually appealing, but it is very hard and exhibits superb resistance to heat, moisture, stains, and regular wear and tear. This is why granite countertops have become a new norm in almost every home. They can be easily cleaned which means they are perfect for regular use.
Considering all these points, it is also true that granite is one of the heavier stones that can be used as a countertop and one should keep this point in mind. Since granite slab contains no air pockets like wood, it tends to be heavier than most other materials. In this post, you will get to know everything about the weight of granite slabs including granite countertops.
Per Square Foot Weight of Granite Slabs
It is hard to determine the exact weight of a granite slab or countertop in a kitchen. This is due to the fact that kitchen countertops feature different layouts, and some structures even consume more countertop space than others. Rather, granite countertops are gauged in a globally accepted unit: square feet. One major factor to consider is the thickness of a granite slab. A thicker granite simply means it is denser, resulting in more weight without any increase in square footage.
A majority of granite slabs are either ¾” thick or 1 ¼ “thick. The thickness of granite slabs may be more but the application of these slabs is quite rare and they are more costly.
The usual granite countertop is ¾” thick which awards it a weight per square foot of nearly 13 pounds. However, if the thickness is increased to 1 1/4”, the weight per square foot can go up to 18 or 20 pounds. In some cases, buyers can chose a 2” thick granite slab with a pounds per square foot weight of up to 30 pounds.
| ¾” thick slabs | Nearly 13 pounds per square foot |
| 1 ¼” thick slabs | Around 19 pounds per square foot |
| 2″ thick slabs | Nearly 30 pounds per square foot |
Weight of Granite Slab
Before we get into determining the weight of a granite slab, it is important to know the exact composition of a granite slab, particularly when it comes to taking it as a measurement unit.
The most important thing to notice is that the size of granite slabs varies greatly at any point in time. In other words, it is hard to tell confidently what would be the overall weight of a granite slab. However, some average measurement principles can be taken into account to determine the approximate weight of granite slabs.
A granite slab is a one piece granite that can be used as a kitchen countertop it means that the size of a particular slab can differ depending on the exact counter space and the size of slabs that is needed. Most granite suppliers and exporters first determine the density of the granite through a lab test and then ascertains the exact weight of the granite slab. This results in highly precise results.
An average granite slab is nearly 9 or 10 feet wide with 5 to 6 feet of length. In another term, a slab of this size can be used to cover an area of around 50 to 55 square feet. As already mentioned, the thickness of slab should also be taken into consideration.
To determine the weight of a granite slab, you just need to multiple the weigh per square foot by the total area. For example, look at the given image.
Did You Know?
A granite worktop can weigh 3 times more than a top made of a different material.
Quartz or Granite Countertops: Which has more weight?
The two most widely preferred options for kitchen countertops are quartz and granite. It is interesting to know which weighs more – granite or quartz slabs.
If there are two slabs of same size, density of each slab plays a role. Obviously, a slab with a higher density tends to weigh more than a less dense slab.
In general, the densities between granite and quartz are pretty same. Taken in grams per cubic centimeter, quartz has a reading of 2.65 g/cc and granite is a bit denser with a figure of 2.7 to 2.8 g/cc. This refers that though granite slabs may be a bit heavier, the difference won’t be too much.
Though there are different types of countertop materials available in the industry like marble, quartz, and granite, granite is considered the best choice due to its sturdiness and curb appeal. Be it a residential kitchen or a commercial one, the scratch-resistant properties of granite make it ideal for all types of application.
Factors Affecting The Weight of Granite Slabs
Below are some major factors that affect the weight of granite slabs.
- Thickness
First and foremost, the thickness of a granite slab has a direct impact on its weight. The higher the thickness, the more its weight would be. In general, the minimum thickness of a granite slab stays around 2 CM. However, in some projects, the buyer may ask for higher thickness slabs, let’s say 5 cm which would certainly weight more due to increase in its area.
2. Size
The length and width of the granite slab have an impact on its weight. By nature, larger slabs weigh more than smaller ones. Oversized slabs could also need extra assistance during installation.
3. Density
Granite is considered an igneous rock with high levels of density. Granite’s density tends to vary depending on the kind of granite and the minerals that make up it. A denser granite slab will weigh more than less dense granite.
4. Finish and Edge
Granite slabs can be polished, honed, or leathered, among other finishes. The slab may slightly gain weight throughout the finishing process. Furthermore, the weight of the slab will be somewhat increased by any special cuts or edge features.
5. Support Mechanism
A granite slab’s weight is the combined weight of the support system underneath it and the slab itself. Cabinets, brackets, and extra support are included in this. When installing granite countertops or other surfaces, it is imperative to take into account the weight-bearing capacity of the supporting structures.
The Conclusion
The overall weight of a granite slab plays a major role in the import export sector. It also helps in doing the feasibility analysis of any project that involves the use of granite and other natural stones. By taking into account a slab’s thickness, density, weight, and other aspect, it becomes easier to determine the most appropriate ways to select, transport, and install granite slabs in any project.