At 12 stories in height, it was first “skyscraper” in the history of Oregon, and has a nice granite factor at its entrance.

The doorstep at the building’s entryway is made from the largest slab of granite ever shipped to Oregon, measuring six feet long and nearly six feet thick.

Six feet thick! That’s quite a piece of granite, and would make one heck of a granite countertop.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

I saw it, it was a great deal of fun, and now I feel a need to write about it.

In the most impossible conceptual tie-in ever, let’s analyze which Avengers would have granite countertops.

Iron Man: Yes
Captain America: No
Thor: No
Hulk: Yes
Hawkeye: No
Black Widow: Yes
Nick Fury: Yes

That’s everyone, right? I don’t even have sufficient rationale for my answers – this just makes sense to me. If you disagree, please let me know!

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

I always recommend that people take a look at this FAQ from the EPA and get fully informed.

This is perhaps the most

Does the EPA believe there is a danger of radon gas or associated radiation being emitted from granite countertops?

It is possible for any granite sample to contain varying concentrations of uranium and other naturally occurring radioactive elements. These elements can emit radiation and produce radon gas, a source of alpha and beta particles and gamma rays.

Some granite used for countertops may contribute variably to indoor radon levels. Some types of granite may emit gamma radiation above typical background levels. However, at this time EPA believes that the existing data is insufficient to conclude that the types of granite commonly used in countertops are significantly increasing indoor radon levels.

The best thing you can do is test your home first. As the site further explains, most radon in the home comes from soil that’s in contact with basement floors and walls.

These are levels you should be checking anyway, so do so while making your granite choices. This will put your mind at ease!

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

It’s called the Tour de Granite, and if you love granite countertops like I do, there’s no happier place on Earth.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

While it’s not as great as that giant granite boulder, this orbicular granite is pretty interesting.

As to the actual answer I was looking for, there were no definitive answers, but based on this, it seems like there’s a lot:

Granite has been intruded into the crust of the Earth during all geologic periods, although much of it is of Precambrian age. Granitic rock is widely distributed throughout the continental crust and is the most abundant basement rock that underlies the relatively thin sedimentary veneer of the continents.

Still, if you’re looking at obicular granite countertops for your home, you may want to hustle – that stuff is a little more rare.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

The first, second, and third reasons being my employment by a granite countertops installer.

From the article:

I suggest you leave the granite alone…if you really want to drill holes, buy a bit specifically for masonry and stone. It will take a long time to do this, and you do not want to use an impact drill. If it takes too long, have a pro do it.

I’d skip all the intermediary “do it yourself” steps and go right to the “hire a professional” level. This is a difficult process, and honestly would not cost that much. Certainly not as much as replacing your countertops if you have a poor drilling session.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

I was doing some random reading online and came across this article about the Alamo Drafthouse kitchen. The Alamo Drafthouse is a movie theater chain started down in Texas that offers a really different theater experience. Food, drink, etc. They do this elsewhere, but they’re the recognized masters.

In any case, let’s read a bit about their countertops.

The commercial dishwasher and entire stainless-steel dish line are vented so the kitchen doesn’t get steamy at peak service times. The station where vegetables are prepped, pizza dough is made, and cheeses are grated is conveniently located right outside the walk-in.

These are no granite countertops, but rather stainless steel, as noted. This is true in most commercial kitchens.

I really just posted this so that they’ll bring a Drafthouse to Chicago soon. They don’t even need to use granite countertops – I just want to go there to see movies.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

Its new home with be at one of the Los Angeles art museums, in a stunning display of the power and wonder of pre-countertops granite.

Why it can’t come to Chicago instead, I don’t know. Think of how many kitchen counters could use a little piece of that thing.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

Granite countertops may be a bit more expensive that other stone and materials, but they’re well worth it. Especially with kitchen counters with seating, there are going to be plenty of times you’re going to end up seeing the underside!

With laminate and cheaper countertops, you’re going to have an unfinished look there. With granite countertops, not so. You get a nice, polished finish all the way around.

Ask your favorite kitchen designer and they will tell you the same!

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago

There’s perhaps no better marriage of content than granite countertops and Facebook, right?

You can go ahead and LIKE us now on Facebook – we’ve loaded up with a bunch of pictures and other excitement.

Originally posted at Granite Leaders | Granite Countertops in Chicago