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1 – Backsplash Designs

Utilize surplus granite from your countertops to create a stylish backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. This not only protects walls around sinks but also enhances the space’s aesthetic. For smaller granite pieces, consider crafting a mosaic-style backsplash to accentuate the colors and tones of your countertops.

2 – Accent Flooring

Granite’s durability isn’t limited to countertops; it’s also suitable for flooring. While you may not have enough for an entire room, consider using granite for a decorative inlay at the entrance or as a focal point on your kitchen or bathroom floor, adding a unique touch to your home’s design.

3 – Decorative Shelving

Transform a sizable granite remnant into a chic shelf. This can be an addition to a bookshelf or mounted as a standalone wall shelf. Ensure secure installation due to granite’s weight. A granite shelf adds a contemporary flair to various rooms, including kitchens and bathrooms.

4 – Garden Benches

Create an elegant outdoor bench from leftover granite. Ideal for relaxing outdoors, these benches can be designed with a granite seat and wooden frame. Place them by your home’s entrance or in your garden for a sophisticated touch.

5 – Custom Tabletops

Convert larger granite pieces into bespoke tables. Experiment with shapes beyond the traditional rectangle, like rounding the edges for a unique kitchen, balcony, or patio table. Complement these tables with metal or cast iron legs and matching chairs. Smaller remnants can be fashioned into stylish side tables for your living room.

6 – Kitchen Cutting Boards

Opt for a granite cutting board instead of a conventional wooden one. While tough on knife blades, granite is robust and complements your kitchen’s style. Alternatively, use it for rolling out cookie dough, or add a rotating base to create a functional lazy Susan.

7 – Unique Coasters

Craft drink coasters from small granite pieces, embracing various shapes like circles, triangles, or irregular forms. These coasters not only protect your tables but also add charm. Larger remnants can be repurposed into elegant cheese platters or serving trays, perfect for sophisticated gatherings.

8 – Garden Water Fountain

Employ granite remnants in crafting a tranquil outdoor water fountain. This can be a simple project involving stacking flat pieces around a central pipe, creating a serene addition to your garden.

9 – Chilling Whiskey Stones

Fashion whiskey stones from small granite pieces. These are ideal for cooling drinks without diluting them, as traditional ice cubes do. Store these granite “ice cubes” in the freezer and use them to chill any beverage, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, adding a unique element to your social gatherings.

10 – Commemorative Plaques

Transform granite slabs into lasting plaques to commemorate special occasions or honor loved ones. These durable plaques can be shaped and engraved, creating a timeless keepsake for your family.

With these ten creative ideas, you can repurpose granite remnants, adding functional and aesthetic value to different areas of your home, from practical kitchen uses to decorative outdoor elements.

To calculate the square footage of countertops, multiply the length by the width in inches and then divide the result by 144. For example, Length x Width ÷ 144 = Square footage of your countertops.

26″ x 155″ ÷ 144 = 27.98 SqFt

Don’t forget to include the backsplash in your calculation for a precise estimate.

Countertops Square Footage Calculator

How to Measure Countertops: Countertops Measuring Tips

The standard countertop depth is between 25.5 and 26 inches. The cabinet base box is 24″ plus the doors, which are about 1″, resulting in a total depth of 25″. Most cabinet islands are 36″ to 48″ deep and 60″ to 80″ long.

The average square footage of kitchen countertops ranges from 40SF to 60SF. The actual kitchen countertop square footage will vary based on the kitchen floor plan and whether you have a breakfast bar or island.

After deciding to fabricate and install your stone project, the next step is to measure your countertops accurately. The following tips will simplify the process and ensure efficiency for you and your granite fabricator.

During the final countertop measurement and templating, an adult decision-maker should be present to discuss options and details.

Clear all items from the existing countertops and store away any breakable or valuable items. For safety reasons, keep children and pets away from the construction area.

To avoid substantial costs, do not estimate countertop sizes based on missing or uninstalled appliances or elements. All appliances, including stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers, should be present at the job site during measurement. All walls, cabinets, panels, moldings, fillers, and apron/farmhouse sinks must be installed before templating and measuring. Incorrect measurements due to these circumstances may require a new piece to be fabricated.

Ensure that cabinets are plumb and level. Unleveled cabinets can cause the new countertop to crack.

After completing the layout drawing and discussing details and options, you will be asked to sign the Shop Ticket with the final drawing to confirm your choices, such as colors, edges, and overhangs.

Make sure you have the correct sink template, which is typically made of paper or cardboard and included with the sink. The sink will be mounted to the countertop at the job site. If you are unsure about the template or do not have one, ask your granite fabricator to check or make one for you. Sink templates are not required for top-mount sinks, but the sinks should be present during installation. Note that sinks are designed for specific applications; ensure that your chosen sink is compatible with your countertop mounting method.

To calculate the final cost, have the following information ready during countertop measurement:

1. The color of the stone you are purchasing.

2. The type of sink you are purchasing.

3. The type of edge finish.

4. Whether you will have a backsplash.

5. Whether you need existing counters removed and disposed of.