Why? Granite is tough to transport, fabricate, and install. Look at it just from the transporation perspection: 3/4" granite weighs on average nearly 13 pounds per square foot.
Consider the fact that slab granite is--slab. The very point of slab granite is that it comes in big sheets, uninterrupted by seams. A slab of granite at 13 pounds/sq. foot is a mightily huge thing to contend with.
Is Modular Granite the Same as Tile?
Not quite, but close. Modular granite is not really tile granite. Practically any homeowner with an SUV or truck can pick up cartons of tile granite and a wet saw at the local Home Depot, and begin installing granite counters in their kitchen. That's what we mean when we refer to tile granite.The problem is that installing tile granite on kitchen countertops gives you hundreds of seams (depending on how you count it). Seams and cooking do not mix. Seams not only inhibit the chef, but they collect dirt and are difficult to clean.
Modular Granite - Not Slab, Not Tile
Modular granite is something in the middle between slab and tile, but tending more towards the tile side:- Comes in pre-cut "mini-slabs."
- Because it is designed for kitchen counters (not the raw granite tiles described above that can just as easily be installed on your bathroom floor), it comes in kitchen-ready shapes and dimensions.
- The widths are only twelve inches on average. Think of it - seams every foot again.
- Easier to transport and handle than slab granite. Boxes tend to weigh between 35 and 80 pounds, with most falling in the 50 pound range. Still heavy, but at least managable.
- Less than the price of slab granite.
- DIY installation possible - as opposed to slab granite, which is impossible to install by yourself.
- Edge pieces have bullnose built in.
- Back pieces (near the wall) have built-in backsplash.
- Corner configurations available for sinks.
- Pre-sealed in most cases - no granite sealer necessary.
Summary: Is Modular Granite Worth Installing?
Modular granite comes under a number of brand names, one of which is Pedra, a line licensed exclusively to BuildDirect.If you're praying for authentic slab granite, modular is not the answer to your prayers. It is more like a "souped up" version of tile granite. It will look nicer and install faster, because of the dimensions and added details. Installation costs can be as low as $0.00, if you decide to install it yourself. But in the end, you still have those seams to contend with.
