Countertops

Waterfall countertops are among the most requested premium upgrades for modern kitchens. The style draws attention immediately because the stone surface flows vertically down the cabinetry side, creating a continuous visual finish. For homeowners in Solon, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities, waterfall edges are now common on islands, wet bars, and entertainment spaces.

Here is when waterfall countertop installation makes sense and how it can support long-term home value.

When Waterfall Countertops Are the Right Choice

Waterfall installations fit best when:

The kitchen has an open layout

A waterfall slab creates an anchor surface visible from multiple angles.

The island has seating

That vertical slab gives structure to an eating space.

Cabinetry has upgraded finishes

Stones complement and elevate cabinets rather than covering imperfections.

You want a statement feature

Waterfall edges create the focal point in otherwise neutral kitchens.

Also, homeowners who like clean, uninterrupted surfaces appreciate waterfall edges because no trim components break the design.

How Waterfall Countertops Influence Resale Value

Waterfall stone can increase appeal because buyers view the feature as:

• Custom-built
• High-quality
• Contemporary
• Durable

The additional slab area clearly shows investment beyond standard countertop runs.

Most appraisers do not assign a specific dollar increase solely due to waterfall installation. However, houses that feature waterfall islands tend to photograph better, perform strongly in listing showcases, and differentiate quickly in competitive markets.

In Northeast Ohio, where many renovations include open kitchen-to-living conversions, waterfall islands visually tie the spaces together.

View similar kitchen projects here: https://granexindustries.com/portfolio/

Pricing Considerations for Waterfall Installations

Costs vary based on:

• Stone chosen
• Thickness
• Number of vertical panels
• Precision cutting and seam leveling
• Location of cabinet legs and electrical outlets

Many homeowners assume the price increase is due to added slab quantity alone. The real cost impact is fabrication time — edges must align precisely, requiring accurate measurement and reinforced seam joints.

Projects requiring vein alignment (common with marble-pattern quartz or quartzite) take extra planning time. When matched correctly, the visual impact increases substantially.

Pro Tip: Ask if your fabricator provides layout diagrams before cutting slabs. That preview ensures vein flow direction is correct.

When Waterfall Countertops May Not Be Ideal

Certain situations limit design functionality:

• Tight walk-around spacing at island corners
• Heavy bar seating with exposed stool legs
• Cabinet faces requiring operational access

Waterfall legs restrict access to side cabinet doors or exposed storage. Homeowners should plan appliance placement and walkway width ahead of installation.

Walkways ideally remain around 42″ or more for comfortable traffic flow.

Where Waterfall Countertops Look Best

Beyond kitchens, the feature works well in:

Basement bars

Adds upscale finish to entertainment spaces.

Laundry room islands

Useful when folding spaces need protection.

Outdoor kitchens

Creates strong design direction in covered areas.

Office built-ins

Helps define workspaces visually.

Sintered stone and granite are often used outdoors, while quartz and quartzite dominate most indoor installations.

Ready to Begin Planning a Waterfall Countertop Installation?

Waterfall countertops transform a standard island into an architectural focal point. When positioned correctly, the upgrade adds value through design presence, elevated material, and a dramatic finish.

Granex provides fabrication accuracy, slab matching, and installation built around regional needs, helping homeowners achieve the look that fits both style and home layout.

Contact the Granex team today to schedule measurement, review slab options, or begin design planning for your waterfall installation. Entire spaces change when one surface becomes a centerpiece.

Countertop remnants are a practical way for Northeast Ohio homeowners to complete small projects without investing in full slabs. For many households in Solon, Hudson, Aurora, Twinsburg, and surrounding communities, remnants provide access to premium materials without the cost associated with full-size slab purchases. The key is knowing when remnants make sense and when larger slab investment is worth it.

Below is a clear comparison of cost, usage, and suitability so homeowners can evaluate both options confidently.

What Countertop Remnants Actually Are

Remnants are leftover stone pieces that remain after a full kitchen or commercial fabrication job is complete. These pieces vary in size, sometimes large enough for a vanity, sometimes small enough for shelving or accent areas.

Common remnant sizes include:

• 24″–60″ widths
• Partial island sections
• Large vanity-depth pieces
• Odd-shaped edge cuts that can be squared

Because remnants originate from full-scale projects, the material is often premium grade stone that would otherwise cost significantly more at full slab size.

Explore available stone categories here: https://granexindustries.com/countertops/

Pro Tip: Always bring measurements when shopping remnants. Premium remnants sell quickly when they fit standard vanity sizes.

When Remnants Make Financial Sense

Remnants save homeowners money when the surface area is small enough not to require a full slab. If you only need a small piece, buying an entire slab plus fabrication labor would be unnecessary.

Best uses for remnants include:

Bathroom Vanities

Most vanities fall between 36″–72″, which is common remnant range.

Laundry and Mudroom Counters

Remnants help improve functional utility without large investment.

Basement Bars

Smaller run lengths often fit a single remnant piece.

Outdoor Grilling Areas

Short segments between grill cabinets often need only one section.

Built-In Desk Areas

Common in home offices and bonus rooms.

When sized correctly, remnant pricing typically includes:

• Fabrication
• Edge finishing
• Installation labor

Since slab purchasing is avoided, cost drops significantly.

When Full Slabs Still Matter

Full slabs remain ideal for:

• Kitchens with long countertop runs
• Multi-zone layouts
• Large center islands
• Waterfall features
• Bookmatched slab applications

Homeowners often underestimate how seams affect final appearance. For kitchens where design consistency matters, full slabs prevent visual breaks.

Full slabs also support projects where detailed edging or deeper overhangs are planned, because fabricators have extra surface material to work with.

View inspiration and large-scale project examples: https://granexindustries.com/portfolio/

How Much Money Homeowners Can Actually Save

Savings vary based on project size and stone type, but typical ranges include:

• Single-vanity projects often cost 50–70% less with remnants
• Small laundry counters reduce cost by 40–60%
• Fireplace mantels or shelves reduce cost by 60%+

Savings occur because:

1. Material cost is dramatically lower
2. Shipping cost is eliminated
3. Remnants often require fewer fabrication cuts

However, pricing still depends on edge style, cutout needs, and installation complexity.

Pro Tip: If you need more than one stone surface and are not concerned about matching, combine two remnants. Often a high-grade remnant plus a standard remnant is still less than one slab-based install.

How to Shop Remnants Effectively

To maximize value:

• Have measurements ready
• Know sink sizes in advance
• Be open to multiple colors
• Ask if polishing or edge upgrades cost extra
• Inspect corners for square alignment

Fabricators typically sort remnants by material tier — meaning you may access high-tier stone at significantly lower cost.

Granex keeps remnant options rotating consistently due to ongoing fabrication volume.

Ready to Explore Remnant Inventory?

Countertop remnants give homeowners a smart way to upgrade smaller spaces while still accessing premium stone selections. For larger projects, full slabs remain the best choice — but remnants open the door to high-value upgrades at lower pricing.

Contact Granex today to request remnant availability, receive measurements guidance, or schedule fabrication for your project. Accessing quality stone is easier when you start with materials already on hand.

Kitchen islands have become the centerpiece of modern homes, offering a balance between function and style. When designed with unique shapes, they can redefine how a kitchen looks and flows. 

Granite countertops play a vital role in anchoring these designs, giving custom island layouts a sense of permanence and purpose. The strength, weight, and visual depth of granite transform bold island configurations into timeless focal points that connect the entire kitchen.

The Power Of Shape And Material

Unconventional island shapes, like curved or L-shaped designs, require materials that emphasize form without sacrificing durability. Granite excels in this role, offering a natural solidity that keeps unusual silhouettes grounded. The organic veining and natural variations within granite make each island surface distinct, enhancing the artistry of the design while maintaining practicality. A sweeping arc of granite across an island creates fluidity, while angular slabs can emphasize precision and strength.

Granite’s natural composition also complements custom cabinetry or architectural features. A waterfall edge or cantilevered extension becomes an intentional design statement when crafted from granite, as the material’s density and durability ensure long-term stability. Whether the island serves as a prep area, breakfast bar, or centerpiece for entertaining, granite provides both the surface strength and visual balance needed to unify complex shapes.

Enhancing Functionality Through Design

While shape defines visual impact, functionality defines everyday satisfaction. Granite’s resilience allows designers to explore ambitious island layouts without compromising performance. Large or irregularly shaped slabs can handle daily activity, from chopping and baking to hosting guests. Its heat resistance supports the integration of cooktops or warming elements, while its dense structure resists scratches and wear. This makes it ideal for multi-purpose islands that serve both culinary and social functions.

Color selection and finish play an equally important role. Lighter granite tones, such as creamy whites or soft grays, amplify the sense of openness in sprawling island designs, while deep blacks or blues bring dramatic contrast to more compact spaces. 

Polished finishes enhance brightness and reflect light throughout the room, while honed textures create a more grounded, tactile effect that highlights the island’s form. The right pairing reinforces the unique geometry of the island, giving it a sculptural presence that commands attention.

Creating Visual Balance In Open Layouts

Open-concept kitchens benefit from islands that define space without dividing it. Granite excels at this balance, providing visual weight that anchors the room while still allowing surrounding design elements to shine. A uniquely shaped island topped with granite can establish flow between cooking, dining, and living zones. Its natural surface introduces texture and pattern that tie together cabinetry, flooring, and backsplashes in a cohesive composition.

Granite’s versatility also makes it compatible with a variety of materials. It pairs beautifully with wood, stainless steel, or quartz accents, allowing each element to enhance the overall aesthetic. For kitchens with asymmetrical or curved layouts, granite offers the stability needed to keep the design grounded and visually centered. The stone’s presence draws the eye while maintaining balance between function and form.

Design Longevity And Lasting Value

Granite’s durability ensures that even the most creative island shapes maintain their integrity over time. The stone’s resistance to heat, scratches, and stains makes it ideal for busy kitchens where beauty must meet endurance. Its timeless appearance also supports design longevity, allowing homeowners to update cabinetry or fixtures without replacing the countertop itself. Each unique slab carries natural depth and character that keeps the island feeling fresh even as trends shift.

Using granite to anchor a distinctively shaped island combines artistry with engineering, giving the kitchen a focal point that’s as durable as it is elegant. The result is a surface that defines the room while supporting everyday living– no matter what shape it is! If you’re planning a new build or kitchen renovation, Granex can help. Contact us today to find out more about your granite options and to get a free quote for your project.

Every home has its centerpiece, and in luxury kitchens, that statement piece is the countertop. A rare or exotic stone slab turns a simple surface into a work of art, combining geological beauty with function. Each piece becomes a conversation starter, drawing the eye and setting the tone for the entire kitchen environment.

The Appeal Of Rare Stone Countertops

Rare stone slabs, such as onyx, quartzite, and exotic colors of conventional stones like granite, stand out for their distinctive colors, veining, and translucence. Unlike mass-produced materials, no two slabs are ever identical. And beyond their natural artistry, these stones tell a story that stretches across millions of years, connecting a modern kitchen to ancient geological history. Many of these slabs are quarried from remote locations, where geological conditions have created patterns and colors that cannot be replicated.

Designing Around A Statement Slab

Selecting a rare stone means designing the kitchen around it. The slab’s movement, color, and pattern influence everything from cabinetry finishes to lighting design. Under-cabinet lighting can highlight the swirling details of onyx, while matte cabinetry complements the rich tones of exotic granite. 

The goal is to allow the natural stone to shine as the star of the room. Flooring, hardware, and even appliance finishes often take cues from the slab’s dominant tones to create a balanced, cohesive feel that emphasizes harmony between texture and tone.

Because each slab is unique, viewing it in person before fabrication is essential. Photographs can’t fully capture the depth, light play, or variation within a piece of stone. Homeowners often visit a showroom like ours to see how each slab interacts with light and how its details align with their vision. This in-person experience helps homeowners like you imagine how the final installation will look and ensures complete satisfaction before the cutting and polishing process begins.

Balancing Beauty And Performance

While these stones make a stunning impact, practicality remains important. Quartzite offers the best of both worlds, pairing striking veining paired with exceptional hardness and resistance to heat. 

Onyx and certain marbles, on the other hand, require more care and sealing due to their softer nature. Many homeowners choose to incorporate these stones in accent areas, such as islands or backsplashes, where they can serve as eye-catching art pieces without heavy wear. The balance between aesthetic impact and function defines the success of a rare stone design.

A talented fabricator helps clients understand which rare materials fit their lifestyle, guiding them toward stones that maintain their beauty for years. Proper sealing, maintenance, and cleaning ensure that even the most delicate slabs remain breathtaking long after installation. Their experienced team sources premium materials and works directly with trusted suppliers to ensure every slab meets the highest quality standards. This attention to detail results in countertops that perform as impressively as they look.

Elevating The Everyday

A rare stone countertop transforms cooking, entertaining, and everyday life. It changes how light moves through the space, how guests respond to the environment, and how homeowners experience their kitchen daily. The individuality of each slab reflects personal taste and an appreciation for craftsmanship. Choosing rare stone is a declaration of artistry. It’s about turning a functional workspace into a gallery of natural beauty that adds lasting value and emotional connection to the home, and it’s a design decision that can truly personalize any home..

Here at Granex, we take pride in helping homeowners find stone slabs that reflect their aesthetic and functional goals. To begin creating your one-of-a-kind kitchen, contact us today for a free quote.

Hundreds of little design choices go into making a functional kitchen. Just ask Julia Child, whose famous kitchen has been preserved in the Smithsonian. 

Among the kitchen’s unique features are custom countertops, which are actually thicker than standard– which made chopping, mixing, and kitchen prep much easier and more comfortable for the 6’3” chef. Ergonomics, the science of efficiency in a working environment, is extremely important in the kitchen. 

A kitchen where you can’t move and work comfortably is a kitchen that’s deeply uncomfortable to use. And since kitchens are the heart of the home, it’s important to enjoy this space!

One of the ways you can improve your kitchen’s ergonomics is to rethink your countertops. Custom quartzite countertops create a tough, durable surface that’s heat resistant and easy to maintain– but there’s more to quartzite than just choosing the slab. Thickness is important, too!  Today, let’s take a look at how quartzite thickness can impact your kitchen’s ergonomics, and what factors go into the choice.

Standard Quartzite Thickness

Stone slabs, including quartzite, typically come in two standard thicknesses: 2 cm and 3 cm. The 2 cm option is lighter and often requires added support, such as a plywood subtop, while the 3 cm slab provides sturdier strength on its own. Both options are widely available, and each has different implications for how your kitchen feels and functions.

Countertop thickness plays a direct role in how tall your counters are. In kitchens designed for average heights, a 3 cm quartzite slab can add just enough height to improve comfort for taller users. For shorter homeowners, a 2 cm slab may keep prep spaces within easier reach. Over time, those small differences matter. Repeatedly bending, stretching, or standing in awkward positions can take a toll, and selecting the right slab thickness helps reduce that strain.

The Relationship Between Thickness And Style

Beyond function, thickness changes the overall look of your kitchen. A 3 cm slab has a bold, substantial presence that pairs well with modern cabinetry and open layouts. A 2 cm slab offers a lighter, more delicate profile that can make smaller kitchens feel open and airy. The style you prefer should work with how you plan to use the space day after day. A thick slab may create a feeling of strength and permanence, while thinner options highlight elegance and subtlety.

Edge profiles are another area where thickness makes an impact. A thicker slab allows for more elaborate edge treatments, which can change both appearance and comfort. Rounded edges can feel easier on wrists and elbows when leaning against the counter, while sharper profiles offer crisp lines for a contemporary look. Choosing an edge profile that matches your daily habits helps ensure your quartzite countertops are as comfortable as they are beautiful.

Create A Kitchen That Works For You

Ultimately, the best thickness for your quartzite countertops depends on the way you live and work in your kitchen. Families who spend hours preparing meals might appreciate the durability and ergonomic advantages of a 3 cm slab. 

Homeowners who want a lighter look for a smaller space may prefer the flexibility of a 2 cm option. Because kitchens are deeply personal spaces, matching thickness to lifestyle ensures that your countertops support daily routines rather than getting in the way.

The right choices in the kitchen are important. If you’re building new or renovating your own home, you deserve a space that works for you. And if you’re planning on selling? Over half (55%) of home buyers say that a good kitchen would convince them to buy a home that they otherwise would not.  

To learn more about quartzite thickness options and discover which works best for your home, get in touch with Granex today for a free quote.