What To Do With Leftover Granite Countertop (Here's What You Can Do)
Some say granite countertops are going out of style. But granite is still an expensive stone, and you probably don’t want to throw it away. So, what can you do with the leftovers? Here are some creative ideas.
You can make many things with granite remnants, including decorations for your home. However, it’s best to use leftover countertop material if you can because granite can be costly. Moreover, you might need special tools to break or shape your pieces.
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Can You Repurpose Granite Countertops?
Granite is a hard stone, so it can be difficult to repurpose for other countertops. The material can produce unsightly seams when you try to blend with other surfaces. Thus, most granite countertops become something else after you remove them. And the possibilities are virtually endless.
But knowing what to do with your leftover granite countertop can be a challenge. First, you must make sure you have an adequate supply. Some of your ideas may require more extensive portions of the stone. But you can damage your countertops while removing them from the cabinets.
That’s why it’s so crucial to come up with your creative ideas ahead of time. Then, you can remove countertops more skillfully and have all the resources you need for creative projects. In the meantime, be sure to tell your countertop installer about your plans so they can help.
NOTE: You can usually buy remnants at your local hardware store if you lose a significant portion of granite during the removal process.
How Much Does a Granite Remnant Cost?
The cost of granite can vary widely depending on the supplier. And the thickness of your slab matters too. However, the average price of a granite remnant is between $10 and $40 per square foot. As always, ask the supplier for specifics.
Keep in mind that granite slabs are hefty. Most pieces weigh around 20 pounds per square foot. So, approach the supplier with durable hauling abilities, or find out if they offer delivery. And don’t forget to add in extra fees for delivery charges, taxes, and service charges.
7 Creative Ideas for Granite Remnants
Many homeowners don’t know what to do with leftover granite countertop material. It’s bulky, heavy, and difficult to cut. So, they end up tossing it in the trash to be processed by local waste management. But throwing away granite remnants is a big mistake
That’s because there are at least seven creative things you can do with it instead. Check these out:
#1. Turn Your Leftover Granite Into a Delicious Kitchen Island.
The cost of building a beautiful kitchen island can be a dealbreaker for some homeowners. But the project is cheaper when you already have some of the supplies. So, use leftover granite pieces for extra prep space in the kitchen.
PRO TIP: Transform existing cutouts into integrated glass or butcher block cutting surfaces.
#2. Use Some Scraps to Create Coasters for Your Tables.
Here is a simple hack for homeowners on a budget. That’s because granite table coasters are both tasteful and functional. Plus, they provide a more elevated aesthetic for your guests while also keeping your surfaces clean.
PRO TIP: Cover one side of your coasters with a non-slip fabric to prevent scratching your tables.
#3. Craft a Coffe Table Like None Other.
Bring the beauty of natural stone into your living room with hand-made coffee tables and end tables. Repurpose old furniture or create your base using a single slab or several remnants. You can even make a mosaic if you have enough pieces.
PRO TIP: Choose a granite adhesive and a high-quality sealant to prevent chipping and slipping.
#4. Make a Stylish Serving Tray for Your Guests.
Serve your friends and family in style when you transform granite remnants into a durable tray. First, secure the base by checking for chips and cracks. Then, attach handles to each side or glue the granite onto a wood slab for rustic appeal.
PRO TIP: Try not to place hot objects on granite without protection from a cloth or coaster.
#5. Create a Cutting Board for Your Kitchen.
You may not want to chop food on your brand-new countertops. So, use your old granite slab to make a portable cutting board. You can even cut slots for knives and scissors. And because granite is such a hard stone, it might even sharpen your blades at the same time.
PRO TIP: Use the best cleaning supplies to wash granite surfaces because certain products can damage the stone.
#6. Take Your Granite Remnants Outdoors for a Gorgeous Garden Path.
Who says you have to turn your granite remnants into indoor goodies? You can instantly transform a garden with some well-placed granite walking stones. Plus, granite is durable in all weather conditions and usually integrates well with your existing decor.
PRO TIP: Try to use an alternating pattern with paver stones and river rock to create a more authentic look.
#7. Design a Unique Lamp Base.
Turning your old granite remnants into a shiny new lamp may take some practice. But you can enjoy hours of bright beauty if you cut a hole down the middle of thick pieces. Then, feed a wire through and attach a bulb mount. Next, check Pinterest for inspiration with detailed instructions.
PRO TIP: Never play with electrical components unless you’re familiar with how it works or know an electrical who can help.
You don’t have to recycle those unwanted chunks of granite just because you’re updating the countertops. It’s still a durable stone, and it’s not entirely out of style yet. So, consider how you could use granite remnants at home. And then learn how to make nature do your bidding.
Related Questions
What Are Leftover Pieces of Granite Called?
You call a piece of leftover granite a remnant. It comes in many shapes and sizes, and it’s usually part of a giant countertop slab. Meanwhile, you can buy slabs individually or in bundles of 6 or 7 at your local hardware store. However, you may need to shop through specific suppliers for specialty materials or creative edging.
How Do You Break a Piece of Granite Scrap?
Cutting and breaking granite remnants is easy. First, use water-soluble chalk to mark a line where you want the stone to crack. Then, drill a few holes along that line to create faults. Each hole should be about two inches wide for best results. And you should space them 12 to 24 inches apart.Next, drill down 80% through the piece and stop. Remove your drill bit, then try to break the granite with your hands or a crowbar. And if you still can’t snap it in half, contact a stonemason for professional help. Your local Lowes or Home Depot may offer stone-cutting services as well.
What Happens to Leftover Granite?
Contractors sometimes throw away leftover granite if the homeowner doesn’t say otherwise. Or a local recycling company may process it into other commercial products. Either way, remnants are generally cut into small sections for easier handling first. And depending on how facilities cut them, some resale shops may then sell those scraps to the public.
Do You Need Countertop Installers?
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Great Granite Starts With You
Granite can be a challenge to cut and shape, especially without the right tools. Plus, it’s heavy and expensive. So, most homeowners hire countertop installers to do the hard work. Then, they use the remnants creatively to develop a fashionably functional space.
That means impressive granite art starts with you. It also means removing it from your cabinets carefully to prevent damage. But even if you somehow crack or chip the surface, it’s not over. There are still several creative ideas you can consider for all that leftover granite.
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Tiffany Nichols specializes in aesthetics, design, marketing, and manufacturing. She's a copywriter and editor for several home renovation companies in the U.S. and works alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Her hobbies include architecture, art, mental health, and fashion.
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