Granite Urban Furniture

Nowadays, the design possibilities of granite are endless, both indoors and outdoors. And of course, unlike indoor use, outdoor materials must withstand the additional wear-and-tear of the elements. This is why granite, well known for its time tested strength and durability -existing and used in monuments as far back as Ancient Egypt- is a star material when it comes to street furniture in all kinds of public spaces: squares, parks, outdoor gardens, etc.

The perfect combination of strength and beauty

Granite is always a safe bet for two key reasons: its appearance and physical properties.

The first element, the look, varies immensely from one slab to another. This stone is available in a vast range of colours, and since the eart´s core makes all rocks differently, the ultimate finish will depend on the size of the crystals and colouring (depending on the mineral composition of granite, such as feldspar or magnetite). This means that there are literally hundreds of options to choose from, and with no two granite slabs alike, such options are virtually endless.

Physically, granite is tough enough to resist most abrasion, strong enough to bear considerable weight and impact, and inert enough to resist weathering. These characteristics make it ideal for outdoor use in planters, ashtrays, bins, fountains, benches, etc. These properties are further enhanced when working with thicker slabs, making it an even better option for outdoor public areas, especially in light of the ongoing problem of street vandalism.

Urban furniture material combination trends

Thanks to these mentioned characteristics, it comes as no surprise that granite is one of the materials chosen for urban architecture, not only because it is functional and, as a natural product, is sympathetic with the environment, but also because it blends well with other materials and is open to no end of combinations. Combining it with other charming and natural materials such as wood or contrasting it with stainless steel or aluminium are just some stunning options… And the appearance of the natural stone can be modified by the finish chosen, the most popular being rough, sawn, bush hammered and flamed finishes. The trend is most definitely the simplicity of clean lines to create versatile pieces that blend easily with different environments.

Easy and efficient cleaning

Moreover, and an important point, is the ease of cleaning and maintenance of this material. Overall, granite is an eco-friendly stone that is built to last, aesthetically pleasing, and sensitive to its environment …it is no wonder that over the years granite has remained one of the most commonly used materials for all types of street furniture.