When you install new granite countertops as part of a construction or remodeling project, odds are you’re going to wind up with at least a few leftover pieces. These pieces often come in the shape of surplus chunks from the supplier, and there’s simply no room for them in the installation. The question is: What should you do with them now?
Some people try to sell them to granite contractors or recycling firms. Others keep them on hand for any necessary repair work either during or after the installation. However, if you want to get creative there are plenty of other uses for those leftovers – many of which you can do 100% on your own!
Here are 9 suggestions for repurposing your leftover granite, and transforming it into something cool and practical.
1. Make a granite cutting board
It’s no surprise that granite makes for excellent cutting board material. And if you have enough left over, why not shape one of those extra slabs into another surface to complement your existing countertops?
Of course, your granite cutting board will be heavier than a traditional wooden one. However, you won’t have to worry about treating it with specialized oils the same way you would a wooden surface. Moreover, you can add a rotating bottom to the cutting board and voilà! you’ve just made a unique, aesthetically pleasing Lazy Susan.
2. Create a set of whiskey stones
This is a really cool idea if you only have a few small remnants of granite left over from your project. Drinking whiskey “on the rocks” is obviously cooler on the tongue than drinking it neat, but you may not care for the melting ice watering down its flavor – and that’s where whiskey stones come into the picture.
All you have to do is take a few small, square chunks of granite, clean them up, and store them in your freezer. Then, the next time you’re ready for your sipping whiskey, you can drop one of those “stones” into your tumbler instead of an ice cube. It will cool down your whiskey without watering down its flavor profile. Who could ask for more?
3. Build a tabletop
If you’ve got a large granite slab remaining from the project, you can combine it with a suitable base and turn it into a sturdy, attractive tabletop. The options here are virtually limitless. For example, you can install it on top of an iron base and legs and use it as an indoor table, or even set it on a stump to create a makeshift patio table.
Of course, your granite slab will almost certainly have jagged edges, so it’s important to bevel those edges for the sake of safety. Also, make sure that your base is sturdy enough to support the weight of the slab, and that your granite tabletop’s surface area is only slightly bigger than the base’s surface area (about .3x bigger should be safe).
4. Design a tray
Relatively small pieces of leftover granite are perfect for both serving and decorative trays, depending on your preference. A granite serving tray on your counter can add an extra touch of elegance to your kitchen and dining room area. Use it to serve your collection of cheeses, meats, and fruits, or whatever hors d’oeuvres you see fit.
On the other hand, you can also turn your granite into a decorative tray for your living room space. It’s relatively easy to shape and form your tray as desired, and you can simply install two handles on the top or side to complete the look. Add a book or two on top, and you’ll have a nice ornamental piece that contributes to your decor.
5. Turn it into a house number sign
Do you already have your house number on your door or doorpost? If so, is it made up of those cheap plastic “stick-on” numbers? Instead of dealing with the irritation of those numbers constantly peeling off their surface, why not create a unique house number sign from your leftover granite instead?
Simply take a suitable piece of granite, shape it as desired, and then engrave (or paint) your house number on the slab. It’s relatively easy to do, and you’ll get a house number sign that will stand the test of time – guaranteed!
6. Make coasters
If you have a number of small granite remnants leftover, consider turning them into drink coasters. You don’t have to get them perfectly square if you don’t want to; in fact, slightly irregular shapes may be part of the charm. You can form those granite remnants into circles, triangles, or another other shape you desire.
7. Build a shelf
If you have a long, relatively thin slab of granite remaining from your project, consider turning it into a shelf. You could make it the top for a bookshelf, or put it on a sturdy base attached to the wall for a standalone shelf. Just remember, granite is heavier than wood, so make sure that whatever base you use can handle the slab’s weight!
8. Use it for exterior home projects
The sky’s the limit when it comes to exterior home uses for leftover granite. You can take small leftover slabs and transform them into pieces of tile for your patio or porch; create stacked fountains out of granite remnants; or even use your leftover granite to build a retaining wall around your house or garden (assuming you have enough material).
9. Create a plaque
Finally, you can turn a granite slab into a tasteful, durable plaque. Maybe you want to commemorate a special event in your life, such as the purchase of your new home; or maybe you want to honor a loved one’s memory with something that can endure the ravages of time. Whatever the case may be, a carefully shaped granite slab, complete with an engraved message, can serve as an exceptional plaque for your home.
As you can see, there are a ton of ways to use leftover granite! This is just another reason why choosing granite countertops for your next project is such a good idea. To explore different options for your construction/remodeling project, or to find some inspiration, check out our gallery today!