Installing a granite backsplash can greatly enhance the beauty and value of your kitchen. However, it often leaves homeowners with leftover granite pieces. Instead of throwing them away, consider repurposing the granite scraps into useful items. With a bit of creativity, you can give the extra granite a new life and add charm to your home.
Use Leftover Granite as Cutting Boards
A great way to reuse leftover granite is to make custom cutting boards. The hard surface makes an excellent prep space for chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and more. And the granite’s stylish look brings elegance to your countertop when not in use.
Cut the granite pieces to your desired size and shape to create boards for meat, produce, cheese, or general use. Round off the edges to prevent chipping. Consider adding feet to raise the board off the counter for airflow. Coat with food-grade mineral oil to seal and protect the surface. With a granite cutting board, you’ll have a durable and eye-catching tool for food prep.
Create a Granite Cheese Board
For an easy repurposing project, turn leftover granite into a cheese board for entertaining. This handmade piece makes a nice housewarming or hostess gift too. Select a granite remnant in a rectangular shape and smooth the edges. Apply a food-safe finish, like beeswax or mineral oil, which is gentle enough for soft cheeses.
Consider adding holes to insert small containers for nuts, olives, chutneys, and other cheese accompaniments. Or adhere ceramic bowls to the surface using food-safe silicone glue. Add a cutout handle from wood or rope for easy transporting. With leftover granite, you can make a custom cheese board your guests will admire.
Build Granite Serving Trays
Beautiful granite serving trays are simple to construct from your leftovers. Choose pieces about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick for stability. Cut the granite to your desired rectangular shape and smooth any rough edges. Finish the surface with food-grade mineral oil.
For easy maneuvering, attach handles made of wood, metal, or rope. Protect your tables by adding small rubber or felt pads to the bottom corners. Use your handcrafted granite trays to serve appetizers, drinks, desserts, and other items in style. Make multiple trays to coordinate with your kitchen decor.
Craft a Granite Pizza Stone
For crisp pizza and bread right from your oven, repurpose spare granite as a baking stone. Pick a remnant at least 1/2 inch thick. Cut into a round or square shape up to about 15 inches across. Smooth the edges. To help prevent cracks from thermal shock, season the stone by heating it slowly in a 250°F oven for an hour before use.
Place the granite stone right on the oven rack. The natural properties of granite make it ideal for absorbing and conducting heat evenly to crusty perfection. Let the stone fully cool before handling. With a homemade pizza stone, you can enjoy artisanal results in your own kitchen.
Fashion Granite Bookends
Put your leftover granite pieces to good use as custom bookends. Cut the remnant into two blocks, making sure each piece has a flat bottom. Adhere felt pads to prevent slipping and to protect shelving. For stability, make the bookends about 4 inches wide and 5 inches tall.
Have fun getting creative with the shape by cutting curves or angles into the granite. For added visual interest, inlay tile, sea glass, shells or beads into the front surface using silicone adhesive. Your unique granite bookends will keep books upright while lending stylish decoration.
Build a Granite Bird Bath or Pet Dish
Bring a touch of your kitchen elegance outside by making a birdbath or pet dish from leftover granite. Select a piece at least 2 inches thick and cut into a shallow bowl shape. For stability, keep the bottom flat rather than hollowed out. Smooth any rough edges.
Add a drainage hole at the lowest end to prevent water from pooling. Consider elevating the granite bowl on short metal or concrete feet. Resistant to weather and chewing, granite makes a durable bath or feeding dish to use and enjoy outdoors. For extra charm, opt for a unique remnant with natural veining or crystals.
Make Granite Garden Markers
Identify plants in your garden with practical markers made from leftover granite. Cut strips about 4 inches wide and 6 inches long. Use a masonry drill bit to make a half-inch hole near the top for attaching the identifier tag.
On the tag, write the plant name with a permanent marker. Thread wire or string through the hole and knot it around the marker. Push the lower end of the granite strip into the soil next to the plant. The weight of the natural stone will help the marker stay upright and prominently visible.
Create Granite Coasters
Prevent cup rings and protect your tables by fashioning durable granite coasters. Cut cubes or rounds about 4 inches across from remnant pieces less than 1/2 inch thick. Apply felt pads to the bottom to prevent slipping and scratches.
For decorative flair, etch designs, monograms, or artwork into the granite surface with a Dremel tool. The natural properties of granite make it stain-resistant as well as heat-proof. Your custom granite coasters can stand up to daily use while adding stylish functionality.
Make Granite Soap Dishes
Give leftover granite new purpose in the bath by shaping it into soap dishes. Cut a rectangle or square with a depth of about 1/2 inch, making sure the bottom is smooth. Use silicone to adhere the piece to a plastic or ceramic bathroom tray, which will catch water runoff.
Polish the granite’s surface and round the corners for safety. The durability and water-resistance of granite makes it ideal for holding bars of soap, keeping them dry between uses. For a coordinating look, use remnant granite that matches your sink, tub surround or other bathroom fixtures.
Craft Granite Jewelry Trays
A touch of sparkling granite can upgrade how you store and display jewelry. Select a small, flat remnant and cut it to a rectangular shape. Smooth the edges and adhere felt pads to the bottom. Apply a clear sealant like polyurethane for shine and protection.
Add compartments by attaching strops of leather or suede vertically across the width of the tray using silicone or superglue. You can also section off spaces using strips of wood, tile or sea glass. Keep your treasured accessories organized in style with a handmade granite jewelry tray.
Make Mosaics and Inlays
For a bit of artsy flair, break small leftover granite pieces into tiles and make mosaics or inlays. Use sturdy mesh backing and thinset mortar to shape your creation. Adhere the finished mosaic to walls, floors, tabletops, planters and more.
You can also fill cracks and pits in damaged countertops and vanities with granite fragments and clear epoxy resin to create a kind of terrazzo effect. In the garden, line walkways with granite mosaics or use fragments to form borders. Granite’s durability makes it ideal for creative inlays both indoors and out.
Create Granite Plant Holders
Leftover granite’s natural beauty is perfect for housing plants. Cut bowl, cylinder or square shapes. Smooth the edges and finish with a clear sealant. Add drainage holes to prevent excess moisture.
Set granite plant holders inside cache pots or drip trays to catch overflow. For succulents and cacti, shape short cylindrical vases. Granite’s neutral hues and veining pair nicely with any foliage. Place granite planters indoors or outside as unique garden accents. They’re sure to last for generations.
Make Decorative Candleholders
For instant ambiance, shape leftover granite into candleholders. Cut cylinders, cubes, spheres or rings from remnant pieces. Smooth any rough edges. Make sure the bottom is flat to hold the candle securely.
Add interest by etching patterns into the granite with a Dremel tool. Finish with a sealant like beeswax or polyurethane. Arrange holders of varying heights and shapes for drama. Granite holders are heat resistant and add natural style anywhere you need a bit of candlelight.
Repurpose as Serving Bowls
Your leftover granite can find new life as elegant serving bowls for dips, bread, fruit and more. Select remnant pieces at least 2 inches thick. Shape the granite using a diamond-bladed angle grinder, taking necessary safety precautions.
Smooth the interior and round the edges. Finish with a sealant. If desired, polish the granite with increasingly finer wet sandpaper. The neutral gray tones and natural patterning make granite an attractive and practical choice for serving various foods and snacks.
Create One-of-a-Kind Coasters
Make the most of small leftovers by transforming them into unique marble coasters. Cut granite strips and fragments into squares, circles or fun shapes like stars or hearts. Smooth and finish the surface. Add cork or felt on the bottom to protect tables.
Create visual interest by mixing and matching remnant pieces in different colors and patterns. Or showcase natural veining and crystals by selecting coordinating pieces from the same slab. Give each coaster its own personality for a handmade look. Your one-of-a-kind coasters will start conversations.
Fashion Granite Knife Blocks
Secure kitchen knives and add prep space by crafting a granite knife block. Cut a remnant about 6 inches wide to the desired length based on the number and size of knives to be held. Cut slits into the stone using a diamond blade on the angle grinder.
Smooth any rough edges. Apply a food-safe sealant like beeswax or mineral oil. For stability, adhere a piece of wood to the bottom, leaving a channel in the back for the blade edges. Fill the block’s slits with knives to keep them within easy reach and safely concealed.
Make Garden Stepping Stones
Create practical and decorative garden paths with stepping stones cut from leftover granite. Use diamond-tip blades on a circular or angle saw to cut the pieces into rounds, squares, rectangles or other shapes about 2 inches thick. Smooth the edges.
Arrange the granite pieces on top of leveled sand or gravel to form a walkway, taking care to space them evenly for safe footing. You can also embellish by engraving names, patterns or designs into the surface of the stones. Your custom granite pathway will provide a sturdy surface while lending a unique touch.
Create Tiles for Backsplashes
Put extra granite to good use by cutting tile pieces for backsplashes. Use an angle grinder with a diamond blade to cut uniform squares or rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. Polish smooth. Apply a stone sealer.
Create your own design by arranging a pattern of varied granite tiles. Adhere the pieces to the wall using thinset mortar. The tiles can coordinate with your existing backsplash or become an accent behind sinks or stoves. Use leftover granite to add a personalized touch.
Make Decorative Magnets
Transform small granite remnants into custom magnets to liven up the fridge or other magnetic surfaces. Cut pieces into round or square shapes about 1/8 inch thick. Apply strong neodymium magnets using industrial adhesive.
Add interest by etching monograms, shapes or designs into the granite before adhering the magnet. Make a set of coordinating magnets from the same remnant or create unique looks by mixing and matching pieces. Your handcrafted granite magnets will hold notes and photos in style.
Granite Clocks
A granite clock makes an impressive focal point. Use diamond-blade tools to cut a 12-inch round at least 1/2 inch thick. Etch the numbers into the surface or adhere metal or wood numbers with epoxy.
Add a clock mechanism following the manufacturer’s instructions. For a floating illusion, inset strong round magnets on the back to affix the clock to a metal sheet on the wall. The natural colors and patterning of real stone make this a statement timepiece.
Make Trivets and Pot Holders
Protect counters and tabletops from hot pans and dishes with homemade granite trivets. Cut basic squares or get creative with round, star and diamond shapes. Any remnant pieces 1/2 inch thick or more will work well. Granite absorbs and distributes heat evenly.
For pot holders, cut larger rectangles about 7 by 10 inches and 1/2 inch thick. Round the corners and edges for a smooth grip. Granite’s heat resistance makes it ideal for these useful kitchen aids. Choose pretty leftovers to suit your decor. Add rubber feet to reduce slipping.
Create a Granite Photo Frame
Make your family photos pop by displaying them in a homemade granite frame. Cut the remnant to your desired size and shape. Smooth the edges. Use a corner punch on a drill press to create openings for metal photograph corners.
Apply weatherproof glue to the corners and press them into the granite openings. Prop up a photo using the metal edges. For a finishing touch, engrave artwork into the granite surround. Your pictures will really stand out framed in stone.
Fashion Decorative Shelf Brackets
Make basic shelving more attractive with decorative brackets crafted from leftover granite. Use an angle grinder to cut L-shaped supports. Adhere heavy-duty metal brackets to the bottom using epoxy.
Install them beneath shelves, floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets and display ledges to lend one-of-a-kind style. For added flair, etch designs along the front that coordinate with the shelf surface material like wood or tile. Your homemade granite brackets will become a beautiful architectural detail.
Create a Granite Tile Sink
For an eye-catching focal point, use leftover granite pieces to craft a unique tile sink. Cut various scraps into 1-inch square tiles. Use thinset mortar to adhere them inside the sink basin in a mosaic pattern.
Grout and seal the tiles. Consider arranging the granite fragments to form designs like stars or spirals. The tiles will make doing dishes more enjoyable with their artistic flair. Use epoxy to fill any gaps and create a smooth surface. Your creative sink will certainly spark conversation.
Make Display Stands
Showcase treasured items like statues, vases, artwork, stacks of books and more using handcrafted granite stands. Select a remnant at least 2 inches thick. Shape it with diamond blades into a square, round, rectangle or creative silhouette like a star or animal.
Adhere felt pads to the bottom to prevent slipping. For taller displays, attach a wood base using industrial adhesive. Seal and polish the granite piece into a sleek pedestal to highlight your decor. Repurposed granite adds natural elegance wherever you need accent displays.
Granite Draft Stoppers
Prevent drafts from whistling under exterior doors by making weighted doorstops from spare granite. Cut basic rectangles or get creative with shapes like leaves, circles or semicircles.
Drill a hole in one end to attach a rope handle for pulling the stopper out of the way as needed. The thickness and weight of granite blocks air flow while adding decor. Make a set of stops in different sizes for each door. Don’t let leftover granite go to waste when it can deter drafts.
Create Unique Switch Plates and Outlet Covers
Personalize your electrical fixtures by making custom granite switch plate and outlet covers. Cut granite fragments to size using diamond blades. Make screw holes using a masonry drill bit.
Attach commercial-grade toggle switch and outlet mounting plates using provided screws. Consider engraving designs around each opening for added decoration. For a coordinated look, use leftover granite to make matching plates throughout the home.
Build Garden Furniture
For lasting outdoor furnishings, construct pieces like benches, tables, planters and more using leftover granite. Cut thick slabs and smooth the edges and surface. Use adhesive to join pieces, adding metal brackets for strength.
Select a design style from sleek modern to rustic. For seating, attach wood or metal legs and supports. Make matching granite tables and planters to complete your set. Granite’s durability and weather-resistance lets you enjoy handcrafted furniture for years.
Create Unusual Drink Coasters
Make ordinary drink coasters extraordinary using unique leftover granite. Choose an irregular, naturally shaped fragment with an interesting contour. Or cut pieces into creative shapes like stars, hearts or crescents.
Smooth and seal the surface. Add cork or felt pads to the bottom. These funky upcycled coasters will draw attention and stir conversation. Use varying granite colors and patterns for an eclectic look.
Fashion Stylish Vases
Showcase floral arrangements in one-of-a-kind granite vases. Select long, cylinder-shaped scraps, or cut pieces to size. Hollow out the center using diamond core bits. Refine the inner surface with a rubber drum sander attachment on the angle grinder.
Add polish with increasingly finer grit wet sandpaper. Floral foam at the bottom can hold stems in place. For stability, attach a heavy granite base, leaving a channel around the vase’s edges. Your handcrafted granite vessel will become a true statement piece.
Make Garden Wine Holders
Enjoy a glass of wine al fresco by creating outdoor wine tabletops from leftover granite. Cut a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick with rounded corners. Adhere four small L-brackets on the underside to hold wine glasses safely in place.
Apply weatherproof sealant to all surfaces. Place the granite piece atop a patio or outdoor dining table. The stone’s mass helps keep glasses stable. Match your upcycled granite to other hardscape and furnishings for a cohesive look.
Granite Wine Cooler
Keep a bottle perfectly chilled for your next gathering using a repurposed granite wine cooler. Select a square-shaped remnant at least 2 inches thick. Use a diamond coring bit to hollow out a cylindrical hole slightly larger than a wine bottle.
Fill the void with cold water or ice and rest the bottle inside. The natural coolness of granite helps prevent fluctuations in temperature. For portability, add handles cut from wood strips or rope. Serve your guests wine at the ideal temperature thanks to granite’s thermal properties.
Tabletop Fire Pits
For ambiance and warmth, repurpose leftovers into mini tabletop fire pits. Cut the granite into a containable shape like a rectangle, square or circle. Make a channel on top for the fire if desired.
Place a sheet of fireproof material like copper inside the bottom. Add fire glass or lava rock to surround a removable metal fire bowl. The stone absorbs