Granite

Granite countertops are gorgeous. To paraphrase legendary car guy Lee Iacocca, if you can find a prettier countertop, buy it! Their classic elegance exudes distinction in the kitchen and bathroom, and matched with outstanding durability, the granite countertops you select might be the last countertops your home will ever need.

Granite is a natural stone, quarried from large igneous stone deposits found around the world. It begins as molten magma that flows into other rock structures and cools slowly. The stone is naturally quite rough and textured, but when it is ground and polished during the countertop manufacturing process, it takes on a smooth surface with rich luster.

Granite is comprised of many different minerals that give each countertop slab a unique and attractive appearance. For example, granite high in feldspar will have rich red or pink highlights. Mica produces brown or black veining while quartz gives pink, white or black hues to the stone.

The variations throughout the stone are considered desirable since they give the slab character and differentiate it from others. For this reason, it is important to select slabs quarried from the same stone to ensure that the color and amount of veining are similar.

When you go shopping for granite countertops, you’ll find a range of colors and “looks” to choose from, and matching the right shade and stone appearance to your design scheme is part of the fun.

There are many alluring reasons to choose granite countertops, and a few cautions. However, the advantages of granite countertops far outweigh the disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of granite countertops.

Granite Countertop Advantages:

• Among the most beautiful countertop materials
• Accentuate the good looks of quality kitchen cabinets
• Natural stone for those who want an eco friendly countertop
• Excellent strength and durability
• Resistant to scratches and damage from heat such as pans or hot hair tools
• Good stain resistance and easy to clean
• Increases the value and aesthetics of your home

Granite Countertop Disadvantages:

• Sealing of this porous stone must be maintained. (The good news is that granite countertops are now sealed at the factory with a finish that will last at least 5 years to 15 years or more. Resealing is affordable and easy to accomplish.)
• There are about 20 different colors varieties of granite while other materials are available in 100+ colors and patterns
• Corners could chip if a heavy object falls on them

Well-maintained granite countertops will look fantastic indefinitely. The keys are regular cleaning with products formulated for granite and resealing the stone on schedule.

Granite countertop cleaning and care:

• Use a damp sponge or cloth to clean minor spills and loosen dirt
• Avoid generic cleaners; Use only cleaning products formulated for use on granite countertops
• Use a stain remover pouch (formulated for use on granite) if stains occur
• As a precaution, use a hot pad or trivet under very hot pots or pans when placing them on the countertops
• Use a cutting board to prevent the sealer from being harmed by a sharp knife
• Place a plate or tray beneath liquid soap dispensers that leak

Here is a list of questions to that will help you think through whether or not granite is the right material for your home.

• Is the higher cost of granite countertops in your budget? While you can save money on cheaper grades of granite and inexperienced labor, most experts recommend using quality materials and a skilled installer with excellent experience. In both cases, you get what you pay for.
• How long do you plan to live in your current home? The longer you’re there, the better value granite becomes. With proper care, they’ll look and perform great while you’d be replacing cheaper countertops every 5 to 15 years.
• Is it important to you to use materials in your home that are environmentally friendly? Granite is an excellent choice because it is a natural material that requires less energy and the use of no harmful products to manufacture.
• Do you value elegant beauty? If you enjoy maintaining quality products rather than using and replacing items that aren’t as durable, then granite countertops will be a long-lasting pleasure.