Learn Why Granite Countertops Are Still A Fantastic Choice!
Why You Should Consider Granite Countertops
When it comes to kitchen and bathroom countertops, granite is still the king! Homeowners love granite for its durability, beauty, and flexibility. Because it's a natural material every slab is perfectly unique, it comes in a wide range of color choices that span the rainbow, from monochromatic slabs of black or white to bold patterns. Add to this the full range of finishing options and edge choices, and you can begin to see why granite has been the number one choice of homeowners for years.
One of the visual focal points in your kitchen's décor is your countertop. Nothing is quite as beautiful as natural stone, and granite countertops will not only provide decades of service with proper maintenance, they add value to your home.
Here are just a few of the key reasons why granite is the number one choice of homeowners and designers for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Granite Basics: What You Need To Know
Granite is a natural stone that is found all over the world. It's composed of at least 20-percent quartz and minerals such as mica, and feldspar. It's available in every color of the rainbow and the patterns and colors vary depending on the mix of minerals, and different regions feature unique species of stone.
The color palette and composition of the stone can vary widely depending on the region where it's mined. Some common types of granite range from Uba Tuba, which is mined in Brasil and takes on a darker color due to an abundance of mica to River White granite, a stunning crisp white granite with light grey veining, found in one region of India.
“If you’ve ever seen an episode of House Hunters, half of those people would rather have granite countertops than a roof.”
Your options expand when you add the various finish choices available including:
• Polished – The most common finish, polished granite has a mirror-like look and is the least porous.
• Honed – A matte finish that is luxurious and not typical. It does look beautiful, but can be prone to staining and scratching.
• Brushed/Satin – Similar to honed, it is a “semi-matte” finish, but better performing.
• Leather – More polished than honed or matte, but with some texture causing it to resemble leather.
• Flamed Thermal – Created by running a fire over the slab. It has a rough-textured appearance and varying surface depth.
• Antiqued – Has a brushed, dull look that is slightly less textured that leather.
Granite's flexibility is one of its biggest benefits. If you're looking for a unique look to match your design, granite can be personalized during fabrication. From a sleek polished finish with a tight straight edge to an antiqued finish with a natural chiseled edge, granite can look at home in any style kitchen from a modern minimalistic kitchen to a rustic design.
View Our Granite Countertop Examples
The Many Benefits of Granite Countertops
Granite offers homeowners a plethora of benefits, from functionality to aesthetics. Granite countertops add luxury, elegance, and value to your home. Its flexibility is just one reason that this material is so in demand. There are a number of benefits beyond its beauty, and functionality that make granite the number one choice of homeowners and designers.
Granite Comes in A Wide Range of Colors
From light to dark, simple veining to complex intricate patterns, you can find the perfect slab to match your personal style and aesthetic. The most popular colors are the ones that are palettes of whites, blacks, and grays, but there is so much variety and no two slabs are identical so you'll have a unique look to your kitchen
Granite Countertops Are Extremely Durable
Granite is one of the toughest countertop materials available. It's scratch resistant and it can handle temperatures up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. All-natural stone is porous, however, when properly sealed, granite can be made stain and water-resistant. The only downside is that if you're looking for a more exotic or unusual slab, it can get costly.
That being said, granite countertops when properly maintained can provide a lifetime of service. Unlike softer stones like marble, you can even cut your veggies, right on the surface without worry!
Granite's Sustainability
While mining granite is can disrupt local ecosystems and depletes finite, non-renewable resources, granite's durability means it will outlast you and even your home. It is possible to find eco-friendly granite in the form of salvaged slabs. Another way to decrease granite's environmental impact is to choose a granite that is mined in your region of the country to reduce transportation-related energy costs.
Granite Adds Value To Your Home
Beautiful granite countertops in the kitchen are one of the most luxurious, elegant elements you can add when remodeling. And if you're ever planning on selling, granite adds plenty of value. In fact, granite countertops are often a must-have for buyers, and they can help buyers make the emotional connection that sells homes!
Granite is Low Maintenance, And Repairable!
Granite countertops are easy to keep clean. Simply wipe them down with warm water and a soft cloth, or occasionally granite specific cleaners and they'll last forever. To keep the surface stain-free and looking new, seal your slab every year or two with an impregnating water-based sealer made specifically for granite countertops.
Read Is Quartz Or Granite Best For Heavy Use Countertops
One family-friendly benefit is that granite can be repaired. While granite is extremely durable, and scratch and stain resistant, accidents happen, and no matter how dense the stone, if you drop a heavy item on an edge, it can damage it. Although it may require a professional, granite can be repaired, and scratches can be sanded out.
Granite is A Smart Choice!
While choosing granite can cost you a little more upfront when compared to less expensive materials like butcher block, tile, or laminate it's well worth the expense.
Granite countertops will last for decades and are the most scratch-resistant natural material. It's easy to clean and requires very little more than minimal cleaning and annual sealing. Its uniqueness means you can personalize your design with a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.
If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of granite countertops and see all of your options, if you live in the greater Boston MetroWest/ Worcester area, give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. Let us show you the many exciting benefits of this stunning and popular natural material!