Granite countertops offer many benefits that go beyond natural beauty
One-of-a-kind granite countertops are highly durable and easy to maintain.
They are the perfect countertop if you have kids and pets.
While they can be very expensive, there are ways to make them more affordable.
Don’t worry if you have to set a hot pan down; they are heat resistant.
There is a reason why everyone oohs and ahhs over granite countertops—they have timeless style and durability to boot. No matter the reason for the upgrade (remodel, damage, new home), granite is a surface that can bring value and beauty to whatever space you choose. Keep reading to learn the key benefits of granite countertops for your next kitchen remodel.
Unlike synthetic countertops, granite is created by nature. Each granite slab has unique fissures, swirls, and flecks of shiny iron bits. There could be 10 slabs at a showroom, all from the same quarry, with wildly varying characteristics. If you have a granite countertop in your kitchen, you know you have a piece that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Quality kitchen elements like granite counters make your space look more high-end and updated. Granite counters attract potential buyers, as they know they are getting something they will not have to update when they move in. The more turnkey a home is, the higher its value.
One of the benefits of granite is its very high hardness rating, making it an extremely durable type of stone countertop. In comparison to materials like Formica® or marble countertops, granite is more resistant to chips and scratches. So, while you should not cut directly on it, you do not need to panic if you drop something on it; the countertop will be undamaged. Superior durability is one of the main things that makes granite good for kitchen countertops.
When considering natural stone versus synthetic stone countertops, natural stones like granite are the more sustainable option. This is because they require minimal processing before they make it to your kitchen. Synthetic materials call for a lengthier and more complex production process, which may include toxic chemicals and releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Though granite countertops are highly resilient, accidents do happen. Luckily, even if it gets cracked or chipped, one of granite’s benefits is its repairability. A countertop repair pro near you can often use filler materials to get your granite looking as good as new. If a heavy pot slips from your hands, or if a glass jar falls from your cabinet, it is nice to have that extra peace of mind.
When choosing the right countertop, you cannot go by looks alone. You will also need to consider how well the material will hold up against spaghetti sauce, red wine, or other spills. It is also important that countertops do not absorb all the icky germs and bacteria from raw meat during meal prep. Provided they get sealed properly at least once a year, your granite counters will wipe clean of all these messes.
Since granite gets formed naturally via pressure and heat, another granite advantage is its built-in heat resistance. While it is still a good idea to use potholders, you do not have to worry about the scorching you would get with other countertop varieties. Get in touch with a top-rated countertop installer near you to learn more.
Depending on the style and slab you choose, granite can be an affordable countertop material with some costing as little as $10 per square foot. Be careful, though, because with granite, you get what you pay for. Lower-cost slabs may not be as durable or high quality as the slabs that can reach $140 per square or more. They can be comparable to the cost of Corian® countertops or soapstone countertops, depending on the quality. If you are looking for kitchen countertop ideas on a budget, granite may be a contender. If you buy granite remnants for your project, you may be able to save even more money.
Because they are so hard, granite countertops are an ideal choice for homes with kids and animals. You do not have to watch your kid’s every move when they are using a granite countertop because it cannot get scratched or dented. And if animals, particularly cats, decide to have a midnight chase session, you do not have to worry about their claws harming the surface.
Granite is quarried all around the world and comes in a surprising range of colors. Standard granite colors consist of white, beige, black, and brown, with variations of each shade present, especially in the speckles and veining. It also comes in pinks, reds, greens, and blues, with some featuring striking and unexpected patterns.
While granite is a high-end material, one of its advantages is how easy it is to maintain. Other than standard cleaning, granite countertop maintenance consists of polishing and refinishing the surface annually. While it seems that many homeowners do not reseal their granite countertops, doing this can help them last even longer than they would if left unsealed.
If you are shopping for natural stone countertops, you have probably considered both granite and quartz varieties. While both of these stones are extremely durable, the biggest difference between quartz and granite is that granite stays true to its color the longest. Quartz can become discolored over time if left in direct sunlight. If you have a skylight in your kitchen, or just a lot of natural sun coming in, this is definitely something to think about.
