Granite can come at a high price, but it’s also known for its beauty and durability. When it comes to having granite countertops in your kitchen, there’s almost no better choice.
Granite Countertops—What Are They?
Granite countertops are 100 percent natural stone countertops with no additives or artificial materials included. They are resourced from quarries around the world as large blocks, then sliced into sheets and custom cut to fit your kitchen.
The Pros and Cons—At a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of granite countertops:
Pros:
- They’re extremely durable.
- Granite is resistant to heat and scratches to a level that beats almost every other countertop material. They also last much longer than most other materials.
- They add resale value.
- If you plan on putting your home on the market, granite countertops will raise your selling price.
- They’re natural.
- Besides the sealant used, they are as natural as any product comes—which also means they’re environmentally friendly.
- Each one is unique.
- Since granite is a natural material, that means that no two are alike. Your granite slab will be different from every other one in the world.
Cons:
- They can come at a high price.
- Since they qualify as premium building materials, they aren’t cheap.
- They require a certain degree of maintenance.
- Granite must be sealed periodically in order to prevent bacteria growth and keep the stone resistant to liquids and staining.
- You probably shouldn’t install them yourself.
- In order to get the most out of your countertop, you should have a professional install it.
- Repairs can be tricky.
- Although it’s hard to damage granite, repairs can be expensive and difficult, but they can typically be handled by a professional.
A Closer Look
Now that we’ve taken a quick glance at the pros and cons, let’s look closer at each of the categories to see if the pros really outweigh the cons.
Cost
Because granite is a high-end countertop, it’s never going to be the cheapest option. If you’re installing granite, you should plan on spending a good amount of your remodeling budget on the countertop.
But there’s another way to look at the high cost of granite countertops. They come with high resale value, have an extremely long lifespan, and are known for their beauty and sophistication. All of these things contribute to what you pay, so you have to ask yourself—isn’t that worth the price?
Maintenance
Compared to other natural stone countertops, granite maintenance is actually not that bad. Granite is fairly resistant to staining that occurs from everyday use, but because it’s a naturally porous material, it does need to be sealed periodically.
Sealing protects granite from deep stains that can permanently damage the look of granite and its structural integrity.
But other than staining, there’s not much else when it comes to the care of granite. It doesn’t chip easily, and it’s highly scratch resistant, so wiping it down daily with mild soap and water is all you really need to do. But make sure to avoid harsh cleaners that include vinegar, citrus, or bleach because acid is no friend to this stone.
Design Choices
Because the planet contains so much granite (and is making more as you read this article), there is an extremely wide variety of colors and patterns. Some are neutral and subdued, while others are bright and bold. Because there’s such an extensive array of choices, you’re bound to find something that matches your style.
Keep in mind that granite countertops cannot be made to order, though. The earth creates them, and the planet doesn’t take requests. But if you shop around long enough, you’ll surely come across what you’re looking for.
Installation
When you install a granite countertop into your kitchen, you’re going to need a professional for the job. Granite countertops are heavy, bulky, and difficult to maneuver, and of course you want to make sure that whoever is installing your slab knows what they’re doing.
These countertops also require precise cuts to be made and seams mended, and these things call for special tools. Installers have gone through many hours of training in order to do what they do, and they’ll get you the best results.
Lifespan
If you take care of your granite countertop properly, there’s no telling how long it will last. Some experts say that even a hundred years isn’t out of the question. As long as you maintain a sealing routine and keep up with everyday cleanup and care, your granite countertops will likely outlive you.
The Pros of Granite > the Cons
If you’re leaning toward natural stone countertops, then granite is the way to go. There’s not much competition when it comes to other materials; granite commands attention and will set your kitchen apart from any other. If you have questions about granite or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Legacy Tile & Granite today.
