- By Remodel Works
- In Blog, Countertops, Products
Granite Countertops Pros & Cons
Over the past decade kitchen granite countertops have become more and more popular for both new and renovated homes. It’s no wonder why people are choosing this natural stone as the material of choice for countertops especially when remodeling a kitchen or bath. Before choosing your countertop material it’s important to consider all the pros and cons of granite countertops. Our design team share our top benefits and weakness of granite countertops.
Pro & Con: Endless Color Options
Granite countertop slabs have a natural beauty – they are available in a vast array of colors, shades, hues, and visual marble textures. So how do you choose granite countertops that fit perfectly with your home? You can find samples with any color combination – black, white, brown, blue, green, red, orange, and beige and any combinations of these colors to suit your taste and decor.
Pro & Con: Every Slab is Different…
Just keep in mind that no two granite slabs are identical. You’re sure to have a unique kitchen countertop, but if more than a single slab is needed, make sure all slabs are from the same quarry batch so colors and textures will match. With a little care and maintenance, the brilliant polish of your granite will last forever.
Pro: Unique Style
Because every slab of granite is different from the next, unique characteristics can be found from in each slab, from soft colorful swirls to uniform distribution of colors and textures. The natural beauty can complement any type of hardware fixtures, and any finishes, or flooring. The unique brilliance of each slate adds texture and richness to your kitchen that cannot be rivaled by any other type of surface material like Formica.
Pro: Durable, Heat, & Stain Resistant
Granite kitchen countertops are very hard and sturdy making them stain and heat resistant. As such, you never have to worry about heat damage from placing very hot pots or pans directly on a granite countertop. When properly sealed, granite countertops are resistant to stains from oil, acidic, or colorful foods and other activities that are common in a kitchen. Other countertop materials such as marble or concrete are permanently damaged when scratched or stained.
Pro: Easy Maintenance
Due to their durability as a solid surface, granite countertops maintenance is a breeze. With proper sealing, granite is easily cleaned bringing back its brilliant luster and colors. Even white granite countertops can survive day to day activity as long as proper care and consistent sealing occurs. With a little care and maintenance, the brilliant polish of your granite will last forever.
Pro: Long-Term Value
The extra expense of using granite for kitchen countertops is a great investment in your home’s value. Whether you plan to sell your home anytime in the near future or not, using granite for the kitchen countertops will increase any home’s resale value significantly. Buyers often prefer a newly remodeled kitchen, free of any repairs. If that kitchen has upgraded materials such as granite, buyers are often willing to pay more, or tip attitude from indifference to positive. Regardless of when a kitchen granite countertop was installed, a granite countertop will always increase the value of a home.
Potential Issues to Watch Out for With Granite Countertops
When investing in new countertops, it’s always a good idea to consider any problems or issues that could arise. One important thing to remember with granite countertops is that they need to be properly sealed to avoid absorbing any of the many substances they’ll encounter on a daily basis. Do your research to determine how often the granite used on your countertops will need to be resealed. Some can go up to 10 years without being sealed while others require more frequent sealant.
Cost
Granite countertops are considered an upgraded luxury material and that’s reflected in the price. Expect square foot prices to be over $100. However, for many homeowners, the higher cost is worth the long-term value add combined with the easy maintenance, durability, and unique color options. Make sure to work with experts to help ensure you are getting the best deal possible on materials and are installing the highest quality granite possible.
How to Choose Granite Countertops – Our Tips
Carefully choose the right granite color and pattern to suit your home’s decor. Will you stick with the current decor, or do you have something new in mind? Neutral colors are always a great option due to their versatility with future decor changes.
If you select a pattern by looking at samples provided by a contractor, make sure that you will also be the person to choose the actual slabs to be used. Since every slab is different, you need to make sure the actual slabs used fit the color and patterns you are expecting.
Don’t plan on reusing items like the sink or faucet. Especially the sink. Undermount sinks look best in granite applications, and they must be installed prior to the countertop. As a result, you should plan on considering only a top quality that will last as long as the countertop.
That’s all there is to it – you are practically ready to have that gorgeous granite countertop installed in your kitchen. One word of warning though, be prepared for the gasps, ooohs, and aaahs, from friends and neighbors when they see such beauty and elegance combined with functionality and durability. When choosing kitchen countertops, granite is a natural-looking stone that will increase the look and value of any home. Still want to explore other types of countertops? Read more on Quartz, Leathered Granite, or Corian countertops.
