When choosing a material for your kitchen countertop, many factors need to be considered. One is the material. Natural stone-made countertops are especially effective in accentuating your home’s appearance. Granite countertops, for instance, have always been associated with class and elegance and come in a wide range of colours and patterns. They increase the resale value of your home and are easy to maintain. A good investment overall.
However, when considering this material, people often think twice because of the price. It is only after you discover granite’s advantages over other materials that you realize its worth.
Here’s Why You Should Choose a Granite Countertop
Know the reasons why it is worth investing in a granite countertop.
1. Appearance
Its timeless beauty is the primary reason people choose granite for their countertops. Distinctive vein patterns and rich colours add unmatched grandeur to your home décor, not to mention its unique character. The best part is that each granite slab is one of a kind because it is a naturally mined stone. The wide variety of colours and patterns with distinctive vein patterns give it a dramatic appearance. If you want an eye-catching, natural stone countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, granite has many attractive features.
2. Durability
Another great advantage of granite is its durability, which helps it retain its gorgeous look and feel even after years of use. Natural stone has a much longer life expectancy than laminate or any other solid surface countertops. If you install a granite kitchen countertop, you can even do rough cooking on this tough stone thanks to its high endurance.
3. Flat Surface
Anyone who has ever worked in a kitchen knows the challenges of using an uneven surface with ridges and dents. Performing certain cooking activities, such as rolling dough, requires a flat surface. Smooth, flat granite solves this issue. Whether you are a professional chef or simply enjoy cooking occasionally, rest assured that your granite countertop will not be damaged, even if you work on it directly.
4. Firm Shape
Thanks to its firm shape, there is no need for any additional help when cooking on a granite countertop. The product is steady enough to perform all phases of cooking procedures. Not only that but the firm shape also reduces the need for frequent repairs.
5. Heat Resistance
Granite’s durable structure makes it highly resistant to heat, meaning it will not melt or blister. Due to their robust nature, granite countertops can withstand high temperatures, cuts and abrasions. Additionally, since it is resistant to heat, cooking on it is easy. You can even put a hot pot or pan on it without causing damage.
6. Scratch Resistance
Granite is a very tough material with almost an equal amount of hardness as quartzite. On the Mohs scale, granite has a hardness value between 6 and 6.5. Due to this, there are very few minerals that can scratch it. You can, therefore, cut anything on it without fear of scratching your beautiful countertop, so long as you have it properly sealed. Try not to cut directly on it, though, since doing so will dull your knives and probably leave behind hard-to-remove metal residue.
7. Stain Resistance
Darker granites tend to be very dense and don’t always need a sealer. By comparison, lighter granites are more porous and need multiple coats of sealer to make them stain resistant. Either way, if you have your granite countertop properly treated, it will not stain easily.
8. Resistance to Chemicals
Along with resistance to heat, scratches and stains, granite is highly resistant to chemicals, so your granite countertop will not get damaged easily by acids and bases. However, we would not recommend repeating such uses often, since chemicals can wash away the sealer over time, requiring it be re-applied sooner than it should be.
9. Earth-Friendly Material
Since it takes a really long time for granite to form, it is sometimes not considered a truly green product by some industry professionals. However, unlike other countertop materials, it contains no harmful chemicals, emits no harmful radiation and lasts a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
10. Kitchen Value
Eco-friendly granite adds value to your home and will definitely attract more potential buyers thanks to its increased appeal.
11. Resale Value
When you invest properly in kitchen remodelling, it is bound to pay you back. Ask any real estate expert and they will tell you that your kitchen helps sell your house. As one of the most common stones on the planet, granite not only adds a charming accent to rooms but lasts a long time. Upgrading to a granite countertop will ensure that potential buyers love your property.
12. Repairs and Maintenance
Other than some routine cleaning, polishing and sealing, granite requires little to no maintenance. It is perfect for people who prefer a hassle-free product. You can clean your granite countertop yourself with the help of some maintenance tips.
Since granite is porous, a sealer needs to be applied before installation. This prevents the material from absorbing any liquid quickly. With advances in technology, sealers have come a long way and, once applied, may last over a decade.
There are many reasons to choose granite countertops. In the end, you get a naturally beautiful product that is highly durable, requires little to no maintenance and adds to the overall resale value of your house.