The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens. And there’s no doubt why – they’re beautiful, durable, and add value to your home. With pretty much everything design there’s always going to be pros and cons. Here are some for Granite:

Pros

Sustainability

Did you know that a single quarry site may last for hundreds of years and supply stone for thousands of commercial and residential projects? Granite is also well-nigh finished as a countertop material in its raw state. Minimal processing is needed to ready it for your kitchen after it has been extracted. Engineered materials, on the other hand, have a more complex production process that frequently includes hazardous chemicals and environmental pollutants.

Heat Resistance

Granite countertops are some of the most heat resistant on the market and can withstand exposure to blistering or melting temperatures. You can place hot pans directly on the surface straight from the oven without worrying about any damage. Although, experts do recommend using a trivet with appliances that give off heat for prolonged periods, such as Crockpots.

Scratch Resistance

Granite has a Mohs scale hardness of 7, meaning that it can only be scratched by other granites. Making it perfect for a household with children. We all know kids can be mess makers

Backsplash Options

Granite does not have the same backsplash options as laminate countertops. Granite is not compatible with common coved backsplashes on laminate counters. Full-height granite and mosaic tile backsplashes are popular choices.

Undermount Sinks

Undermount sinks are a convenient option if you have granite countertops. They make it easy to wipe crumbs and spills directly into the sink without worrying about them getting caught on the lip of a surface-mounted sink. When choosing an undermount sink for your kitchen, you can choose from several materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, or solid surface. Fabricators will cut and polish the hole in your countertop to match the shape of your chosen sink.

Cons

Price

Granite can be expensive. The average price for granite countertops in a typical kitchen is between $3,000-$4,000 per install. Variables include edge profiles, total square footage, and backsplashes. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Do be careful when comparing pricing between stone slabs. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples and not apples to oranges. Your final quote should include material, fabrication, and installation.

Sealing

Granite is a porous material—but this is not necessarily a bad thing. If liquids are left on the surface for long periods of time, they will eventually absorb. But just like they absorb, they will also evaporate. Depending on what the substance is that needs to be removed, you can apply different poultices to speed the process along. However, many will evaporate on their own without the use of chemicals or cleaning products. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed, which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly.

Colors Available

With all natural stones, including granite, we are limited to the colors and patterns mother nature produces. You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic granites have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be a good representation of the whole slab.

Repairs

Granite countertops should be repaired by a professional. It is rare to get a crack or chip in your countertops, but if you do, call the fabricator who installed your countertops to schedule a service call. Most of the time, a color matched epoxy can be used to fill the void and it will be virtually invisible. Superglue can be used in a pinch to fill chips. If you use heavy cast iron pans, be careful when placing them into your undermounted sink. The edge of these cutouts is the most common place to get chips. A more likely scenario, though, is to experience an increased number of broken dishes.

If you’re looking for a company that can help you with any of your countertop needs, look no further than Earth Art Kitchen & Bath! Contact us to get started on your dream kitchen today!

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