Granite countertops have been a favorite among both homeowners and interior decorators for decades. They are an incredibly durable option that can take a lot of wear and tear. If you are looking to renovate your countertops, the material choice is one of the most important decisions. Granite offers a blend of beauty and functionality, adding lasting value to your home.
The advantages of using granite countertops in your kitchen are vast and diverse. Keep reading to learn all of its qualities and decide if it is the right choice for you and your home.
Timeless Beauty of Granite
One of the most alluring advantages of using granite countertops in your kitchen is its beauty. This gorgeous stone has an elegant aura that exudes confidence and luxury. Its ability to blend in with any style makes it a versatile option. You can pair your new granite countertops with any design style ranging from mid-century modern to rustic, industrial to farmhouse.
The diverse colors and patterns granite offers add to this versatility. You can find a slab that fits in with your aesthetic vision regardless of the color and patterns you are after. From rich and dark hues that give the kitchen an inviting feeling to lighter and airier colors that make the kitchen appear bigger and fresher, there are endless possibilities.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the countertop renovation process is picking the color and pattern that fits best with your desired aesthetic. Granite is a great option for this process because there are countless options for colors and patterns. You can choose the best combination so the countertops seamlessly blend in with your kitchen.
Granite is most commonly available in light and neutral colors like light gray, beige, and cream. However, it also comes in brighter and more vibrant colors like blue, red, green, orange, pink and so much more. The pattern options are as diverse as the colors. Thin, faint veins will give a sophisticated and classic appearance to the countertops whereas bolder patterns will invoke a dramatic feel.
Durability and Strength
Granite has a well-earned reputation for being durable and long-lasting. As one of the most used areas of any home, the kitchen countertops require a material that can take the daily wear and tear without major issues.
As one of the hardest natural materials, granite can withstand heavy use. Once it is properly sealed, it is almost impenetrable by common kitchen hazards such as scratches and stains. This is a particularly important factor considering kitchens are especially susceptible to food and beverage spills.
Moreover, countertops are the carriers of most kitchen appliances. From blenders to stand mixers, the countertop needs to be able to carry the weight of any heavy appliance. As it is an igneous rock formed under immense pressure and heat, it is incredibly dense and strong. This is one of the biggest advantages of using granite countertops in your kitchen.
The durability of granite is one of its biggest selling points and advantages. This durability also includes heat resistance and scratch resistance. You can place hot pans and pots on the stone without having to worry about damaging it or causing irreversible damage. This is one of the biggest advantages of using granite countertops in your kitchen especially if you are or you live with someone who loves to frequently cook or bake.
Granite is also very resistant to scratches. It can come into contact with the occasional sharp object and still be unscathed. However, this doesn’t mean that it is unscratchable. You should still use cutting boards to prevent the countertop from sustaining damage over time after prolonged contact with knives.
Low Maintenance
Sealed granite is very easy to maintain and clean. Easy maintenance is a big pillar of the countertop selection process, especially in kitchens. Once sealed, granite is resistant to stains and bacteria.
Therefore, the most important step of maintaining granite coıntertops is ensuring they are well protected with periodic reseals. You should reseal your countertops annually for the best protection. However, if you notice that the countertops have started to look dull or they are holding onto stains it might be time to reseal them even if it hasn’t been a year.
The second most important part of granite countertop maintenance is wiping the surface daily. This step will prevent build-up and it will ensure any spill or debris won’t stay in contact and seep into the stone to cause discoloration over time.
Increasing Resale Value
Resale value is something all homeowners should consider before major renovations. Newly installed, high-quality, durable granite countertops will increase the resale value significantly and will draw the attention of potential buyers.
New granite countertops will signal that the kitchen countertops won’t need to be replaced anytime soon, therefore new buyers are more likely to be satisfied with their investment. Moving into a home and immediately having to deal with a big renovation might turn off buyers.
Renovating the kitchen with new granite countertops will bring you immediate satisfaction while using them, thanks to their functionality and beauty. Furthermore, they will prove themselves to be a worthy investment in the long run.
Eco-Friendly
Environmental concerns are at an all-time high and homeowners are increasingly leaning towards more eco-friendly options. Sustainable options will not only look gorgeous on your countertops today, but they will be less damaging to the environment. The use of natural materials reduces the carbon footprint compared to materials that go through excessive processing.
Granite is a natural stone, meaning it doesn’t contain manufactured materials. Once it is damaged or gets old beyond use, it can be discarded without the worry of polluting the planet. Moreover, its durability ensures that you won’t have to renew it as frequently as lower quality counterparts, thus you will have used less energy in fabricating and transporting it.
Customization Options
Kitchens come in all different shapes and sizes. The countertops need to be able to fit in with even odd shapes or hard-to-get areas to provide the best service to the homeowners. Granite countertops can be fabricated to fit in any shape or size, making them a flexible option for any kitchen style ranging from open concepts to galley styles.
Granite can also be polished to different finishes. A high-gloss finish will let the beauty of the stone shine, whereas a matte finish will create a rustic and lived-in appearance. Different edge profiles can also change the overall look. A sleek and simple edge profile will create a modern look, while an ornate edge profile gives the countertops a traditional touch.
How Granite Compares to Other Materials
Comparing granite to its alternatives is a good way to figure out whether it possesses all of your required qualities. This can help you make the final decision about the right material for your home.
- Marble is known for its luxurious beauty. It is often named as the most beautiful material among countertop options. However, it is also harder to take care of than granite. It is softer, meaning it is easier to damage.
- Quartz and granite have similar durability levels. They are both available in a variety of colors and patterns. Where granite shines is its resistance to heat and UV rays. Quartz can’t come into contact with hot pots and pans. However, quartz doesn’t require sealing, meaning it is even lower maintenance than granite.
- Laminate is a budget-friendly option but it isn’t nearly as long-lasting or durable as granite countertops. It doesn’t have benefits like increased resale value or heat resistance.
In short, granite is an amazing material and the advantages of using granite countertops in your kitchen are too many to count. It elevates the beauty, functionality, durability, and longevity of any kitchen it is installed in. It manages to blend all of these amazing benefits to make your countertops the centerpiece of your home for decades to come.