Are you looking to update your countertops? It’s undoubtedly a great way to give your kitchen a whole new look and feel. However, the question here is which material is best for the countertops in your kitchen? One popular choice is granite – in fact granite is the number one most sought-after item in any modern kitchen!
Being a natural stone, granite is one of the hardest materials in the world and adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to any kitchen. If you are still unconvinced to purchase granite as the material of choice for your kitchen countertops, perhaps knowing the top 5 benefits it offers should make the decision-making process much easier:
1) Resists Chipping & Scratching
One of the main reasons to choose granite countertops are they are durable enough to resist chipping and scratching under normal conditions. Since granite is ranked the second hardest material known to man - just behind diamonds.
It’s important, though, to be cautious when using extremely sharp meat cleavers and knives because they just might be sharp enough to mar granite. Therefore, always use a cutting board for dicing, chopping and slicing foods. Did you know granite countertops are so durable they will last nearly forever, provided they are installed with the right granite countertop support brackets?
2) Highly Affordable
Another reason why many homeowners are choosing granite countertops is because they are highly affordable. Prices typically range from $40 per square foot all the way up to $200, including installation costs! However, the thickness of the slab is also a key factor in determining the costs to install granite in your kitchen.
If you are on a tight budget, granite tiles may reduce the overall price of your countertop. Consider talking to a professional to know the exact cost of your project. The affordability of granite doesn’t stop at the initial installation price, as the life expectancy of granite countertops is usually 30 years, or even more.
3) Heat, Stain & Moisture Resistant
In addition to being resistant to chipping and scrapping, granite will also resist moisture and stains with the appropriated sealant. Since granite is porous, sealing is essential to guard it against etching and staining by alkalines and acids. Keep in mind the sealant needs to be reapplied once a year to maintain resistance.
Also, liquid and food spills must be removed away immediately with water and a mild detergent. If you allow spills to dry on the countertop, scraping them off gently using a plastic scraper should get the job done! Furthermore, since granite is formed by heat and pressure, the countertops will also be heat resistant, which means you can place hot pans and pots on the surface without scorching it.
If you allow food spills to dry on the granite, you may need to scrap them off gently with a plastic scraper. The professional who installs your granite countertops will explain the type of sealant to apply yearly. Since granite is formed by pressure and heat, the countertops are also heat resistant. You can even place hot pots and pans on the surface without scorching it.
4) Adds Value to Your Kitchen
When it comes to increasing the value of your home, investing in the kitchen should be your number one consideration. This is because when you remodel your kitchen with a high quality feature, like granite countertops with hidden support brackets, you will not only be able to recoup your investment, but also increase the value of kitchen and home in the process. As a result, your home may bring you thousands of dollars more when you sell it. {want to see how to install countertop support brackets? We have the step by step instructions.}
5) Each Piece is Unique
As each piece of granite is unique in characteristics and color, it can easily freshen or update the look and feel of any kitchen. While you may come across several slabs of the similar color, they can vary in darkness, lightness, pattern or veining. This means your granite countertops will match your kitchen décor, and be the center of attention for your guests.
As you can see, granite countertops bring an array of benefits to the table, and will mostly likely outlast other materials in your home. Hence, they are more of an investment rather than a cost. If you are considering upgrading the countertops in your kitchen, look no further and choose granite. Rest assured, you will not regret the decision you make!