Granite has been around our homes for centuries. But this natural stone has a special place among kitchen countertops. According to Statista, granite is the second most popular kitchen countertop material (24%) used in remodeling projects in the US.
If you are going for a kitchen remodel, granite would be a great choice for your countertop. From rich colors and patterns to excellent durability, granite kitchen countertops can offer several unique benefits. It will be the focal point of your kitchen.
But before you go with your custom-made kitchen countertop, you need to know everything you can about granite as a material. Let’s start with the basics.
What Is Granite?
Granite is a natural stone. When the magma from a volcanic eruption cools down, it crystallizes. It undergoes chemical and physical weathering over the years, resulting in the formation of granite boulders.
The primary components of granite include silica and the minerals quartz and feldspar. As it is composed of different minerals, granite comes in vibrant colors and a range of aesthetically pleasing finishes. You can get custom-made kitchen countertops made from granite in red, pink, grey, or white color with visible dark mineral grains.
Understanding The Unique Benefits/Properties of Granite Kitchen Countertops
Beautiful colors and patterns aren’t the only reason granite kitchen countertops are so popular. Granite offers many other unique benefits that only a few natural countertop materials can match. Although these advantages are many, our experts have narrowed them down to a few.
Here they are.
1. Durability at Its Best
Granite is one of the most durable kitchen countertop materials in the world. It’s a rock-hard stone that offers excellent resistance to chips and scratches under normal circumstances. In fact, it would be hard to find kitchen countertop material more durable than granite.
Laser cutters get used when cutting the stone into slabs for custom countertops and kitchen cabinets. That’s how hard granite is. In other words, going with granite is a safe bet if you are looking for a durable material for your kitchen countertop.
2. Good Heat Resistance
Granite takes durability a step further with good heat resistance. It doesn’t warp when you place hot pans and pots on your kitchen countertop. However, most kitchen countertop experts recommend using pot holders. It’s also better to get a sealant coat for your granite countertop for additional protection.
3. Moisture and Stain Resistance
Besides the heat, granite kitchen countertops offer good resistance to moisture and stains. However, you will need to apply a good-quality sealant. Granite is a porous stone, making it susceptible to stains by alkalis and acids.
But you can make it stain-resistant with annual sealing. Ask your contractor what sealant they will apply to your custom-made kitchen countertop.
When sealed, granite kitchen countertops also provide resistance to moisture. Still, we recommend immediately cleaning the spills and stains with water and mild detergent. If the spills dry, you can use a plastic scrapper to scrub them off gently. And yes, get the sealant reapplied every year without fail.
4. Easy to Clean
Cleanliness is another major advantage of granite kitchen countertops. Granite offers good dirt and bacteria resistance, making it very easy to keep your countertop clean. All you need to do is use water and/or mild soap and a soft cloth to clean the stain. It is better to clean the spills and stains immediately.
5. Vibrant Colors and Patterns
As mentioned before, granite comes in vibrant colors and patterns. Plus, each granite kitchen countertop looks unique. In short, if you want one of its kind countertop for your kitchen, you should try granite. The combination of the following minerals makes up most of the colors we see in granite slabs.
- Amphibole – black or dark green
- Biotite – black or dark brown
- Feldspar – off-white
- Feldspar – salmon pink
- Muscovite – metallic gold or yellow
- Quartz – milky white
You can choose from a wide range of colors, including blue, green, salmon pink, red, black, and white. Whatever natural pattern you select, a granite kitchen countertop will set your kitchen interior apart from your neighbors.
6. Easy to Repair
Granite kitchen countertops are incredibly durable. However, granite is relatively easy to fix should it suffer any damage. Usually, you can use a putty dyed to match the color of your kitchen countertop. Resealing the granite will make it look as good as new. This is an easy fix for small chips or scratches.
However, you should call in an expert to make repairs. Talk to the kitchen countertops expert in orange county for details.
7. Perfectly Flat Surface
Another reason granite is a popular choice for custom-made kitchen countertops is the perfectly flat surface. Whether in a home kitchen or a professional setup, you need a smooth, flat surface for cooking. You can easily roll dough or chop veggies on a flat kitchen countertop. And granite offers the perfect flat surface for cooking and baking.
8. Natural Material
Granite is a natural material. Your kitchen countertop will retain its natural look even after the sealing process. Typically, you can choose from three patterns – basic, marbled, or speckled. Granite is an excellent choice if you want an eco-friendly countertop for your kitchen.
9. Affordable in the Long Run
Last but not least, granite is one of the most affordable kitchen countertop materials in the long run. The price can range from $50 to $200 per square foot. In short, it is easy to find a granite countertop that’s within your budget. Moreover, around 25-30 years of lifespan means your investment is worth every penny. When you think about it, your granite kitchen countertop will outlast almost all the other materials in your kitchen.
In Conclusion
Granite is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials in the US. This natural stone offers many benefits, including excellent durability, value for money, a wide range of colors and patterns, stain, moisture, heat resistance, and easy maintenance. It’s no surprise why granite remains a popular choice for kitchen countertops. Hopefully, learning about its unique benefits will help you choose the best granite countertop for your kitchen.
Are you looking for kitchen countertops? Our team will help you choose and install the best kitchen countertops, cabinets, and other accessories. Call us at 948-540-8859 today or fill out our online form to know how we can help.