By Brooke Chaplan
While granite has been a prized natural material for centuries, it is only within the past 50 or so years that average consumers could afford it for their countertops. It is still considered to be more of a high-end option, but consumers love the luxurious look enough to happily pay for granite. If you are struggling to decide between granite and another material, check out this guide on the pros and cons of granite countertops.
A Natural Material
One of the top reasons that people choose granite today is because it is a natural substance that is highly valued for being easy to quarry and simple to change from its natural state into a usable slab. Unlike manufactured countertop materials, such as laminate and even quartz, granite does not produce large amounts of emissions or toxic substances when produced. Plus, there are no added resins in granite. Every piece has a unique coloring and veining.
Strong and Durable
Granite countertops are particularly well-loved for being strong and standing up well to years of use. These countertops can take more heat than any other material, letting you place hot pots and pans directly on them from the stove. They are naturally scratch-resistance and remain stain-resistant with proper maintenance. You can easily clean these countertops with soap and water or can even opt for certain chemical disinfectants without worrying about harming them.
Limited Maintenance
While granite countertops are considered to be low-maintenance, they are not completely maintenance-free. Because granite is a natural rock, it is slightly porous and will need to be resealed every year in most cases. If it is not routinely resealed, it could begin absorbing stains and odors.
Cost for Original Slab Plus Repairs
Although granite is certainly more expensive than laminate and other low-end countertop surfaces, it is actually less expensive than some other stone surfaces, such as quartz and soapstone. This makes it a popular luxury choice for people who are trying to tame their budgets. If the granite does become chipped or cracked, which happens rarely, the entire countertop may need to be replaced. However, some experts state that granite could last through your lifetime with proper care.
In nearly all circumstances, the pros of granite countertops tend to outweigh the cons, with most people being willing to perform light maintenance and risk the low possibility of repairs for the joy and convenience of owning a beautiful natural stone slab. However, you will want to consider your budget as well as the way that you plan to use your kitchen counters to determine whether or not granite is the best choice for you. With numerous design options and natural color variations, granite offers plenty of choices that can easily fit with your design aesthetic.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She recommends looking more into granite countertops to make sure you choose the perfect one. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
