Are granite counters the best choice for your home?

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, you have probably considered the idea of adding granite counters in your kitchen and bathroom. However, since remodeling is a big long-term investment, you need to make sure that granite is the best solution for your needs.

When granite counters are the best choice

Based on the characteristics of granite, what follows are some tips to help you decide when it’s the best choice for your remodeling project.

You need a permanent, durable solution

Granite is a very hard stone with high durability. It’s hard to scratch it or cause any other damage to it unless you hit it with a sledgehammer. This is why granite counters are especially popular for kitchens. You can chop food on top of them without any worries.

These counters are also highly resistant to both extremely hot and cold temperatures. You can put hot pots and pans directly on granite counters, and they will not show any signs of damage. If you need to put frozen food on your kitchen counter, you can do that, too, without using any kind of dish. Being strong enough to endure through almost all cooking procedures, granite really is a great choice for your kitchen counters.

Granite counters can withstand years of “abuse” from cooking activities, as well as children and pets. Their resistance to burning, cracking, or discoloring makes them ideal for kitchen counter tops. The polished surface of granite counters is great for baking purposes, and it won’t wear away or grow dull with time.

Granite counters are great for your bathroom, too. They can resist hot and cold water, as well as moisture with ease. Moreover, granite is so resistant, that people often use it for their outdoor counters. Regardless of the weather conditions, you can be sure that you’ll have a gorgeous counter top to show to your family and friends.

   

The resistance and durability of this stone comes from its holocrystalline, i.e. the interlocking crystal structure. This means that the crystals which make up the stone grow into each other, instead of developing separately. This structure also gives the stone the grainy look which we all admire.

You want to add a touch of luxury to your home

Granite is an igneous rock that forms from the slow crystallization of magma below Earth’s surface. These natural processes vary with time and location, making each piece of the stone unique. Every piece of granite has its own unique patterns, veining, and colors. Therefore, buying granite counters for your kitchen or bathroom makes you the owner of one-of-a-kind pieces of natural art.

Despite its uniqueness, the granite mined from one location has some overall similarities. Therefore, it’s possible to purchase similar pieces that will give a coherent look to the counters in your home.  

Thanks to the deepness of the colors in this natural stone, it’s the first choice for people who want to add an aesthetic appeal to their home. When you add the durability of granite to its organic beauty, it’s no wonder that people love it. Granite counters are undoubtedly one of the most popular choices for both kitchens and bathrooms.

These counters add a special touch to the interior and can instantly give any home a fresh look. Once you put a granite counter, you don’t have to think about any other decorations for that room. The natural look, with its unique patterns, will always attract the attention of your guests, thanks to its timeless aura and appeal.

You want to spend a minimal amount of time in maintenance and cleaning

Granite counters don’t require too much effort to stay fresh and clean. You just need to protect them with a sealer as soon as you install them. Sealants are a great protective measure against stains and scratches, and they help in preserving the shiny look.

If you do the sealing by yourself, make sure that the counter top has been dry for at least six hours. Then, apply a spray or liquid sealer and let the granite absorb it for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, wipe the counters with a clean cloth and your counters are ready to use! You can also apply a second coat of sealant, but you should wait for at least 24 hours after applying the first one. To keep your granite counters shiny and new, reseal them every two years.

Sealed granite counters are extremely easy in terms of daily care. All you need is warm water and a soft towel to keep them perfectly clean. You can also use mild or gentle dish soap if you want. Just remember to avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges – acidic, ammonia, or bleach cleaners will dull and weaken the sealant.

Although granite counters are highly resistant, remember to gently wipe them after use – it only takes a few seconds. Keeping your granite clean, you will protect your family from bacteria. Because of their smooth surface, granite counters are considered the best bacteria-free solution for any home.    

You want to make an investment that can triple itself

Granite counters instantly increase the usability and cosmetic appeal of your home. All you need to do is pick the granite piece with the right coloring and patterns. Being a natural stone, granite usually comes in neutral colors. However, some pieces of granite can go much better with your kitchen or bathroom design than others.

You need to make a good choice since the investment should triple itself with time. Granite is hard and durable, and is not susceptible to scratches and other damage. This means that once you buy it, you don’t have to worry about it losing its value over time. It requires fewer repairs than other countertop options out there, thus saving you money in the long run.

What is more important, granite will increase the value of your home if you decide to sell it in the future. Potential buyers will be willing to pay more if your home comes with granite counters since they don’t depreciate in value. They can last a long time with the proper care, maintaining their polished surface and looking as good as new even a decade later.