When people think about updating a dated kitchen or bathroom, granite countertops are often the first thing that comes to mind. This natural stone has been a favorite of homeowners for a long time because of the character it brings to a room.
Granite has a reputation for being expensive. In practice it comes in a wide range of price levels, and it can refresh a room while making the home more appealing to future buyers.
If you are thinking about installing granite, it helps to understand what the material offers before you talk to a fabricator.
This guide covers the main benefits of granite in a home or commercial space.
A Brief Introduction to Granite
Granite is an igneous rock, formed from slowly cooled magma, which is why it is so hard and dense. Those qualities suit kitchen counters, islands, and bathroom vanity tops. It is slightly porous, so the slabs are sealed to protect the surface.
It is also a material with a warm, natural look, which makes a home feel more welcoming.
Styles and Colors
Granite slabs have natural colors and patterns that no factory can repeat exactly. The pattern is usually more speckled and less veined than marble, with backgrounds and undertones of gold, gray, white, black, tan, brown, and blue.
Here are a few well-known granite colors used in home renovations:
- Alaska White: Its neutral, light background blends well with most cabinetry, backsplashes, and wall colors. Paired with darker wood cabinets, the countertop stands out.
- Black Pearl: A deep black background, like a black pearl, with specks of gold, gray, and white scattered across it. It is often chosen in a leathered finish.
- Blue Pearl: A blue-gray background with a metallic shimmer and flecks of gray and black. It is a good candidate for a kitchen or bathroom with a more luxurious feel.
- Icy White: A cool white background with undertones of black, gray, and blue. Rustic or dark-toned cabinetry looks sharp against it.
Adds to Your Property’s Appeal
Even an entry-level granite lifts the look of a home. Many homeowners also choose it because stone countertops are a feature buyers look for.
How much any renovation adds to a sale price depends on the house and the market, so no one can promise a figure. Still, a kitchen or powder room that looks good and works well improves your chances of finding a good buyer.
Strength That Lasts
Granite’s structure gives it an excellent reputation for standing up to scratches, chips, and knocks in a busy kitchen. It is also a good choice for vanity tops.
Despite its hardness, we still recommend using a cutting board when you chop. It protects the sealer and the finish, and it protects your knives.
Easy to Customize
A granite slab is cut to order. During fabrication, the stone is cut to the exact dimensions of your kitchen layout, with cutouts for the sink and cooktop.
The edge profile and the surface finish can be chosen as well. A polished finish with a beveled or eased edge is a common choice, and honed and leathered finishes are available for a softer look.
Chips and Cracks Can Be Repaired
Damage to a solid stone countertop is not necessarily permanent. With granite, a trained professional can often fill and polish a chip or small crack with color-matched material so that it is hard to spot.
Seams also tend to be less visible in granite, because the natural pattern and color variation help disguise them.
Easy to Clean and Care For
Granite is naturally porous, which is why it is sealed. Once sealed, it resists stains and water and is easy to keep clean. The sealer wears over time, so the stone needs to be resealed periodically.
A polished finish makes it easy to wipe away dust and crumbs with a clean, dry cloth. For daily cleaning, all you need is a little dish soap, warm water, and a soft or microfiber cloth.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh or acidic cleaners on granite, because they can dull the finish and wear away the sealer.
A Natural Material
Granite is a natural stone that is quarried in many parts of the world. It is cut and polished rather than manufactured from synthetic ingredients, and a well-kept granite countertop can serve for decades, which means fewer replacements over the life of a home.
It Tolerates Heat
Because granite is an igneous rock, it has very good heat resistance, and normal cooking heat around a range or cooktop does not bother it. This is one reason homeowners choose it for a hard-working kitchen.
Even so, we recommend using trivets and hot pads under hot casseroles and pans. Sudden, extreme heat can stress any stone and can affect the sealer.