There are so many options to choose from when picking materials for your countertops. Each option has its pros and cons when it comes to things like style, durability, and price. While granite countertops are often considered the gold standard, they too can have their drawbacks.
5 things to know about Granite Countertops
Talk with your design-build team about your home, budget, and lifestyle to decide which countertop material is best for you. But before you choose, here are 5 things to know about Granite Countertops.
1. What is Granite?
Put simply, granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock. Granite is mainly composed of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase. Because granite’s composition can vary so greatly, so can its range of finishes. The stone can be speckled and swirled with shades of deep blacks, bright whites, creamy beige, and even shades of blue and red. Granite for this reason is so popular because of its inherent uniqueness. No two stone slabs are exactly alike. Your kitchen countertops on their own can be a statement piece in your home.
2. Granite Countertops are Durable
Granite countertops aren’t just popular because of their unique appearance, they are also incredibly durable.
As an igneous rock, granite is heat-resistant. This a great material to use in your Indiana kitchen remodel considering the hot pots and pans, or in the bathroom for that 450-degree curling iron. You won’t have to worry as much about damage or staining with heat-resistant countertops.
Granite is also a scratch-resistant material. This type of stone has been given a grade of 7 on the Moh’s scale of hardness. (Moh’s scale don’t play, this is a hard material!) This is another reason why granite is the chosen material for kitchens, where there is often the use of sharp cooking utensils.
While granite is also known to be chemically-resistant, certain cleaning products can wear on the sealant of the natural stone. Here are some examples of cleaning products to avoid on granite.
- Amonia
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Grout Cleaners
- Bath Tile Cleaners
- Orange, lemon, or other citrus cleaners
3. Granite Countertops Require Maintenance
With all the benefits of granite countertops in your new Indiana kitchen remodel, there are bound to be some drawbacks. One of those being that granite countertops requires maintenance. The granite stone itself is naturally porous. When placed in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, the stone is at risk for harboring bacteria and mold. To ensure that your granite stays in pristine condition, experts recommend that you reseal your countertops at least once a year.
4. The Price of Granite Can Vary Greatly
Not all granite is created equally. Because of that, the prices of granite countertops are nowhere near uniform. The price you see can however tell you a little bit more about the quality of the stone. Lower quality granite typically goes for around $40 to $60 per square foot While higher grade granite can vary anywhere from $100 to $200 per square foot.
Don’t worry if you desperately want granite countertops but can’t afford high grade. Lower-grade countertops typically still have all the benefits of granite just with thinner materials and less unique features.
5. Granite is environmentally friendly
If you’re hoping to make your home more sustainable, it may be good to know that granite is a natural stone that is 100% recyclable. If you decide to remodel, this material can be recut and reused over and over.
Tip: Although granite isn’t manufactured, it still needs to be delivered to your home. To lower your carbon footprint further, ask your design-build team about locally sourced granite.
LBK Design Build Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Contractors
Choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom is no easy task. At LBK Design Build, we think that remodeling your Indiana kitchen and bathroom should be straight-forward, simple, and fun. We ask the right questions to understand your family and lifestyle and give you the information to make smart decisions for your home design. Whether you choose granite, quartz, or marble, we’ll work to give you a home you can be proud of.
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