Granite is an amazing stone that combines amazing qualities like timeless elegance and long-lasting durability. Thanks to these benefits, it has been a favorite among homeowners and interior decorators for decades.
If you are interested in renovating your kitchen countertops, chances are someone recommended granite to you.
Maybe you read reviews online talking about how granite is the best option for kitchen countertops. If that is the case, you might be wondering why granite kitchen countertops are so popular.
There are many reasons why granite is such a popular option for kitchen countertops. However, the short answer to the question is that granite is simply a very reliable material that will provide you with a sturdy space.
Keep reading to find out more about granite and its advantages.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock which is formed from the cooling process of magma. It is mainly composed of minerals like quartz, mica, and feldspar.
Each of these minerals adds a different benefit to granite. For example, mica provides the stone with a subtle shine that enhances its beauty.
The formation process of granite takes millions and millions of years under immense pressure and extreme heat in the crust of the earth.
The long and grueling process gives the stone its signature appearance. Moreover, the conditions that contribute to its formation ensure its resistance to heat and pressure.
The long cooling down period of the magma gives the stone its gorgeous patterns. The added minerals provide the granite slab with unique colors.
The colors and patterns of the stone are influenced by its place of origin. Its appearance presents a snapshot of its history.
The Natural Beauty of Granite
Granite kitchen countertops are a work of art. The unique pattern of the slabs adds elegance, sophistication, and visual interest to the space it is installed in.
Moreover, as it is a natural stone, each slab has a unique combination of minerals, meaning it has one-of-a-kind colors and patterns.
Its natural origins adorn the stone not only with unique patterns and colors but also with small blemishes that give the stone a lot of character.
The veins and flecks tell the story of millions of years. The small imperfections in the stone makes granite the perfect choice for homeowners and designers lookign for an organic, earthy appearance.
Granite can be combined with a variety of styles ranging from modern to traditional. Modern and sleek styles combine amazingly with the straight lines of the stone.
Its patterns and colors exude a cosy aura that pairs perfectly with traditional aesthetics.
Durability, Strength, and Longevity
Granite is an incredibly strong and dense material. Its toughness makes it an ideal material for high traffic areas that endure a lot of wear and tear like kitchen countertops.
Granite has a score of 6 or 7 in the Mohs scale of hardness. Its high score means that it is highly resistant to scratches, dents, chips, and more.
As opposed to some synthetic materials, granite won’t be easily damaged not will it wear out quickly. If granite is maintained properly, it can last for decades.
The durability of granite exceeds physical damage or physical impact. Stones like marble can get etched if they come into contact with acidic substances.
On the other hand, as long as granite is properly sealed acidic liquids will have no impact on the stone.
Heat Resistance
Heat resistance is one of the most important qualities when it comes to kitchen countertops. If you want to be able to place hot pans and pots of the countertops without having to worry about the countertops scorching or cracking, granite is an amazing option.
Granite’s ability of resisting high temperature is unmatched by other materials. You can place hot pans and pots on the countertops without having to worry about potential damage. This is a very convenient advantage for anyone who loves to cook or bake.
Additionally, this advantage makes granite an ideal material for outdoor kitchens in addition to inside kitchens.
If you or someone in your family loves to grill, granite’s durability against outside elements ensures that your new countertops will stand the test of time.
Low Maintenance and Easy to Clean
In addition to heat resistance, maintenance is another very influential factor for kitchen countertops. The minimal maintenance it requires adds to its functionality.
For daily cleaning, a simple routine of wiping the countertops using a soft cloth or sponge will ensure the stone will maintain its beauty for years to come.
As a cleaning solution, a mild dish soap is amazing option that will clean the stone without damaging it.
The other important maintenance step for granite kitchen countertops is sealing it. As a natural stone, granite is porous.
In other words, it has tiny holes that would allow dirt and debris to seep into the stone to cause stains, discoloration or even bacterial growth.
Sealing the stone provides a protective barrier that will keep spills or particles out of the stone.
Color and Pattern Options
Granite is available in a wide range of colors and patterns. It is a versatile stone that can be paired with subtle tones or bold aesthetic styles. There is a granite slab that can match any shade, tone, hue or taste.
When it comes to granite slabs, the color and pattern options are endless. Although most common colors are light and neutral tones like cream, beige and light gray, brighter and bolder options such as red, green, blue, orange, brown, or gold are also available.
Its diversity ensures that there is a granite slab for everyone.
You can opt for a classic look with a cream granite slab that is adorned with light and dainty veins.
Alternatively, granite countertops with dark brown tones will add warmth to the space. Bigger and darker patterns will create contrast and visual interest in the room, making the countertops a centerpiece.
Resale Value
Granite can have a higher initial cost compared to synthetic alternatives, however, its longevity and durability should also be taken into consideration.
While there are cheaper alternatives than granite, these materials don’t offer the same durability and integrity.
While other materials might require frequent replacement, granite countertops can stand the test of time and won’t need replacing as long as they are maintained properly.
Furthemore, granite kitchen countetops raise the resale value of the property, regardless if its residential or commercial.
Granite countertops not only raise the resale value but it will also make the countertops more attractive to potential buyers.
While granite is more costly, it is also a wise investment that will pay ford itself in the long run.
How Does Granite Compare to Other Options
Granite is often compared to other natural stones such as marble or quartzite. Knowing how granite compares to the other stones will help you make the best informed decision for your kitchen and it will explain why granite kitchen countertops are so popular.
Marble is one of the most sought-after materials for home improvement projects. It is known for its beauty and timeless elegance.
Marble adds sophistication to any space it is installed in and instantly elevates the beauty of the space.
However, it is much harder to maintain than granite. It is more susceptible to damage as it is softer, thus needs more care and attention.
Quartzite is very comparable to granite. It is also a very hard and durable stone, however, granite still has the edge when it comes to scratch resistance.
Moreover, granite offers more color options compared to granite, making granite the ideal opiton for anyone interested in unconventional colors or patterns.
Choosing the Right Granite Slab
Choosing the right slab depends on a variety of factors such as your budget, style and the needs of your household.
For example, while choosing the thickness of the slab you should consider the state of your cabinets. If your cabinets aren’t strong enough to carry a heavy slab, you might need to opt for a thinner granite slab.
On the other hand, if your cabinets are strong enough and you want to create an opulent appearance, a thicker slab is a great option.
Similarly, depending on the aesthetic design you want to implement, you can decide between different edge profiles. Ornate edge profiles pair amazingly with traditional styles while sleek profiles are the perfect finishing touch for minimalist aesthetics.
In short, there are many answers to the question why granite kitchen countertops are so popular.
Granite is a very versatile material that will not only elevate the beauty of the space but also make the space more functional.
When you choose granite countertops, you are investing in longevity and durability.
