Pros of Granite Countertops

Granite is a beautiful and durable natural stone. Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, which means it was formed in place during the cooling of molten rock, beneath the Earth’s crust. Because it is influenced by its environment, its appearance will vary based on location. This means that every slab of granite is totally unique. There are many pros of having granite countertops, here are just a few!

1. Heat Resistance. Granite countertops will not melt or blister when exposed to heat. They are one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. If you take a hot pan out of the oven, you can place it directly on your countertop surface without any harm. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots.

2. Scratch Resistance. Granite scores a seven on Moh’s scale of hardness. This means that very few minerals are able to scratch it. You can cut on it, but it isn’t recommended since this will dull your knives and possibly leave a metal residue behind that can be difficult to remove.

3. Stain Resistance. In general, darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. Lighter granites are more porous and may require multiple coats of sealer to be considered stain resistant. Either way, if properly treated, granite is a stain-resistant countertop surface.

4. Maintenance. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Technology for sealers has come a long way over the years, and many will last more than 10 years. This combined with proper cleaners will protect your counterops for a lifetime.

5. Value. Granite countertops actually add value to your home! They are very popular, and installing granite countertops is an investment in the health and happiness of your home and the people that live in it. Granite countertops are durable and attractive, so a potential homebuyer may just look twice at your kitchen if it has granite countertops.

6. Undermount Sinks. Undermount sinks are common in granite countertop installations. This allows crumbs and spills to be wiped directly into the sink without being caught on the lip of a surface mount sink. You can consider using several types of sinks including cast iron, stainless steel or solid surface. Fabricators will cut and polish the sink hole to match the shape of your chosen sink.

7. Genuine Natural Material. You buy organic food, right? Eliminating, or at least reducing, our exposure to chemicals and additives has proven beneficial to our health. Genuine natural stone including granite, marble, travertine, and others, are the “natural choice” for countertop surfaces. They are quarried from the ground in their natural state, and sliced into slabs for use in kitchens. Though quartz surface materials claim they are also natural stone, the reality is they are mostly resin, with a small percentage of crushed natural quartz.

8. Resistance to Chemicals. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Granite is a popular and durable option for your home. It’s timeless elegance and ease of maintenance mean that you can add value to your home and your life at the same time. It’s easy to take care of, food-safe, heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant. With granite, there are nearly endless possibilities.