Granite Kitchen Countertops, the Elegant Choice

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance
Pictures

Popular Kitchen Remodeling Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers
References
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Countertops are certainly a main focal point in any kitchen, so if you want yours to radiate “sophisticated and classy,” granite may be the way to go. Here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Costs

A decade ago, granite countertops were hard to come by, but today there is a much greater supply and thus a lower price tag. After installation of the granite kitchen countertops, the cost should fall between $75 and $125 per square foot.

Pictures

Pros

Granite comes in a large array of colors.

With a polished, high-end look, granite can add value to your home.

Countertops made from granite will not depreciate in value.

Cons

Granite, along with other engineered stone countertops, requires professional installation.

If hit by a hard metal object, granite can crack.

A sizable price tag and complicated installation mean that granite cannot easily be changed or taken out.

Durability

Granite countertops will basically last as long as you want them to. The material is extremely sturdy and can even take the heat of a pan on its surface. Just be careful not to hit it with a metal object—this can cause chipping.

Maintenance

Luckily, granite is an inherently sanitary material, so bacterial contamination in your countertops shouldn’t be much of a problem. Plus, the maintenance is extremely easy.

Clean with warm water and mild, non-abrasive soap.
Make sure to clean up grease immediately to avoid accumulating stains.

Common Questions and Answers

Do granite countertops need to be sealed?

Basically, light granite needs to sealed, and dark granite does not. If you aren’t sure about your particular stone, spill a few drops of water in a discreet area of your countertop. If the granite darkens, it needs to be sealed, but if it remains the same shade, then it’s fine as is.

Will all cabinets support granite countertops?

Luckily granite spreads its weight fairly well, so most cabinets will support it. However, it’s important to ask a kitchen contractor about your cabinets in particular before moving forward.

History

Because of its natural abundance, granite was used as foundation for the original homes in New England. It wasn’t until the last decade or so that granite became a popular choice for kitchen countertops due to its durability and high-end appearance.

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Due to its weight and complicated installation process, granite is not recommended as a DIY project. If granite is your material of choice, consult local kitchen contractors before attempting the job yourself.