There is no question that kitchen countertops have come quite far since the options your grandma had. In the past, virtually everyone had laminate countertops – in fact, these were all the rage in kitchens throughout the country. When granite was first introduced as a kitchen counter option, there was a bit of speculation regarding if homeowners were going to like it.
Granite is a more durable option than Corian, and it is heat and scratch resistant. However, in the 1980s, when granite was first offered, it was only provided in a few color options. However, once consumers realized all the benefits provided by granite, they gravitated to it, and it quickly became what is considered a standard for kitchen counters.
Today, many people still wonder why they should let go of the laminate countertops they may have now and opt for granite. Some reasons to do this can be found here.
No Seams
When granite is installed, there will not be any visible seams, as professional installers can usually match slabs extremely well. This allows granite counters to provide a flawless look in your kitchen. When granite is installed, it can help to improve the aesthetics of any room.
Durability
Granite is made of rock that is compressed together naturally. It is sourced from deep inside the earth and harvested into slabs that are cut to create the determined counter shapes. For the majority of homeowners, granite represents the very last countertop they will ever have to invest in because it will last a lifetime. Since it is so hard and durable, it is also naturally resistant to scratches, heat, cracks and chips. Cleaning granite is also a breeze, which is a major plus for use in the kitchen.
Easy to Maintain
Granite is extremely durable and has outstanding longevity, as long as you maintain the surface. This is not possible with traditional laminate countertops. Granite can be easily cared for by using a mild detergent, warm water, and a sponge. Be sure to avoid harsh cleaners and acidic foods and wipe up spills quickly. It is also not a good idea to use bleach on the surface.
Increase Your Home’s Value
The ability that granite has to increase your home’s value is one of the biggest reasons that so many homeowners choose this material. The amount you invest in the granite will increase the value of the home by that same amount. In many cases, when a person begins to look at homes to purchase, they may choose a home with granite countertops over laminate ones. This is because granite offers more long-term value than other materials.
Longevity
While granite surfaces may be a bit more expensive than laminate, the durability and low maintenance they offer pushes them far ahead of other commonly used materials. When laminate is used, it is likely that it will have to be replaced a number of times of a period of 20 to 30 years. When granite is used, you will never have to replace the counters again, unless you want to, of course. In some cases, granite will actually last twice as long as quartz and other materials, which means that in the long-term, you may actually wind up saving money.
Useful
Granite is considered an extremely versatile surface. You can have the kitchen sink built into it for a completely seamless look, and opt for a single, double or triple basin style. The depths of the slab can also be varied based on what you need, which makes your kitchen extremely functional for how you will use it.
Provides a Modern Look
When it comes to options of granite, the sky is the limit. You can achieve a top of the line, extremely modern look with ease. This will also help you to match the style of the rest of your home if you are trying to create a more updated style. It will also work to anchor the design focal point for all of the other décor in the space.
As you can see, granite is a popular and extremely appealing surface. It offers quite a bit for homeowners who are looking for pieces that are modern and valuable. Keep this in mind, and you will likely easily see the value offered by granite slabs in the kitchen over laminate surfaces.