From laminate and tile to marble and granite, you may be wondering what type of countertop to choose, as you begin to plan your kitchen remodeling project. There are a variety of different materials used in countertops, and making the decision could be quite difficult. However, homeowners across the world tend to find that granite countertops are the best decision they have ever made. Here, you will discover five reasons why you should choose granite countertops as opposed to a different material for your kitchen.
#1 – Granite is Durable
The only other material known to man that is harder than granite is diamonds, when it comes to natural materials. Granite is made deep within the earth’s surface and forms under high temperatures and pressure, compressing rock into beautiful slabs. In fact, when granite countertops are installed by professionals, they will last a long time. Choosing granite provides you with more bang for your buck, as you will not need to replace them for as long as you live in your home.
The durability of this material allows granite countertops to be resistant to scratching, cracking, and chipping, which can occur to other types of countertop materials. In addition, granite countertops are also resistant to heat, which means that you could place a hot pan directly onto the surface, although this is not recommended. In instances when this does occur, however, the granite will not be damaged, where wood and laminate countertops would be.
#2 – Granite is Easy to Maintain
It is true that granite countertops need to be sealed when they are installed, and that proper installation by professionals is the key to their longevity. However, once installed, little maintenance is required. Proper sealing of the granite will help ward off the buildup of bacteria, and will help to prevent stains. IT is important, however, that you wash your granite countertops daily with warm water and a mild dish soap. You should, no matter what type of countertop material you have, get to spills quickly. This is particularly true of spills that cause staining, such as coffee of fruit juices. With these minimal maintenance guidelines, your granite countertops will look as new in 30 years – or more – as they do the day they are installed.
#3 – Granite Increases the Value of Your Home
Whether you are planning to sell your home or stay in it for a long time, the installation of granite countertops can be beneficial to your finances. Yes, they are an investment, but it turns out that granite has a large return on investment. In fact, not only will the granite countertops increase the beauty of your home, but they also increase the value of your home. According to real estate experts, in many cases, the return on investment with granite countertops can be up to 100%. Essentially, this means that if you spend $2,000 on granite countertops, your home’s value is increased by $2,000. Furthermore, if you are planning to sell your home, the installation of granite countertops could be the deciding factor in why a buyer chooses your home over another.
#4 – Granite Countertops Last a Lifetime
As you read in the durability section above, granite countertops are long-lasting. In fact, if you choose a different material, such as laminate, for your countertops, you might be saving more money now. However, laminate countertops lose their color, and can become easily damaged, as well as hold stains. Over the next five or years, or so, it is likely that you will be replacing your laminate countertops at least once, if not more. If you choose granite countertops, however, you will not be doing this.
In fact, research has shown that homeowners who choose laminate countertops end up replacing them three times more often than those who choose granite. Although wood is more durable than laminate, homeowners who choose wood end up replacing their countertops two times before a person with granite. This means that you end up saving money in the long run, because with proper installation and maintenance, your granite countertops are likely to outlast you.
#5 – Granite is Beautiful and Elegant
Perhaps the most important reason you should choose granite countertops – as if you needed another – is their beauty and elegance. Each slab of granite countertop is unique, because they are made by nature as opposed to being manufactured in a facility. The slab of granite you choose will have its own unique pattern, veining, and swirls running through it. Once sealed, the granite will have a smooth, shining surface that brings prestige, elegance, and beauty into your kitchen. The natural appeal of this stone is one of the main reasons that more homeowners choose granite than any other countertop material. Increase the value of your home, add beauty, and be virtually maintenance free just by choosing granite countertops.