When renovating a kitchen or bath, one of the biggest decisions revolves around choosing the perfect countertop material. Granite has reigned as an extremely popular high-end option for decades because of its natural beauty and durability. Nevertheless, this premium stone does come with a few pros and cons to consider before committing.
The Advantages of Granite
Stunning Natural Looks
The number one appeal of granite countertops is their timeless visual impact and one-of-a-kind aesthetic. As a 100% natural quarried stone, each granite slab boasts incredible depth, movement, and according to the experts at Bedrock Quartz, unique veining means no two pieces are alike.
Granite comes in a kaleidoscope of earthy colors too, ranging from richer tones like blues, greens, and browns to lighter whites, grays, and beiges. You can find styles with subtle flecks or bold patterning to suit nearly any design taste.
Extreme Durability
Besides their show-stopping looks, granite countertops are also prized for their exceptional hardness and ruggedness. Granite rates very high on the Mohs scale, making it highly resistant to scratches, chips, cracks, and heat damage that could mar other surfaces.
With proper sealing, granite also holds up incredibly well against staining and etching from common kitchen mishaps like red wine spills, juice dribbles or acidic foods. This robust stone can easily handle the messes of an active, hardworking kitchen for years.
Value and Longevity
While granite carries a premium price tag, it offers loads of lasting value that make it worth the bigger investment up front. These countertops can easily remain in beautiful condition for 20+ years with basic care and maintenance – no need to replace them as often as cheaper laminate options.
The Potential Drawbacks
Higher Initial Cost
There is no way around it, granite countertops represent one of the more expensive surfacing materials on the market compared to laminates, solid surfaces, concrete and tile. The cost per square foot runs anywhere from $40 to $200+ depending on the granite type and quality.
On top of the material costs, granite also requires professional templating and installation, which can significantly increase the total project price tag. For tight renovation budgets, the high granite fees may be a deal breaker.
Potential for Chipping and Cracking
While granite is scratch-resistant, it is not completely impervious to chips if seriously abused. Dropping a heavy object onto the surface might crack or break off pieces if you’re not careful.
This brittle factor means taking some precautions like using trivets under hot pots and pans. You will also want to avoid sitting or standing on granite countertops, as too much weight could cause cracking at weak points like seams.
Required Upkeep
Granite countertops are not exactly maintenance-free, despite their stellar reputations. To preserve that brilliant granite shine and protect against staining, it’s recommended to regularly reseal the stone every 1-2 years using a penetrating sealant.
For basic cleaning, skip harsh scrub pads and acidic cleaners like vinegar, which could etch and dull granite over time. Stick to specialized stone cleansers and soft cloths instead.
Environmental Impacts
One final consideration; since granite is a 100% natural quarried stone, those countertop slabs require mining from sources around the world. This contributes to environmental impacts like increased energy use, transportation emissions and potential ecosystem disruption.
If you value eco-friendly materials, granite may not align as well with those sustainability priorities compared to other more renewable or recycled countertop options like wood, concrete or composite solid surfaces.
Conclusion
Granite certainly has some tradeoffs to mull over, but its magnificent aesthetic and superior performance capabilities make it a worthwhile splurge for many homeowners. With proper care and reasonable expectations, these luxurious countertops can deliver incredible beauty and longevity in your kitchen or bath renovation.
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