Granite Kitchen Countertops

Although some people will choose limestone or slate, which are beautiful options for natural stone, they are also softer than granite, which means scratches, nicks, and cracks are a common problem.  However, granite kitchen countertops not only look elegant and sophisticated, they are also strong and durable.  Because of the many benefits, we now see many people choosing to replace old style material or build homes using granite.

Granite kitchen countertops are also very easy to clean and maintain. While you can choose from several finishes, the polished finish is a popular choice. With this, you still get the natural look with a little bit of sheen. The only thing to remember is that this shine can create a formal appearance so if you area adding granite kitchen countertops for a rustic or country home, you could always have the polished removed or choose a matted finish.

As you begin shopping around for granite kitchen countertops, you will quickly notice that the selection varies dramatically from one manufacturer to another. For instance, some manufacturers focus more on contemporary styles whereas another manufacturer may go with a more traditional style. Regardless of the decorum of your home, the exciting thing about going with granite kitchen countertops is that while you will have tiles in the same color and even with the same pattern, no two are identical. Therefore, once the tile is laid, your kitchen is cohesive and coordinated but also unique with individual character.

While granite kitchen countertops offer tremendous advantages over other types of stone, there are unfortunately some drawbacks. This particular material is porous, which means it will stain. However, if you have your heart set on granite, you have an option. In this case, you can have the factory seal the granite prior to installation or you could have the countertops sealed afterwards. Even with quality sealant, we strongly suggest that any lighter colored granite be cleaned immediately after a spill to avoid the risk of stain.

When you purchase solid granite kitchen countertops, you typically choose from two or three centimeters thick. This slab of granite is installed, being joined at the corner with epoxy. With granite, you can create literally any look you want. Let us say you have a formal kitchen with contemporary flair. In this case, the stainless steel appliances and tile floors would look stunning with black granite, perhaps with miniature silver flakes. If your kitchen is Victorian style to include trim and great detailing, the granite kitchen countertops might consist of a cream-colored tile with soft swirls of gold.