All across the nation, granite is the top choice for kitchen countertops. It’s not only super durable, but it’s also 100 percent natural and extremely versatile, as it’s available in a wide array of colors and designs.
Granite has been popular for so long because it’s one of the hardest materials on earth. Beyond that, it’s also known for its low maintenance. It’s not just beautiful to look at and hard to damage; it’s also extremely easy to take care of.
This article is here to explain what exactly granite is and why it does so well in kitchens across the United States.
What Is Granite?
Put simply, granite is a type of igneous rock. It’s made up of feldspar, mica, and quartz, and it can be mined in a number of different places all over the world, including India, China, Italy, and right here in the US.
There are a number of finishes that you can choose from when picking out your granite stone. The finishes include polished, honed, brushed, or sandblasted, and what you pick depends on your taste and what your granite slab will be used for.
Why Choose Granite?
You already know that granite is popular, but you might be wondering what about it makes it such a common choice. We’ve detailed how it lands so wonderfully on kitchen countertops here in a list of five reasons why you should choose granite.
- It adds resale value to your home.
Granite is typically the first choice for buyers looking for a new home. It’s a highly sought-after countertop, which means that people will pay top dollar to have it in the kitchen of their new home. Like we’ve said, it’s durable, it’s luxurious, and it comes along with an air of natural beauty.
If you have granite high quality in your kitchen, there are some parts of the country where you can expect a 100 percent return on your investment—or maybe even more—when you sell your home. While granite countertops aren’t the only selling point for a home, of course, they do play a big role in how your house performs on the market.
- They have a style and design unlike anything else.
Because granite is a natural stone, no two slabs are alike. This means that the slab that makes a home in your kitchen will be completely unique, and you’ll be the only one in the world with a slab of granite that looks like that. And each variation has its own charm—your slab is completely your own, whether your granite is a basic shade it is known for, like black, gray, white, or a more vibrant shade like green, blue, or red. It’s like having a one-of-a-kind piece of art right in your kitchen.
There are plenty of bold tones of granite to choose from, but if that’s not your style, there are plenty of softer options too. With less dramatic veining, these subtle granite options can mimic the look of marble—without the maintenance level.
There are other types of countertop materials out there that try to mimic the look of granite using chemicals, pigments, and plastics, but these imitations can end up looking fake or unnatural. When it comes right down to it, there’s nothing quite like the look of true, genuine granite.
- Granite Is Resistant to Almost Everything
This includes staining, etching, and heat damage. If you place a hot pan on its surface, it won’t scorch. As long as you keep up a decent resealing schedule, this type of resistance will remain in your granite for as long as it’s installed in your kitchen.
- It’s an Affordable Investment
Granite is capable of lasting for a lifetime. There are other types of countertops—even ones that are more expensive than granite—that will need to be replaced twice over the next thirty years, but granite won’t even need to be replaced once (as long as you take care of it). What you pay for granite now will be returned to you because you won’t have to pay for replacement or pesky maintenance jobs.
- It’s Low Maintenance
When it comes to cleanup in the kitchen, tidying granite is a breeze. All you need is a soft cloth and some soap and water, and your countertop will once again be shiny and new. You’re better off not wasting money on fancy cleaners; some of those have the potential to harm your granite. Instead, keep it simple and reap the benefits.
Granite Is Your Best Choice
Granite is a popular option that’s here to stay. It’s classic, it’s stylish, and it has long-term durability that appeals to many people and their lifestyles. If you’re interested in incorporating granite into your kitchen, give Marble Unlimited a call at (919) 596-2325 for a consultation.