There is no doubt that granite countertops are a sound investment in any kitchen. They serve as a centerpiece that brings in color and texture. For some, choosing granite is simple. They know what they want, and they go for it. For others, the amount of options and varieties can simply be overwhelming. In an effort to help identify some of the pros and cons of granite, we wanted to address three points to consider.
1. Color
Many people believe that granite is easy to care for, and more often than not, it is. However, there is a reason that granite is sealed and that there are special suggestions for caring for it and cleaning it. The fact is that granite is a porous material. This means that if it is not sealed properly, or if the sealant is not maintained, it is not immune to absorbing liquids. As a result, we have heard horror stories of beautiful white or light gray granite becoming discolored with red wine or spaghetti sauce stains. When choosing the color of your granite, consider what food items you tend to have in the kitchen. If you do a lot of cooking with red sauces, it may not be a good idea to go with a light granite.
2. Texture
Granite is an igneous rock, and it comes from all over the world. We think that part of the fun in choosing your granite is knowing the backstory on where it comes from. After all, any geologist will tell you that your granite countertop tells a story. This story often comes at a price as granite that is more rare, or has veining or unique features, tends to come with a price premium. Ask us for details about more common granite and more rare varieties with unique features.
3. Temperature
While not associated with the look of the granite itself, it is a good idea to think about the cooking that you will be doing on your granite countertop. Specifically, are you planning on placing straight out of the oven baking dishes directly on the countertop? Keep in mind that the granite can withstand the heat, but you might want to take precautions using a trivet. This will help reduce any risk of cracking or chipping as a result of heat exposure. Again, this is highly unlikely, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
You’ve got a few things to think about as you consider your kitchen install, and if you have more questions about your new granite countertop please give us a call.
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