Nowadays, a lot of people opt for granite counter tops when renovating their bathroom and kitchen. The same can be said about the people who are buying a home for the first time. They are also liked by the architects and interior designers. There are various reasons behind the popularity and demand of the granite counter tops.
As a matter of fact, Granite is an igneous coarse-grained rock comprising of substances like quartz, mica and feldspar. The unique blend of minerals lends it the durable and tough constitution. It is very hard and can not be scratched easily. The counter tops made from other materials are susceptible to wear and tear. But granite can look fresh even after several years of extensive use.
The mica present in granite slab makes it resistant to heat and temperature. That is why it is ideal to be used in kitchen. People who cook a lot can safely use granite countertops without worrying too much. They need not bother about cracks appearing on the surface owing to hot and steaming foods kept on the surface.
Moreover the granite counterparts are more durable compared to their wooden and ceramic counterparts and they also look nice. The appearance of the granite slabs also play a strong role behind the popularity. The commercial eateries and hotels also use granite for enhancing the look of their premises. Granite lends a touch of elegance and class to any place.
The granite countertops sold in the market are available in a plethora of patterns and colors. A person can choose a color while buying the slabs that complement the color scheme of his kitchen and bathroom. Since each piece of granite rock is different there is almost no chance of buying a common design. The cost can vary on factors like polishing and overall finish. But the quality does not vary.
Granite countertops are easier to clean as compared to other countertops. They need to be cleaned by a soft cloth and a mild soap solution would serve the purpose. There is no need to spend money in expensive cleaning products. With regular care and cleaning the granite countertops can last for many years in immaculate condition. Using a good quality sealant will enhance its life.
There are some people who still use the laminated and marble countertops. However, these materials have some drawbacks. While laminate is cheap its durability is poor compared to that of granite. It also gets affected by staining, crack and scratching faster.
Marble also has its share of limitations. It is vulnerable to staining, dulling and scratching. Hence, a person who chooses marble counter tops may have to end up spending a lot on maintenance. Using oily foods with a marble countertop can be problematic. The products with acid in the composition can also erode marble. This can become a serious problem over prolonged use. The cost of marble is also higher compared to granite. Therefore, granite outperforms both the alternatives by a large margin.
Granite Countertops Do It Yourself
Before you decide to use this product for your kitchen or bath there are a few things to know. Be aware that granite usually costs about $10,000 to install in a kitchen with the average counter top space of 90 square feet. The cost could cause you to have to increase your budget unless this expense has already been figured in.
This all natural stone has different designs and is limited in colors. Matching the exact design and color will prove to be impossible. It is best to go to the retailer to choose the slab that will be installed in your home. Take your blue prints or make the measurements yourself before you go. Once the slab has been chosen the retailer should go to the site and get exact measurements. The retailer will be knowledgeable about their product and will be able to offer valuable information about how to cut the stone so that the pattern can be aligned to match at any seam lines.
The stone will be cut at the retail location and will be ready to set into place once it arrives at your home. Never try to cut and install the granite yourself. Doing so could be a very expensive mistake. Once cut, the stone can not be repaired. This is one of the home improvement projects that should be left to the experts. If they make a mistake they will have to replace the stone.
Another thing that causes the price of the granite to increase in price is the edges that are chosen. Square edges are less expensive than a beveled edge. Make sure to inquire about the cost increase and to get the quote in writing. Also make sure that the installers seal the stone upon installation and have them show you how to do this.
The process of sealing the stone is really quite simple and should be done every six months to a year depending upon the amount of use. This is absolutely necessary to preserve the quality of the stone. Since granite is a natural stone it is porous and will quickly absorb anything that is placed on it. For this reason foods and liquids should note be placed on the stone and any spills should be well cleaned immediately.
Both Emi Bos & Dror Klar are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.