Isn’t Granite the best countertop option?

Granite Countertops – What are the advantages?
Granite countertops have been used for many years in upper-end homes. Unique colors and one-of-a-kind patterns have made granite countertops the central focus of many of kitchen makeovers. A natural stone, granite is extremely hard and durable and kitchen remodelers and interior decorators continue to promote granite countertops as a kitchen work surface.

Granite Countertops – What are the problems?
Granite countertops are expensive and often require new cabinetry as part of a total kitchen makeover adding substantially to the cost of your granite counters. Granite slabs must be matched, cut, and installed with little room for error. Granite countertops require sealing and polishing every 6 months with a quality, penetrating sealer. Without regular sealing, your granite countertops may become cloudy and stained. Avoid allowing liquids including lemon juice, vinegar, alcoholic drinks, citrus juices, or other acidic liquids from standing on your countertop to avoid dulling or even etching the granite finish.

Use only granite-safe cleaners to avoid stripping off the sealer or permanently staining the granite. Take care with heavy pots and pans as granite can be chipped and damaged. Invisible granite repair is difficult if not impossible. Lastly, select your kitchen sink very carefully because replacing a stainless steel sink sandwiched between the cabinet and your granite countertop will be very expensive to replace. It will require removing the granite, which, in turn, may require removing any tile or granite backsplash.

Granite Pros

  • Very hard, resistant to cuts and scratches.
  • Heat resistant.
  • Unique, natural stone patterns.

Granite Cons

  • Porous and pin holes…which can harbor bacteria and requires regular sealing.
  • Expensive.
  • Difficult to repair.
  • Seams between slabs can be hard to match.
  • Susceptible to staining from citrus, acidic, and other liquids.
  • Some granite slabs emit unusually high levels of radon and radiation. Test your slab before installing.