The Complete Guide to Granite Countertops
Granite is one of the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom worktops, as any designer can tell you. And not without reason! There are numerous advantages to adopting granite in your home décor. Granite countertops have a rich visual appeal and beautifully patterned surface designs that make them the focal point of any area. In fact, in many high-end luxury kitchens and bathrooms, designers typically select the distinctively coloured or patterned granite first, and then design the rest of the space around it!
Here’s the lowdown if you’re thinking about employing this material! To begin, what exactly is Granite? Granite is an igneous rock that forms spontaneously when magma cools and hardens on the earth’s surface or depths. Granite is mostly made of quartz and feldspar, but it also contains trace amounts of other minerals that contribute to its colour and appearance.
Granite Countertop Benefits and Drawbacks While there are numerous benefits to adopting granite as a countertop material, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of. Here we go:
Pros:
No manufactured material can equal the rich, natural beauty of granite.
This wonderful stone is available in a broad range of colours, including jewel-toned greens, exquisite whites, deep blazing reds, and practically every colour in between. This implies that you may quickly pick a colour that matches or enhances your décor palette.
Granite is extremely hard and resistant to scratches, making it one of the most long-lasting countertop materials.
Granite is heat resistant and will not be damaged or discoloured by the heat generated by the cooktop.
Granite is completely stain resistant when properly polished and sealed.
It is available in a variety of pricing points to suit your budget, making it appropriate for many forms of décor—from economy to luxury.
Granite is totally resistant to water and moisture, making it the ideal choice for continuously damp environments such as bathrooms or even outdoor landscaping.
Cons:
Unique and exotic granite kinds may be more expensive than you bargained for! Again, if you have picked a rare colour of granite and need to instal additional at a later period, matching the shade may be challenging.
Because granite is a natural stone, it can be difficult to mimic the waves or natural patterns that have created.
If granite surfaces are constantly exposed to harsh chemicals, the sealer may wear off over time, degrading the polish and staining the stone.
When wet, polished granite can become extremely slippery. For flooring, we always recommend rough, flamed granite.
How Do You Keep Your Granite Countertops Looking New?
Granite countertops are easy to care for and will look great for years with a little TLC.
A quick spritz and wipe down with a light organic cleaner and a soft cloth should be part of your daily routine.
Deep clean all crevices once a week to prevent oil and grime from accumulating.
And it could be a good idea to have the surface re-sealed every couple of years. A quick test to see if it needs resealing: if you observe that water is darkening the colour of the stone, this indicates that there is some absorption going on. Some Granite And Marble Shop Near Me variants never need to be re-sealed. Your architect will be able to assess the situation and advise you. In fact, because black granite is so solid and dark, it is impossible to stain and does not need to be re-sealed to prevent stains.