The Full Granite Countertops Guide
Any designer will tell you that granite is one of the most widely used materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Not without cause, either! Using granite in your home’s decor has many benefits. Granite countertops are the centre of attention in any space thanks to their stunning surface patterns and rich visual appeal. In many high-end luxury kitchens and bathrooms, the differently coloured or patterned granite is actually chosen first by the designers, who then plan the rest of the space around it!
If you’re considering using this information, read on for more information!
When lava cools and solidifies on the earth’s surface or in its depths, granite is an igneous rock that forms on its own. Quartz and feldspar make up the majority of granite, but it also contains small amounts of other minerals that give it colour and texture.
Let’s start by defining Granite.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Granite Countertops
While using granite as a countertop material has many advantages, there are a few disadvantages to be aware of. Let’s begin:
Pros:
Granite is a fantastic stone that comes in a wide variety of colours, including jewel-toned greens, gorgeous whites, deep blazing reds, and nearly every colour in between, and has a rich, natural beauty that no manmade substance can match. This suggests that you can choose a colour that complements or enriches your décor palette rapidly.
Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials due to its extreme hardness and resistance to scratches. It is also heat resistant, so the heat from the cooktop won’t damage it or cause it to turn discolored. Granite is totally stain resistant when properly polished and sealed. It is available in a range of price points to suit your budget, making it suitable for many types of décor from minimalist to opulent.
Cons:
Exotic and rare stone varieties could cost more than you anticipated! Again, matching the shade may be difficult if you have chosen an unique granite colour and need to instal more at a later time.
Since granite is a natural stone, it might be challenging to replicate the waves or other purely organic patterns that have developed.
The sealer may eventually wear off if granite surfaces are frequently expose to strong chemicals, deteriorating the polish and staining the stone.
Polished stone can become very slick when wet. We always advise using rough, flamed granite for flooring.
How Can You Maintain the New Look of Your Granite Countertops?
With a little TLC, granite countertops can last for many years and require minimal maintenance.
Your daily routine should include a quick spray and wipe down with a light organic cleaner and a soft cloth.
Once a week, give every crevice a thorough cleaning to keep oil and filth from building up.
Additionally, having the surface re-seal every few years could be a good idea. A fast test to determine whether it needs to be reseal: if you see that water is darkening the stone’s colour, this suggests that some absorption is taking place.
Some granite varieties don’t ever require resealing. Your architect can evaluate the scenario and give you advice. In actuality, black granite is so strong and dark that it cannot be stain and does not require resealing to avoid stains.