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Granite might be a rock, but its worth its weight in gold.
It is a versatile material used in bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and flooring.
But the most popular way to use it is to make granite kitchen countertops.
A granite slab is the answer to many cooking area problems.
Granite was introduced in the 1980s as an alternative to marble.
When it became easier to cut and ship the material, it became a kitchen staple worldwide.
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What Are the Benefits of Granite Countertops?
Durable
Granite is a durable, scratch and stain-resistant material.
This solid natural stone can withstand heat, water, and other types of damage.
It is also bacteria-safe.
Since granite is built to withstand daily wear and tear, it will hold up well for many years.
This elegant cooking area material is an excellent investment.
Elegant
Granite brings a look of timeless elegance to any place where its installed.
Since its a natural mineral, each slab is unique and attractive.
Granite kitchen countertops always look beautiful and high-end.
Moreover, granite countertops come in many colors and have beautiful speckled and dotted designs.
Since its a natural stone, each piece has distinctive mineral makeup, making it one-of-a-kind.
What Are the Disadvantages of Granite Countertops?
Maintenance
This luxurious material must still be cleaned and maintained to prevent staining or bacterial growth.
You also need to seal it annually, either by yourself or with the help of a professional contractor.
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Installing
Installing a granite kitchen countertop requires specialized tools and some experience.
This can happen if the countertop is struck very hard in a weak area.
When significant damage occurs, its vital to fix those issues immediately.
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Luckily, these drawbacks are easily fixed.
What Is the Cost of Granite Kitchen Countertops?
The typical price range for granitekitchen countertopsis $40200 per square foot.
On average, installation costs fall around $3585 per hour.
Here are some of them:
Thickness
Real granite thickness varies by geographic region.
Whether renovating your kitchen or working from scratch, you should consider that thicker pieces cost more.
They are also more durable.
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Form
A granite top can come as slabs or tiles.
Granite slabs usually come as 10-foot-long pieces.
If you plan to use a slab for L-shaped or curved counters, you must make a seam.
Tiles are slightly costlier and require more maintenance.
However, granite tiles are easier to install.
It is the least porous option, which is great for cleaning but also accents imperfections in the material.
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Ahoned finishis smooth but not as shiny and reflective.
It cuts down on glare and masks imperfections but doesnt highlight the granites color as much.
It is less porous and highlights the color of the granite.
you could easily find a shade to complement your homes unique look.
Here are a few of the options.
It is partially made of quartz with a bright, reflective look and feldspar.
White granite can also have blue, beige, or rose accents.
AlthoughPearlandAlaska Whiteare some of the most popular choices, other attractive white granite countertop options areNew River WhiteandSalinas White.
Black granite, in particular, stands out for its prominent speckles and veins.
Options likeNero MistandBlack Pearlrepresent some of the best choices in black granite stone.
Gray Granite Countertops
Gray countertops arent as dull or bland as you might have thought.
Gray granite offers the most diversity of color compared to other options.
These subtle shades have soft, smoky patterns or colorful veining.
Some popular options for gray granite areSilver PearlandLuna Pearl.
It has a natural look that other colors dont have.
This color also brings a lot of warmth to the room and works beautifully withcountry kitchen designs.
It blends well with wooden cabinetry and other wood furniture.Chocolate BordeauxandCoffee Brownare two popular brown granite options.
It helps create a soothing ambiance due to itsnature-inspired color palette.
Green pairs best with brownish or black kitchen cabinets.Chengde GreenandCosta Esmeraldaare two popular green granite options.
Quartz vs.
They arent slabs of quarried stone and thus are more environmentally friendly.
This engineered product is primarily uniform in appearance.
It is also tough and highly durable.
Granite countertops are slabs of natural quarried stone.
They have unique patterns and colors and arent uniform in their appearance.
The real veining of granite cant be replicated in quartz.
However, granite isnt as durable as quartz.
The patterns on marble often resemble swirls.
This material isnt as durable as granite and can get damaged by excess heat.
Marble is better suited for bathroom countertops or other low-traffic areas.
Granite has many flecks and vein-like patterns on its surface.
This natural stone is durable and can withstand heavy pressure.
It is also heat-resistant and easy to clean and maintain.
There are specific steps you should follow to do it well.
Measure It Right
Granite is cut to size, so getting proper measurements is essential.
Start by measuring the length and width of each countertop section separately using a tape measure.
Include any curves or irregular shapes by measuring along both front and back edges.
Then, measure the depth from the front edge to the back wall.
Its best to create a sketch of your countertop layout and label each section with its measurements.
Installation
Granite is tough to set up yourself and requires specialized equipment.
Avoid using acidic cleaners with vinegar or lemon juice, which can damage the natural stone surface.
Old countertops will start getting more porous, which is when you know you gotta reseal them.
If youre unsure whether the granite needs to be resealed, its best to check with a professional.
Spray it on the countertops surface and wipe it into the stone using a cloth.
Once wiped, clean the area with a separate cloth.
Repeat this process 23 times for the best results.
Then, buff the surface.
It will make the counter stain-resistant and give it a glossy finish.
Another alternative to get a shinier surface instantly is to use products likeWeiman granite polish.
What is the Average Lifespan of a Granite Kitchen Countertop?
What Are the Top Granite Brands?
Imagine how fun meal prep will become with a countertop that is cool and smooth to the touch!
You may also combine the luxurious granite countertops withmodern and stylish kitchen cabinets.
Its time to create the kitchen of your dreams!
