Granite is a natural stone that comes in a variety of color and patterns. This stone has taken over our kitchens and bathrooms in the past few years in the form of countertops. It is so aesthetically beautiful that it can be very difficult to decide which to use. Granite countertops are not only durable, but they also add a “luxurious” vibe to your home, making you want to live in your kitchen—or bathroom—forever.
All pleasantries aside, though, before you use granite as your new kitchen countertop, it is important to know that like any other materials, granite, too, has its fair share of pros and cons. To help you decide whether granite countertops are the best choice for your home, below are the advantages and disadvantages that you should know.
Pros
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Aesthetics
It bears repeating that granite truly has this exquisite and irresistible appeal. In fact, it’s one of the most sought-after countertop materials because of its aesthetic qualities. Granite is available in several colors, and every granite slab offers a set of unique lines and patterns. With a plethora of granite shades to choose from, you can easily find one that will perfectly match your kitchen ceiling, floor, and walls. Even if you’re kitchen needs some work, the addition of a granite countertop can make your entire kitchen look polished.
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Extremely durable
Granites are hard materials; they are very durable and can last for decades or more especially if used and maintained properly. They are not susceptible to scratches, so you won’t be worrying about replacing them soon with new ones. It can survive the typical “beatings” that happen in your kitchen every day. Just be careful with putting very heavy objects on the counter, and no rough use if possible. If all things go well, then your granite counters will probably survive longer than you.
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Easy to clean
Professionally installed and properly sealed granite countertops won’t absorb liquids; hence, it is
safe from stains. They do not need much effort and time when it comes to cleaning them. Wipe your granite countertop with a dishcloth or any soft fabric dampened with water and dish soap to get rid of superficial stains and dirt. Just make sure to avoid using products that have high bleach content or any abrasive cleaners when cleaning your granite countertops.
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Heat and stain resistant
Granite countertops are also heat resistant, which means you can directly place your hot mug of coffee, heated pan, and hot dishes to its surface without causing it to melt.
Cons
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Need maintenance care
Like any natural stones, a granite’s greatest kryptonite is its porous surface. As a result, some granite tops need occasional resealing if you want to maintain a nonporous surface. Again, countertops that are sealed poorly is prone to stains as the “pores’ will absorb oil, juice, water, and any other type of liquid. Moreover, if you use lighter-colored slabs, stains and discolorations will be more visible. Hence, if you really want to preserve the beauty of your granite counters for as long as possible, then you have to follow a maintenance schedule.
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Costly
If you compare granite with other materials, such as marbelite or laminate, granite is relatively pricier, not to mention the fact that it is one of the most expensive counter materials on the market. Plus, you also have to pay for the installation fee on top of the granite price per square foot. Just be reminded that the thicker the granite slab is, the higher the price.
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Cracks can occur
While granites are naturally strong, they can still be prone to have cracks and chips as they come in contact with heavy, hard, and sharp objects, especially when these objects are haphazardly or accidentally thrown at them. Fortunately, a granite specialist can repair these damages easily.
Conclusion
Now that you know the pros and cons of using granite countertops, you can make a better decision on whether to have these beauties in your home or you are better left without them.
