Why Choose Granite Kitchen Countertops?
As more and more people become conscious of the aesthetic factor of every corner of their homes, kitchens are growing into centerpieces of attraction. One of the first decisions that you need to take when you design your kitchen is regarding your countertops. Should you choose granite, marble or synthetic?
These days, there is a growing trend towards choosing granite kitchen countertops. There are many reasons for this.
Looks: Granite looks strikingly beautiful. You can get it in a variety of arresting colors, ranging from neutrals to something bright. Thus, it is easy to match granite kitchen countertops to the rest of your décor. You can match any cabinet hardware to the natural grandeur of granite, and your kitchen will catch the gleaming, polished stateliness of granite. Additionally, the polish and gleam of granite lasts for a very long time. The natural designs etched on tiles made of granite are quite alluring and can form a good backdrop to the overall design of your kitchen. The only thing you have to ensure is that you buy tiles that match in color and design.
Rich textures: Granite, when removed from the earth comes as large blocks, which are then converted into slabs. Because of this, granite slabs have lesser instances of pattern variation and discoloration. Also, there are fewer cuts or scratches which significantly reduce the chances of dirt or grit getting stuck in crevices. So, granite kitchen countertops offer a nicely uniform solid surface for kitchen countertops after they are cut and polished.
Durability: Granite is a rock quarried from the bowels of the earth. Thus, it is very hard and durable. It does not get chipped easily and is not damaged by heat, cold or other adverse conditions. Once sealed, granite is not vulnerable to discoloration or to damage caused by hot pots and metals. Granite needs little work and effort in terms of maintenance and retains its glossy good looks even after many years of use.
Return on investment: Granite may add to the overall cost of your design or remodeling. But, it is a good investment because it adds to the overall value of your home. If you need to sell your home at a later point of time, you can rest assured that homebuyers will pay more for a kitchen that does not need any repair.
You may use granite slabs, tiles or kits for building your kitchen countertops. Slabs are more cumbersome and somewhat prone to damage during transportation and are also vulnerable to minimal risks of mismatching. Therefore, many people opt for granite tiles, which are easy to handle and uniform in looks. For greater ease, you even get granite kits, which contain slabs for a prescribed area in matching colors and texture.
Granite kitchen countertops are easy to maintain and do not need any extra effort since they are natural, raw stone. Minimal care will help you preserve the look and finish of your countertop for years and years.
Replace a Kitchen Countertop
A new kitchen countertop can add to the look and feel of your kitchen and improve its functionality. The material choices for your new countertop differ in aesthetic appeal, maintenance required, resilience, and applicability. There is something for every homeowners taste and budget.Comparison of MaterialsTo select the most suitable material for your new kitchen countertop, it is advisable to have an idea of each of their properties so that you can make an informed purchase.Laminate: Laminates are made of slender sheets of plastic of varying thickness. Formica is a commonly used laminate. Laminates can replicate the look of other materials, such as granite. It is an inexpensive material, available in a large variety of colors, patterns, and surfaces, the edges can be square or rolled, and the material is resistant to staining and easy to clean.Laminates have some disadvantages as well. Their finish can get spoiled due to heat; so hot pots and utensils should not be placed on a laminated surface. Cleaning liquids with strong chemicals too can damage the surface. A laminate is not useful as a cutting surface as it scratches easily; therefore, it is advisable to mount a chopping board. Once damaged, a laminate can not be repaired, but must be replaced. Flat edges of a laminated surface tend to chip. Laminates do not present a seamless appearance, particularly the lighter shades. This is because the backing is dark in color. Scratches and abrasions will show on a high gloss surface, but not on a patterned laminate.Tile: Tiles are a relatively inexpensive way to add color and character to your kitchen. They are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 1 to 18 square inches.. Tiles are primarily made of glazed ceramics; the glazing renders tiles resistant to dampness, soiling, and scuffing. Tiles give you the freedom to design your kitchen countertop in the most creative of ways. They can be arranged vertically, diagonally, or horizontally. Tiles offer a range of texture and pattern options. However, the grout used between the tiles soils easily, is susceptible to mildew attack, and requires frequent cleaning. Tiles are not very resistant to impact and often chip easily, they are slightly more expensive than laminate, the use of epoxy grout, which has the benefit of being more resistant to soiling can add to the cost.Corian: Corian is a brand name for a solid surface kitchen countertop material. It has been available for the past 30 years. Unlike laminates, a solid surface comprises a single block of plastic. Solid surfaces are durable, available in a range of colors, matte and gloss finish, the seams are not prominent, and therefore they present a uniform look. Solid surfaces can mimic the look and feel of stone. They resist staining, are non-porous, and can be cleaned easily with mild soap. Damaged surfaces can be repaired with the help of repair kits that are readily available. Most brands offer transferable warranties. The major disadvantage of opting for solid surfacing is its price. The installation has to be executed by a certified installer. In addition, the surface can be damaged by heat and can be scratched under certain circumstances.Granite: Granite is the most widely used stone for countertops. Its feel and character are imitated by several synthetic alternatives but never quite equaled. Granite is extremely durable, scratchproof, and heat resistant. Therefore, it eliminates the need for installing trivets or a chopping board. It offers a wide selection of natural colors in polished and matte finishes. It can be cleaned with soap and water, a special cleaner for removing stains is recommended.Granite has a few disadvantages as well. It is expensive, heavy and requires professional installation. It requires periodic sealing to avoid staining and has visible seams. Granite tiles are an inexpensive option to installing a slab; however, the grouts require regular cleaning in order to maintain sanitation.Other options in stone worktops include limestone and marble. Limestone offers limited color choice but has high heat and impact resistance. Marble provides a nonstick surface; it can be used for baking too. However marble is porous and discolors easily.Quartz: Quartz is a beautiful natural material that is tough and durable as well. Silestone and Cambria are quartz countertop surfaces. Quartz offers several advantages when compared to other countertop materials. It provides greater scratch and scorch resistance as compared to plastic surfaces. It also does not require resealing and provides better stain resistance than granite. Quartz is available in a range of colors and offers many edge design options. Since, quartz is an engineered product the colors are more uniform than natural surfaces such as granite. It is also an approved surface for food preparation by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) in the United Sates. Quartz countertops have seams but these are slender and when installed properly are hardly noticeable. Most of the manufacturers provide a 10-year warranty for the material.Wood and Butcher Block: Wood is another natural surface that is favored for the character it can add to your kitchen. Wood is an ideal cutting surface, as it does not blunt the knife-edge. A wood countertop is prepared by gluing together strips of rock maple or beech wood. Wood is easy to care for and lasts long. However, designs and edge details for a butcher block should not be too intricate as they are difficult to clean. A thorough scrubbing is required after using the butcher block for raw meat. Periodic sanding and oiling help to remove the scratches that appear over time. Wood also requires regular sealing treatment.How long does it take to install a countertop?The time taken to install a countertop will vary with the material. Heavier materials, such as granite and quartz will take more time for a proper installation. A pre-formed laminate kitchen counter can be installed in approximately 2-3 hours. With most installations, there are always some adjustments to be made since on many occasions’ factors such as, the walls not being plumb or the cabinet surface not being level come into play. If the countertop is fabricated onsite the process may take 2 days or more, as the sealing and finishing take time to set.Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing