Everything You Need to Know About Granite Countertops

Choosing the countertops in your kitchen is a very important decision, and while there are a number of excellent options available, there’s almost no better option than granite counters. Sure, granite may be a little more expensive than other materials, but its quality is virtually unsurpassed, and when you have these counters in your home, they’ll last for years to come. Here is a comprehensive guide to buying granite countertops that should help you decide if these counters are right for your home.

What Impacts the Cost of Granite Counters?

Granite counters provide a number of advantages, which we’ll discuss in a bit, but first, it’s important to examine cost. Price is an important factor for most homeowners purchasing new countertops, and as with most materials, there are several factors that can influence the cost of granite counters. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind related to the expense of your countertops.

Granite Availability

Availability is one of the biggest factors that will influence the cost of your granite kitchen counters. Granite is a natural stone, which means that it needs to be mined. While it’s possible to have your counters made from locally mined granite, it’s more likely that your granite will be sourced from somewhere across the world.

Because granite is sourced from different locations across the globe, world events can easily impact the availability of granite. So, if granite is currently scarce, you can expect to pay more for your counters than you would if the material were widely available.

The source of your granite can also have an impact on your price. Granite from some areas is more affordable than granite from other locations. This means that before you make your purchase, you need to research where the granite comes from to get an idea of cost.

Composition of the Stone

The composition of your granite is another factor that can affect cost. For example, granite can have different density levels, and you’ll likely pay more for denser counters because they’re more damage resistant. Granite counters are rarely pure granite and will contain other materials, including iron. The higher the granite content of your counters, the more you can expect to pay.

Granite Coloring

Although many people don’t realize this fact, color can play a major role in the price of your granite counters. Granite with natural coloring is generally affordable, while granite that is multi-hued or in a rare color will be pricier. Before buying your counters, consider whether you prefer a low price or an interesting color.

Benefits of Granite Counters

Now that you have some idea of what can impact the cost of your counters, we can take a look at some of the many benefits of buying granite countertops. Once you’re aware of these benefits, it’s possible that you’ll never want another counter material.

Durability

When you’re investing in new counters, you want to know that they’ll last well into the future, which is precisely what you’ll get from granite counters. Granite is one of the most durable types of natural stone you could ask for and is resistant to several different types of damage. For instance, granite counters can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees, which means you can put hot pots and pans on your counter without worry. Denser counters are also resistant to acid, protecting your investment even further.

Variety of Finishes and Colors

Everybody has their own sense of style, and one of the great things about granite counters is that they’re available in numerous finishes and colors, which means you can make sure that your counters look exactly the way that you want. For example, if you prefer a sleek, classic look, polished granite counters are an excellent choice. Other finish options include leather, antique, brushed and more, meaning you have a world of options.

Virtually No Maintenance Needed

If you’re like most homeowners, you want a low-maintenance countertop, and granite counters are extremely easy to upkeep, even if you use them every day. You can keep your counters looking like new just by wiping them down with a soft cloth or sponge and some warm water. Once a year, you should consider having them resealed as well to make sure they’re fully protected.

Do’s and Don’ts of Buying Granite Counters

If you’re ready to make the leap and purchase your granite countertops, there are a few do’s and don’ts that you should keep in mind. Just by following these basic rules, you should be able to purchase countertops that look great, will last for years and feature the affordable price tag that you want and need.

Do Ask as Many Questions as You Want

When you’re shopping for granite counters, it’s important to have as much information as you can before you make your purchase. So, once you’ve found a dependable supplier, you should ask them as many questions as you can. Simply by talking with your supplier and asking them a few questions about the composition and density of the granite, you should have no problem selecting the counters that are right for you.

Do Steer Clear of Dyed Slabs

If you have a specific color in mind for your counters, it can be tempting to purchase a dyed granite slab. While this seems like a good idea, dyed slabs actually aren’t as attractive as you might imagine, and they can end up being fairly costly. Instead of a dyed slab, you should look for a granite counter that naturally shows off the hue that you want. Because different counters have different compositions, it should be easy to find a slab that has the hue you want.

Don’t Wait Too Late to Buy

Every granite slab is unique, which means you should never wait too long to buy a slab that strikes your fancy. Chances are, someone else will find the slab that you want just as enticing, and once a slab is gone, it’s gone for good. If you see a granite counter that matches all of your preferences, go ahead and buy it.

Use this guide to buying granite countertops and you should easily be able to purchase attractive countertops for your home. If you need advice about your granite counters or any other of your remodeling ideas, Kitchen Solvers is here for you.

Our team is passionate about kitchen renovation, and we would be glad to help you choose and install new counters for your home. Visit a Kitchen Solvers location near you to learn more.

Be sure to check out Pros and Cons of Different Countertop Materials and Choosing Kitchen Countertops for more information on different countertop options.  You can also get additional information from our Countertops page.

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