Since the turn of this century granite countertops have been the top choice for basically everyone building or remodeling a home. They’re everywhere, and for good reason. Granite countertops are not only beautiful, but their quality is unparalleled.
Granite countertops are scratch-free, impervious to heat, and made from a natural stone. There are many different colors, appearances, and intensities in different forms of granite, which means that no slab of granite is exactly the same, and even if the Jones’ next door get granite countertops you can still have an original look.
In the past, granite countertops have been more expensive. Hence the rise of linoleum and other synthetic countertop materials instead of granite in the 80s and 90s! Granite has grown more popular and more affordable as it’s become easier to extract and finish, and competition has driven the price down. Still, there are various pricing options when it comes to granite.
Granite Groups
Typically granite is divided into five groups, and the pricing is set accordingly. Group 1 is the most affordable granite – not because it’s poor quality or ugly, but usually because it’s more common, has less “movement” in the stone, or is closer to Utah decreasing the extraction and transportation costs. Group 5 is the most expensive, and it’s because it’s extremely rare granite, has unique “movement” in the stone, or is found in locations far removed from Utah. When you’re in the market for granite countertops for your kitchen or bathroom then you will have many options from which to choose. Figuring out a budget beforehand is helpful, so you can look within the granite groups which fit within your spending requirements.
Choose Your Slab Personally
The experts at Mountain States Kitchen & Bath recommend that you choose your granite in person, because images don’t always reflect the look of the granite accurately. At their location you can see the granite in person, and even hold up your choice of cabinet, sinks, and edge or trim! This is a great idea because you can ensure that all of the elements of your kitchen and bathroom will match one another and work together well in your home. Don’t be like the thousands of families who choose expensive granite and cabinets from tiny squares in a sample book only to find that they actually look horrible when installed together in their home!
Installation
Fabrication is the process of preparing the granite slab into a granite countertop. Many companies do this right in your driveway, but be wary! This technique is inaccurate, messy, and problematic.
Professionals like Mountain States Kitchen & Bath take a template in your home, then complete the fabrication in their top-notch facility. Then they return and install in half a day! Once properly installed, good granite countertops should last basically forever. They look clean, sharp, and tasteful – and they will for years.
Granite countertops are an excellent option for any kitchen or bathroom project – whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your older home.