Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops in the Kitchen

When walking into a kitchen, one of the first things people notice is the material used for the countertops, especially a beautiful material like granite. If you are considering this home improvement project, here are a few of the pros and cons of granite countertops.

Pros of Granite Countertops

There are several advantages to choosing this material in the kitchen. Granite countertops are:

1. Rich in Beauty
   Each slab of granite is completely unique and has a rich beauty other materials simply cannot match. There is not a wide range of colors in naturally occurring granite. But there is a subtle range of color and patterns that occur naturally and make for a stunning stone. Just make sure you see a large sample of the whole slab because sometimes the small samples cannot provide an accurate representation of what the entire counter would look like.

2. Low Maintenance
   For routine cleanings homeowners only need a mild detergent and warm water. And homeowners only need to reseal the granite once a year. It is a simple process to apply the product, let it stand for two minutes, and wipe off the excess before allowing it to dry for 30 minutes. That said, homeowners need to be careful about following the instructions on the sealant. A poorly-sealed countertop can absorb juice, oil, and wine producing a stain. Or they can also harbor bacteria.

3. Suited for Under-mount Sinks
   Fabricators and installers can cut the sink hole in the granite to match any shape of sink. 
   And under-mount sinks are becoming more popular in modern homes. These styles allow homeowners to brush crumbs directly into the sink without catching on the lip.

4. Add Value to Your Home
   Granite is the number one sought-after material for countertops in homes, apartments, retail stores, offices, etc.  These products have timeless appeal and can take a kitchen to the next level. And once a homeowner installs granite countertops in the kitchen they will last forever and not depreciate.

5. Stain, Dirt and Bacteria Resistant
   Because contractors seal granite it is no longer porous. As a result, the material will not absorb liquids. With routine cleanings, these countertops will not stain or harbor potentially dangerous bacteria.

6. Able to take Daily Abuse
   Granite is a very hard substance that can resist heat and scratches. Homeowners can cut directly on the counters and put down hot pots and pans without worry. If a heavy pot does come down and chip surface of the countertop, installers can use the same custom colored epoxy they used in the seams to fill the crack and reseal it. In most cases, homeowners won’t even notice the repairs.

Cons of Granite Countertops

In addition to the advantages, there are a couple of setbacks too. Granite countertops are:

1. Not Exactly Green
   Granite is a genuinely natural material and does not contain harmful chemicals or emit gasses or radiation. Some professionals even go as far as labeling granite a renewable resource because Mother Nature never stops working. That said, it isn’t truly a “green” product. It takes thousands of years for the earth to create granite.

2. Expensive
   The prices for granite are very high. The material is expensive to quarry, extremely heavy, and requires a labor-intensive installation. It also requires additional structural support which adds to the cost.