About Granite Counter Tops

The popularity of granite countertops has increased in recent years. Chosen for their beauty and durability, granite counters can be found in most homes. Granite comes in a variety of colors and styles, with more options appearing each year. Granite counters are also surprisingly affordable, both because they are so popular and because more options are available, such as using remnant pieces, to fit a variety of budgets.

Types

While granite counters are traditionally solid slabs, granite tile is another option that is growing in popularity. With granite tile, homeowners get both the look and durability of granite without the price tag. Another option available to homeowners is offered by Granite Transformations, which creates a granite "veneer" that is formed to lay precisely over an existing counter. In addition to the various types of granite counters, the granite itself also comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Benefits

There are many benefits for choosing granite countertops. Granite is believed to be second-only to diamonds in its toughness, offering a hard, scratch-resistant surface. They don't chip or crack easily like laminate. Granite counters also do not burn like other types of counters. Each piece of granite is unique. Granite offers a seamless look and allows the option of an under-mounted sink, or for even greater seamlessness, a granite sink.

Misconceptions

There are some that believe that granite harbors more bacteria than other counters. However, the Center for Disease Control has found no evidence of this. Another myth is that granite cannot be repaired once scratched. When granite is scratched, it can be repaired using a colored epoxy. Additionally, fans of solid surface counters believe that while solid surfaces won't stain, granite will. However, granite, if properly sealed, is just as stain-resistant as solid surface counters.

Considerations

Although granite does have many beneficial features there are certain things of which a homeowner may need to be aware. When choosing their counter based on a small sample of granite, the owner may not get a granite slab that looks exactly like the sample. Granite is a natural stone and will have slight imperfections and variations in color. Additionally, granite countertops need to be sealed and can only be cleaned using gentle cleaners, as more abrasive products can damage the sealer and thus the granite.

Prevention/Solution

Granite cannot be cleaned with ordinary cleaning solutions. One of the best ways to clean granite countertops is to use a mixture of white vinegar and water to wipe and disinfect the counter. Also, consider using some fine steel wool to help remove stubborn, stuck-on food. While granite counters are both stain- and heat-resistant, the owner must remember to have sealant applied to the counter to prevent any future stains or cracking.