Understanding the Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

One of the biggest must-haves for any great kitchen makeover these days seems to be high-end countertops. For many, the countertops are the focal point of the kitchen, and granite can add a sense of luxury to any cabinetry. For the longest time, granite countertops were only seen in upscale homes, a luxury that most middle-class American’s could only dream about. Today, granite covers the counters of kitchens throughout most of the country. It hasn’t lost its beauty, durability or function, and still remains one of the most sought after materials for kitchen countertops around.But, before you go and make that deposit on a granite slab for you kitchen, it’s important to know the pros and cons of this gorgeous stone, and to determine if it really is the best choice for you.We’ll start with the positives:The Value: Granite is a great choice for nearly any kitchen because the investment truly does add lasting value to your home. Granite, when installed and maintained properly, can last for virtually a lifetime. For anyone looking to sell a home, granite countertops are a definite perk for perspective homebuyers, often increasing the resale value of the home. And, of course, when you love your kitchen, and how you feel in it, you’ll spend more time in it throughout the day.Durability: Granite is a very hard substance. It is not easily scratched, especially when sealed properly. Because of its strength, it is also heat resistant and the perfect surface for placing hot cups, pans, and dishes. Your granite countertop will withstand the normal wear-and-tear and staining that a busy kitchen will experience in its lifetime.Beauty: Granite continues to remain one of the most sought after countertop materials today because of its luxurious beauty. Since granite has become more affordable in recent years, your kitchen can look as amazing as the one in the blog photo, even on a somewhat modest budget. Like other stone pieces, every granite slab is unique, featuring its own individual lines, colors and patterns. With a granite countertop, your kitchen will not be a cookie cutter replica of your neighbor’s. Once again, proper sealing is important to keep a granite countertop looking spectacular over the years. And now, the cons of granite countertops:Maintenance: Granite countertops are beautiful, but like the old saying goes, “Beauty doesn’t necessarily last forever.” When speaking about granite, if you want to keep your granite looking beautiful for a long as possible, it’s going to require a little work. Because granite is porous, it can easily absorb oils, juices, wines, and other liquids that cause staining. Lighter colored granite slabs aren’t typically as dense as darker slabs, and will show such stains and discoloration more easily. To avoid this, be sure to reapply sealant over your countertops every few months for lighter colored stone, or about once a year for darker colored stone. Depending on how the granite was originally sealed and treated prior to installation could extend the time between coats, so be sure to check with your kitchen expert to get the exact recommendations.Vulnerability: Granite countertops are very durable, but can also crack, chip or break under the right circumstances. Some granite displays naturally occurring fissures; these are lines that look like cracks in the stone but actually cause no separation between the two sides. Unfortunately, these fissures are also weak spots in the stone, and depending on the circumstances, could cause an actual split to occur. Typically, a granite repair specialist is needed for such cases to come and professionally fix the problem.Cost: When compared to laminate, marbelite, or even Corian solid surface counters, granite can seem rather costly. In reality, the price of granite can vary dramatically, but usually thinner slabs are less expensive than thicker ones. Be prepared to spend a sizeable chunk of your remodel budget on your countertops if you opt for granite.At Kurtis Kitchen & Bath, our kitchen design pros have been helping customers throughout southeast Michigan, including Livonia, Woodhaven and beyond, find the perfect countertops for their kitchen transformations. For nearly 50 years, we’ve turned our clients’ dreams into attainable realities. Can we do the same for you? Contact us today at 1-888-KURTIS-1 to learn how.