So, we hear you’re in the market for new countertops.
Have you heard the holy granite words, yet?
You know the ones, where someone casually (or not so casually) remarks, “It’s granite countertops or nothing…you know this right?”.
And you find yourself nodding your head because, well, you don’t know this thought process around “granite countertops or nothing”.
Now, you begin to question if granite is even right for your home and a million more questions flood your mind (like if you should try decaf again or not. Ah!).
Don’t worry, even if it seems like you have a giant question mark above your head right now, we can help you with all the granite countertop-for-your-home answers!
IS GRANITE RIGHT FOR MY HOME?
Before we get into whether or not granite countertops are right for your home, let’s talk about what granite really is.
WHAT IS GRANITE?
The easy answer is that granite is literally hard as a rock.
And because that type of rock can be so solid, granite makes for a very durable surface, especially for a high-traffic area like your kitchen (just let little kids stress test it for you!).
Now, if you like to put your science hat on and hear it from a geologist’s perspective about granite, more power to you…
“Granite is an igneous rock made up of primarily quartz, feldspar, micas, amphiboles, and a mixture of additional trace minerals. These minerals and their variation in abundance and alteration give granite the numerous colors and textures we see in granite countertops. Formally, granite is a plutonic rock that is composed of between 10 to 50% quartz (typically semi-transparent white) and 65 to 90% total feldspar (typically a pinkish or white hue)… Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, which means it was formed in place during the cooling of molten rock. Generally, the slower the molten rock cooled, the larger it’s mineral crystals with K-Feldspar megacrysts forming in special circumstances greater than 5cm. During formation of granite it is buried below kilometers of rock and sediment necessary to produce enough heat to melt rock.”
You probably won’t hear the Sol Granite team use terms like “igneous rock” or spout off numbers like “65 to 90%…feldspar”, but we sure do appreciate where this natural stone of granite comes from!
Do you feel smarter already?
Using big words like “amphiboles” sure does wake our brain up!
Ok, let’s look at why granite may—or may not be—right for your home.
1. DURABILITY
Granite’s like your most dependable best friend forever.
It won’t leave your side and is there for you through all the ups and downs life can throw your way (especially all the fun and entertaining you can do with friends and family!).
With the combination of proper installation and granite’s rock-hard nature, this countertop will most likely be your last (unless you get an itch for new countertops down the long road, of course!).
Granite—
• Resists cracking, chipping, and scratching
• Is heat resistant
• And don’t worry; a crack or chip—depending on the severity—can be easily fixable
Now, we definitely don’t recommend direct heat from a hot pan (ouch!).
But if it happens sporadically, it shouldn’t damage like wood, laminate, and other materials that don’t have the hard surface granite does.
2. EASY MAINTENANCE
Ready for this?
Granite countertop maintenance should be a breeze…if they’re sealed properly.
Think of sealing as an extra layer of protection between you and your granite countertops.
Because granite is naturally porous, sealing them can add that buffer between everyday life wear and tear, spills, bacteria, and any potential stains.
Granite countertops resist bacteria and most stains which makes for an easy cleaning process.
By sealing your countertops, using the recommended cleaners and getting to spills swiftly, you’ll enjoy granite for the lifetime of your home (can we get a high-five for that?!).
3. LONG TERM INVESTMENT
The argument just isn’t worth it when someone says granite is too expensive (unless they want to buy you a drink first).
If you’re a big picture person, keep in mind that your choice of granite countertops is a cost-effective long-term investment.
Over the lifetime, laminate countertops will need to be replaced many times and wood countertops will require refinishing.
While those wood and laminate countertop owners are doing upkeep and replacing; granite owners will just be sealing and cleaning over the lifetime of a countertop (and sipping more drinks from their patio!).
4. COLOR OPTIONS & APPEARANCE
If you’ve gandered at granite slabs, it won’t take you long to fall in love—all thanks to their unique and gorgeous appearance.
Sometimes the only “problem” you’ll have with countertops is choosing which slab of granite is right for you. Endless color options and matching tiles can make picking out a slab of granite a more difficult choice.
Granite’s unique qualities stand out like no other natural stone—especially when you have so many to choose from.
The beauty and texture that comes from granite will enhance any room in your house and lucky for you, we have experienced and knowledgeable interior designers at Sol Granite to help take the overwhelm and frustration out of the equation for you!
Ok, you’ve pondered countertops and granite and now you know what granite countertops could be like in your home.
Have more questions, or want to see those beautiful granite slabs in person?
Please give us a call or stop by our showroom so any of the Sol Granite Team can help bring your design dreams to reality!
Have any questions?
Need help with your home design project?
Stop by the Sol Granite showroom today and let us help you bring your design dreams to reality!
Sol Granite
4804 Dillon Drive (Behind Texas Roadhouse)
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-544-3085