You can't get through a single episode of a home improvement store without hearing the phrase "granite countertops." Everyone wants them and realtors love to talk about them. They're what every DIYer wants to upgrade to and they're a huge selling point for any property. But what makes granite countertops so special, so in-demand, so highly prized? How do they differ from quartz countertops, marble countertops, or some other material? Should you focus on getting granite countertops in your home? Find out what you need to know about countertops and which ones might be best suited for your home.
What makes granite countertops different from other countertop options? How does granite different from marble or quartz, for example? Well, let's look at the benefits of granite countertops.
Granite is both heat- and scratch-resistant, which makes it ideal countertop material in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere else a counter is needed. Granite also stands up to harsh chemicals. Another huge benefit to granite countertops is that they are easy to clean and maintain. This is in contrast to a marble countertop, which isn't at all easy to clean and maintain. Soapstone, another type of stone counter, can be scratched. Quartz can be scorched under high heat, porcelain can be brittle and prone to breakage, and other options don't look as high-end as granite.
One of the biggest appeals of a granite countertop is its appearance. Granite by nature has gorgeous veining in it, different striations and bands of color that give this natural stone a distinct look. Granite is immediately recognizable. And because it's so well-loved by homebuyers and such a huge trend in kitchen design, a granite countertop immediately becomes a focal point and a huge feature of any room because of its beauty.
Granite is also perfectly flat and smooth when it's finished for countertop use and in the event that it does scratch or chip, granite is easy to repair. One in 10 household kitchens are remodeled every single year. So when it's time to remodel yours, consider using granite countertops to increase your home’s value, add to the room's beauty, and get the great kitchen look that's so hot right now. Granite countertops are hugely popular in kitchen remodeling projects because this look is so on-trend and in style. Natural stone like granite absolutely never goes out of style. It will always look good because it will always be a durable, low maintenance counter material -- which is exactly what everyone wants in their home.
There's no question about it: granite countertops are the material of choice for many homeowners and home buyers. However, making this part of your remodeling plans is a little scary. Kitchen remodeling is already expensive, and granite countertops are costly. This is why many homeowners shy away from using granite in their remodeling plans. However, it is often well worth the expense because granite countertops can increase the resale value of a home so much. There are ways to get a deal on granite countertops and save a little money to make this upgrade worth the expense.
First, look for granite remanents at local quarries. Buying directly from a quarry is a good way to keep down the cost of granite countertops. You may be able to pick up a large enough remnant to do your whole countertop. You can also look into getting granite tile. This is far more affordable than a granite slab, which can be a huge cost when you're doing a remodel.
You can also consider an alternative to granite that also looks pretty great and has many of the same properties as granite countertops: quartz. This is a natural stone that also has a nice look to it and has hardness and resistance similar to what you'll get with granite. Shop around to find the best price, and you may find that you can afford much nicer countertops than you ever thought possible.
