The Advantages of Granite

Last Updated on March 1, 2012

Granite is a natural stone that provides beauty beyond compare. There is no other stone in the world quite like granite. The advantages of granite, however, go far beyond its elegant beauty. Granite is also a practical choice when it comes to covering various surfaces in your home. Here are some of the main advantages of granite, and a link to an article from Popular Mechanics that can help you decide if Granite is right for you:

Granite is very unique. Although you can choose your color and basic look of the stone, no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is made up of a variety of minerals, and even if two pieces of granite come from the same location or quarry, they still won’t be duplicated. Because of this, any project using granite has to be completed all at once because it’s highly unlikely the exact same color combination of the stone will be found again. This means that your granite surface will be completely unique. You won’t see the same granite in any other home.

You will increase the value of your home with granite. Whether you add a granite backsplash in your kitchen or install a granite countertop in your bathroom, you are sure to get your money’s worth should you decided to sell your home.

The color of granite does not fade. Unlike laminate and other man-made surfaces which can fade due to wear and tear or even sun exposure, the color you see in your granite the first day it is installed is the same color it will be 20 years down the road.

Granite is resistant to stains as long as it is sealed. Sealing your granite is essential in protecting its beauty and it will typically need to be resealed every two to three years. Once you seal it, though, you can wipe spills up without the risk of them soaking in and staining the stone. This is often a real selling point for those with small children or pets.

You won’t find a more ideal surface for countertops than granite. You can cut items directly on the granite without harming the stone. Actually, it is so tough it will dull the knives you’re using over time. Take a hot pan right off the stove or a tray out of the oven and you can sit it directly onto the granite countertop. You don’t have to sit down hot pads or trivets first because the heat will do absolutely no damage to the granite. It’s that tough! Also, granite is non-porous, which makes it quite sanitary. You’ll never worry about germs and bacteria seeping into the countertop because they simply won’t.

Granite is easy to clean and maintain. Other than resealing every couple of years, there is no other routine maintenance that must be performed on the surface. It can also be cleaned with ease. A rag and mild, soapy water will work just fine for cleaning granite. If you are looking for a deeper cleaning, a granite cleaner will get the job done. There are certain products that should not be used on granite such as bleach and other harsh chemicals which can etch the surface.

You don’t have to pay a fortune to have the elegance of granite in your home. While granite is often more expensive than other types of surfaces, the first thing you must remember is the durability of the stone. It will last for many, many years. Aside from that, however, there are less expensive types of granite. An affordable granite option is to go with modular granite.

These are just thinner slabs of granite. Since they require less granite, they are naturally less expensive. Granite tiles are even cheaper, as they are the thinnest type of granite you can get. Regardless of the thickness of the slab, you’re still getting granite, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly granite option, it is out there.

Chris writes on a variety of home-related topics, from kitchen appliances and design to environmentally-friendly living. Chris works for the Long Eaton Appliance Company, specialists in Rangemaster Cookers and other premium cooker brands.