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If you are thinking of installing a granite kitchen countertops in your kitchen (what are the granite countertop alternatives?), first I have to welcome you to the club. You see, I have just moved from Formica (which I did not like) to granite, and I can tell you the granite kitchen countertop is the way to go.
Read this article and you will discover why I am simply in love with my new countertop.
What is a Granite Kitchen Countertop Exactly?
Your granite countertop comes from igneous rock that contains about 20% quartz. Other components of granite are feldspar and mica. Granite is mined in different parts of the world and some of the biggest quarries are located in Brazil, Italy, China, India, Norway and the USA. Granite is extremely durable and it has the second highest hardness rating after diamond. In addition, granite can be recycled and it has second hand value.
Types of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops come in different types but the most popular ones are the polished, flamed, brushed and sandblasted. Granite countertops are available in different colors and the most popular colors are the ones below.
The Most Popular Granite Countertop Colors
Tan Brown
This is the one I have in my kitchen and I can tell that Tan Brown is about the most popular color for granite countertops out there. Tan brown is dark and rich and goes nicely with my white cabinets.
Uba Tuba
This color is dark, strong and rich. The Uba Tuba has a black base but it also has purple, rich gray and gold variants. Personally, I find this color too strong but many people love it.
New Venetian Gold
Now, this is one color that will give your kitchen a royal character. It has a neutral color so it goes with both light and dark cabinets. The metallic flecks and the golden sheen of this royal color will give your kitchen a lot of character. Your best move is to pair your New Venetian Gold countertop with Espresso cabinets.
Santa Cecelia
This is another neutral color but it is relatively light. Unlike the New Venetian Gold, the Santa Cecelia has more brown variants than gold. For all that, this is a classic countertop color because it blends perfectly with cabinets of different colors.
Black Pearl
This is a dark and dramatic color and it is great for people who want to make a bold statement. The Black Pearl has a deep black base with royal purple variants. Instead of the patches and swirls you find in the Tan Brown and the Uba Tuba, the Black Pearl has speckled variants. It also has some bright and iridescent flecks that add some sparkle to your countertop.
Granite countertops come in many different colors but the five colors above are some of the most popular ones out there. If you choose any of the colors above and blend it with the right kitchen décor, I am sure you will be happy with the result.
The Benefits of Granite Countertops
The people that invented the granite countertop probably had durability in mind when they came up with this idea. Granite is rock-hard (no pun intended). It comes in different designs and this gives it aesthetic advantages. In addition, granite is pragmatic and functional. It is easy to clean, does not stain and even hides dirt. If you are like me and you love to cook and bake, granite is perfect for you. Just clean the countertop and you can use it for rolling dough. You can even drop hot pans on your granite countertop without damaging it. Granite adds value to your home, the color does not fade and it is almost impossible to crack or chip your granite countertop. From the sanitary perspective, granite is a very safe option bacterial contamination is not an issue here.
The Pros of Granite Countertops
Some of the pros of granite have been covered under the benefits section of this article but we can add the following things. Granite is easy to clean. All you need is warm water and mild detergent. It is and completely natural so allergy issues are non-existent. It is scratchproof, durable and impervious to water and stains. Granite adds value to your home and it has a higher resale value.
The Cons of Granite Countertops
Granite is expensive so it is not meant for the average Joe or Jane. The cost of installation is very high and granite requires annual resealing. Granite is very heavy so it may require additional structural support. Granite countertops last forever so you cannot change the color. Your granite countertop may have a permanent stain if you seal it with a pre-existing stain. Even if you get tired of the color, you cannot change it. You simply have to endure “granite fatigue”. Your granite countertop may crack if you accidentally hit it with a hard or heavy object like a meat cleaver.
The Maintenance of Granite Countertops
When it comes to maintaining your granite countertop, there are two sides to this particular coin. Some granite countertops require annual re-sealing and this is an inconvenience for some people. In addition, it costs money to get the re-sealing done. However, some people are of the view that granite is a low-maintenance option. This is because you can use some treated granite countertops for over ten years before you need to seal it. Generally, granite countertops are easy to maintain and they are built to last a long time.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Granite Countertop?
If you do not want to spend good money then granite is not for you. A granite countertop costs money. Granite is expensive and installation costs money so you should be prepared to spend about $100-$350 per square foot. Now, you do the math and you will get an idea of what is involved here. Sometimes, the quotation may not include hidden costs like special finishes and edge details. Ask all the relevant questions and make sure everything is in writing before you take up this project.
Final Word
The granite countertop is the way to go. It costs good money but the beauty and style is worth every dime you spend.
List of All Other Types of Kitchen Countertops
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