Granite countertops have a rich beauty that few other surfaces can match. A natural material with a timeless appeal, they can take your remodeled kitchen or bathroom to new visual heights. They can even become the centerpiece of the room!
With hundreds of shades of granite to choose from, there is an option for every homeowner. Plus, they are durable and will last a lifetime. Here are some of the reasons you should use granite countertops in your home’s design:
Unmatched Durability
Did you know granite is second only to diamonds in terms of hardness? In addition to its longevity, granite’s hard, dense stone makes it very resistant to damage, including eroding acids like citrus juices and vinegar. It does not easily scratch, nor will it burn and warp if a hot pan is placed on its surface. Once installed, granite countertops will last a lifetime. You’ll only need to replace them when you’re ready for a change!
Under normal wear and tear, granite resists scratching, cracking, and chipping because it is heat resistant. But if you do somehow chip or crack your granite countertops, they are simple to fix.
Endless Design Options
Granite is made of many various types of crystals. Each slab of granite has unique coloring and veining. Often granite is sold in shades of white, beige, black, blue, green, or gray. The crystal mica has a metallic luster, while feldspar, hornblende, and biotite all give granite its many colors. Large pieces of quartz make up the majority of granite, which is responsible for granite’s resilience to heat, impact, and daily wear. And because no two pieces of granite are ever the same, your kitchen countertops are truly a one-of-a-kind design.
The high gloss finish that is applied enhances the natural beauty of the stone, making it even more appealing. With so many varieties of granite available, it is easy to match existing cabinets, floors, and paint colors. The color of the granite can even serve as inspiration for an entirely new kitchen design.
Maintenance is a Breeze
Although granite countertops don’t always need to be sealed, it does help them resist dirt and spills that may cause etching and staining. When properly sealed, granite countertops are almost maintenance free. At Kingswood Designs, we recommend sealing your granite about every two to three years to keep them in top shape.
Granite is moisture-resistant, but it is still porous. Using a sealant blocks liquids from seeping in. Instead, they bead on the surface for you to wipe away. When properly sealed, granite countertops are almost maintenance free, offering worry-free upkeep and easy clean-up with soap and water.
Another wonderful feature of granite is how sanitary it is. In a kitchen where food is handled every day, this is a particularly important feature. The polished surface lacks any porous areas. This treatment keeps it safe from the dangerous bacteria that plague other materials used as countertops. For those seeking an environmentally friendly countertop, granite is also recyclable and often repurposed.
Here are a few simple tips for easy granite countertop maintenance:
-
Blot up spills immediately.
Acidic substances like wine, tomatoes, and fruit juices can stain the surface, as can cooking oils.
-
Use a soft sponge or cloth and hot water for quick clean-ups.
Repeated use of soap can cause a build-up and dull granite’s natural shine. Use a specially formulated natural stone cleaner instead.
-
Use trivets, hot pads, and coasters.
It’s true that you can put a hot pan directly on granite, but it is always a good habit to use trivets, hot pads, and coasters.
Beauty and Function Combined
If you want a countertop material that is beautiful and functional, there’s almost no better choice than granite. Created by nature and crafted by man, granite perfectly complements your kitchen’s other design elements. It works beautifully with wood cabinets and, depending on the color and pattern you choose, looks stunning with bronze, brass, copper, pewter, and stainless faucets and fixtures. They can handle the daily use of kitchen knives and tools without the scratching that is common to standard countertops. The smooth surface also serves as the perfect workspace for baking!
Affordability
Granite countertops are readily available and highly affordable. Plus, they last a lifetime, which makes them a smart investment. As an added bonus, granite countertops also boost the value of your home.
Understand Your Granite Countertop Warranty
A granite countertop is an important investment in your home, and not only do you you want to ensure that you are getting a high quality stone, but that you have a good warranty to protect your investment. Different manufacturers each offer different types of warranties, and it is important to be informed in advance so that you know exactly what you are getting.
What is the time period of the warranty?
Many different manufacturers have term limits on their warranty, such as 10 year, 15 year, and even lifetime. Each warranty comes with its own conditions and specifications, so getting a lifetime warranty is not necessarily the best if the terms and conditions are extremely limited.
What exactly does the warranty cover?
A countertop is under daily assault from regular household use, and even in the best of materials, stains, chips and cracks can occur. You’ll want to see specifically which types of damage are covered by your warranty, and see what is involved regarding labor, replacement costs, and materials.
Does my warranty require yearly sealing treatment or specific products?
It is important to follow the terms of your warranty, including its recommendations, in order to get the most life out of your countertops and keep them looking like new. It is also essential to know whether the warranty can be voided if the recommendations are not followed.
Is my warranty transferable?
Should you decide to sell your property in the future, a transferable warranty is an excellent selling point. A transferable warranty means that it transfers along with the title of your property to the new owner. Also check to see if there are any limitations regarding the transfer.
How to Choose Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are a valuable investment in your home. One of the most attractive options you have when choosing your counters, they bring a special warmth and unique look to your kitchen. Keep them well-maintained and they’ll give you outstanding beauty and performance for years to come!
So how do you choose the right granite countertops for your project?
Understanding Granite Price Ranges
Granite pricing ranges from the letters A to Z, depending on the variation of the granite. Each letter correlates with a price point; with A being the lowest and Z the highest in price. A uniform piece of granite will be closer to an A; a high variation pattern will be closer to a Z. Each slab at Mont is marked with a letter.
Selecting Your Granite
Now that you understand the price ranges, you can browse the wide variety of inventory that Mont Granite has to offer. Be sure to take your time, because of the longevity of granite, you want to select a style that appeals to your taste and complements the look of your home. Once you have found the perfect slab of granite that appeals to you, you can tag it with your name and Mont Granite will hold your slab(s) for a maximum of 14 days.
Completing Your Granite Experience
Once you have selected the perfect granite for your home, the expert staff at Kingswood Designs will guide you through the remainder of the process and answer any questions that you may have. The design consultants at Kingswood Designs are experts in their field, with a strong commitment to not only meeting their customers’ expectations, but exceeding them. We also know that countertop fabrication shouldn’t hold up your project. We’ll cut and fabricate your granite countertops right in our granite shop located below our showroom!
We will also pair you with a dedicated designer who will help you choose the right granite countertops for your style. The process is simple, as our team walks you through everything, and make sure it all stays on track.
To discover more about how granite countertops can be the perfect choice for your remodeled kitchen, call or email us today. We always make sure to get the job done without any interruption to your lifestyle!
