Granite Countertops: A Buyer’s Guide

Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room. Granite is a natural stone like marble that is as old as the planet and can be found around the globe. It is an igneous rock that is almost always massive, hard and tough, and therefore it has gained widespread use as a construction stone. It can be found in hundreds of color variations that normally have dazzling flecks of quartz crystal embedded within. Granite is complimentary to any architectural or interior design style from ultra-modern to country.
In ancient times it was utilized in public buildings such as temples. In the past few centuries it was still being utilized for the exteriors and columns of prominent buildings. Then in the 19th century, stone suppliers perfected the polishing of granite making it even more sought after to beautify not only the exterior but also the interiors of grand homes and buildings.
The use of granite for kitchen and bathroom countertops, fireplace facades and flooring has been a top tier choice of the best architects and interior designers for decades. Due to its’ perpetual allure and unwavering strength granite is now in high demand for homes of every socio-economic realm.
Although in high-demand across the board, granite remains one of the most expensive choices for a home’s countertops. The price of granite starts at $60 a square foot installed. The majority of the cost is due to the excavation and transportation as well as the cutting, polishing and installation. Since granite is the hardest stone, second only to diamonds, special equipment is needed to work with the massive sheets that must be cut to specification. This in part is why it is not a recommended task for the do-it-yourself homeowner. Cabinetry must be reinforced to be able to handle the weight of the stone. The slab of granite must be cut to precision and set exactly level. If it is not exactly level then the granite is at risk for cracking during regular use.
If you want the look and durability of granite countertops but can’t afford the cost of solid slabs then consider granite tiles. Granite tiles are made from left over pieces of granite and cost considerably less. The effect can be just as stunning. The do-it-yourself homeowner can easily handle the installation of the precut granite tiles which will also save money by avoiding the high installation cost.
Regardless of if you choose to install or have installed granite slabs or granite tiles your home value will increase. Prospective home buyers and renters are now making granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms a priority. Apartment complexes are having granite installed to attract renters and it’s now the number one update that people make to their older homes. Due to its’ incredible durability and beauty, granite is now becoming the norm for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s not a passing fad but a staple similar to a home having a brick exterior that will remain part of a home’s integrity to last a lifetime.