Many Americans have found that granite kitchen countertops are the ideal surface choice for their kitchen counter and islands. If you are like many Americans, chances are that you will be planning to do some remodeling of your kitchen in the near future, including replacing worn and outdated kitchen countertops. In years past you were limited to painted, vinyl-covered, or synthetic choices which would be susceptible to cracking, peeling, burns and other staining.
Fortunately, today’s modern home owner has the option of choosing to install granite kitchen countertops. Long used to enhance and beautify building exteriors, they have made it indoors with dramatic results. There are several benefits to choosing this natural stone counter top over types available in the past and even now. These include:
– granite counter tops add a sophisticated, luxurious appearance to any kitchen. Available in many colors, each and every piece of granite used for counter tops is unique, coming in a wide variety of veins, swirls, and crystal patterns. Unlike dyed synthetic products, granite is uniformly colored throughout the particular piece you may choose. An added advantage is that often the sunlight dances off the small crystals contained in it, the result is minute changes in the appearance of your stone throughout the day, adding to the overall richness and the ambiance in the kitchen.
– kitchen granite countertops are easier to care for and more kid friendly than other surfaces. They are naturally more resistant to staining, resistant to scratching, hot items such as hot pans, griddles, fryers, and toaster ovens placed on your granite counter tops do not create burns or leave char marks on them, and you can roll out dough and do chopping on them. Granite is easy to clean, and plain soap and warm water will do the job perfectly. Unlike other materials, granite is a sanitary countertop material since it does not promote bacteria growth by harboring the germ in pores like synthetic or painted materials do.
– unlike synthetic or painted surfaces, granite kitchen counter tops with minor damage can be repaired without having to replace the entire piece. If another kind of countertop is damaged, chances are the homeowner will have to undergo the added expense of replacing entire surface. In some instances be eager do-it-yourselfer can exact repairs without having to call on the aid of a professional, rendering results that look just as good.
They can be expensive however. While costing a little more initially, granite kitchen countertops are amazingly affordable and more than make up for the initial cost in terms of durability and ease-of-use and luxurious looks. They also add value to your property, especially in terms of resale value. You can very well find that those granite counter tops you are enjoying five years down the road can be a major selling point.
As far as counter top choices are concerned it easy to see why this natural stone choice is so popular among home owners. Choosing it you will enjoy the beautiful looks, strength, durability, ease of maintenance and family-friendly attributes that only a granite kitchen counter top affords.
