Granite Countertops: An
Overview
by:
Jason Gluckman
Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom
in the demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty
and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home
design, and the durability and easy care of granite countertops keeps them a
favorite for homeowners who are looking into the future. Though adding granite
countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere
choice in upscale homes, as they retain their value better than most other
improvements.
Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth.
Granite is found all over the world. As a preferred material, granite was used
in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient
societies. In the recent past many builders continued to use granite for
pillars and exterior finishes. Stone suppliers didn’t begin experimenting with
polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in
1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at The Great
Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.
Granite makes an excellent medium for countertops, as it is the most durable
of all stones. The hardness of granite is rivaled only by the hardness of
diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite countertops makes it a
favorite of professional and home chefs. Granite can withstand the placement
of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling doughs and
confectionery. The natural beauty of granite countertops complement any tone
of wood or style of cabinetry, from French country to sleek modern styles.
Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room.
A popular choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become
popular with the public. There are literately hundreds of colors of granite,
from variations of white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown
and beige tones are the most popular, as they work well with most any kitchen
color scheme, allowing greater flexibility in redecorating over the years.
Some of the granite colors exhibit "movement," or a design within the natural
color. Movement from large patterns can carry the eye quickly over the surface
of the countertop, while small patterns have a more sedate appearance. The
combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are exactly
the same.
While granite countertops are a favorite choice due to their beauty and
durability, they are not impervious to damage. Regular care includes proper
cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite
hard, it can be easily be chipped. A skilled professional can perform repairs
that are nearly invisible.
Granite countertops can cost more than other countertop materials. The
majority of the cost is not in the stone, but in the quarry work, cutting,
transportation, polishing and installations. It is not recommended that the
do-it-yourself homeowner to take on this project. Despite the strength of
granite, the oversized slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit the counters,
and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to
reinforce the base cabinets, and the slab must be set perfectly level. Failure
to properly set a granite countertop could cause it to break during regular
use.
When a homeowner desires the utility of granite countertops, but is unable or
unwilling to pay a premium, discounted granite for countertops may be a good
option. Retailers maintain groupings or tiers of stone based on popularity of
color and movement. Lower tiered cuts of stone maintain the consistent
characteristics granite is known for, but the shade of a color may vary
according to current fashion trends. Granite countertops will continue to
remain a favorite of homeowners, architects and interior designers. The
ageless beauty and durability of granite makes it a home improvement treasure
to last a lifetime.
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