The kitchen is the heart of the home, so having a functional and sophisticated kitchen is a must. Granite may once have only been found in pricier homes, but these days it is much more affordable. Now, anyone can have beautiful and durable countertops to brighten up the kitchen. Available in dozens of styles and colors, granite is an exceptional material for counters in any home.
When you start looking to buy a granite countertop, you may be a little overwhelmed by all the options and information. It is not uncommon for some homeowners to have misconceptions about what they can and cannot do with granite. That is why we have come up with a list of things you should look for when buying granite counters.
Granite Is Not All-Purpose and Indestructible
Here is one of the myths behind granite that need to be busted. Granite is not impervious, and you do not want to think of it that way. Just because granite is durable does not mean you can subject the countertop to all kinds of abuse. For example, granite countertops are excellent for rolling out dough, but you should never chop vegetables and fruits directly on it. The acid from the food could harm the seal on the stone or cause staining. Plus, the hardness of the granite could dull your knives.
Impacts could cause granite to chip, crack, or break if you are not careful. Always take care of your countertops by wiping up spills as soon as you can, using a trivet and cutting board, and having routine maintenance done.
Ask The Fabricator About Seams
Since natural stone cannot be molded or poured perfectly into place, it will need to be cut by a professional granite installer. The space where the countertops are going will be measured prior to the granite being customized for your home. Before this happens, you should discuss the seams with the fabricator. Some people do not mind visible seams in their granite countertop, but you might. Ask where the seams will be located and how noticeable they may be.
Some professional installers will use a specialized machine to minimize the appearance of seams. It is a suction-automated machine that can hold the granite in place, ensuring that any seams produced during installation are not obstructive.
Insist On Thicker Granite
The most common thickness for a granite countertop is around ¾ inches, but these are not the most durable. If you want better longevity and resistance to damage, go for a thicker granite. About 1-inch thick is a good choice. The additional thickness to the slab enhances the overall quality. Yes, you may have to pay more for a thicker granite, but you are getting more of your money’s worth as well.
¾ inch thickness is rather fragile. Even bumping into the counter the wrong way could cause problems. Give yourself some peace of mind by selecting 1-inch instead.
Edges and Finishes Are Important
In order to make your granite countertop look the way you want, there are certain characteristics you can choose, like edges and finishes. You can select whichever edging you want for your counters, but some styles may look better paired with one aesthetic than another. For example, you can go contemporary with a beveled edge. Sometimes, you may choose to match the edging with the details of your cabinets.
Have a professional technician discuss the options with you. Marble Concepts can help you choose which kind of edge is best for your granite countertops.
Another way to change the look of stone counters is the finish. Honed and polished finishes are the most popular for kitchen countertops, but there are a number of finishes available. Polished finishes give granite that mirror-like gleam that makes the colors stand out. Honed has a softer feel, but it can stain more easily and fingerprints show easily.
Natural Imperfections
Since granite is a natural stone, it is bound to have some natural pitting and other imperfections. While such imperfections are part of what gives granite such a unique look, it can be problematic if cracking or other damages occur. Aside from purchasing granite with a thickness of around 1-inch, you need to take care of your countertops.
The good news is that granite countertops do not require tons of maintenance—just the right tools. Make sure to have the right cleaners for granite. Be sure to wipe up any spills, and protect the surface with sealing.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot more to purchasing granite than just pointing to whichever color you want. You need to consider things like the thickness, the edges, finishes, and even the amount of maintenance it requires. Understanding how to care for granite is also important. If you want granite countertops in your kitchen, be sure to keep these things in mind.
Need help choosing your granite or have questions about the fabrication or installation process? Ask us! Marble Concepts is made up of highly trained and experienced professionals. Give us a call or send us a message using the contact form. We will get back to you soon.
