There’s no time like right now to learn more about the many advantages of granite. Are you remodeling soon or undertaking a complete kitchen or bathroom reno? Maybe you’re still in the dreaming process. Whatever your reasons, enjoy this blog that will boost your granite knowledge!
GRANITE THROUGH THE AGES
People have used granite as a construction material for a very long time. The ancient Egyptians were among the first to know the advantages of granite, with famous structures like the Red Pyramid (circa 2590 BC) and the Great Pyramid of Giza (circa 2580 BC), which were once majestically polished works of granite that have withstood thousands of years.
These days, we may not be fashioning granite sarcophaguses fit for a pharaoh in our homes, but we do have many style choices that offer different benefits to fit anyone’s needs. Let’s check granite out some more.
THE BENEFITS OF GRANITE
Any real estate agent will tell you that a home’s value lies in an updated kitchen or bathroom. There’s also tremendous prestige when you have granite countertops installed in these spaces.
Granite slabs get graded on a scale of one to five based on their pattern, color, and thickness. While the advantages of granite thickness are generally worth the expense, you can price out a thinner slab of granite and still get your value back at resale.
If you have a young family or entertain quite a bit in the kitchen, a hard-surfaced granite slab countertop is resistant to both scratches and heat.
STYLES OF GRANITE
Granite is timeless, and with a properly installed and sealed countertop, homeowners will enjoy the long-lasting advantages of granite surfaces for a long time.
There are a few granite styles to choose from:
POLISHED GRANITE
For many years, polished granite countertops remained the most popular countertop of choice in homes and businesses, and quite frankly, polished granite will never go out of style.
But different granite countertop styles are now appearing in design magazines and showrooms, and the great news is, these styles generally offer the same advantages as polished granite.
HONED GRANITE
It’s called “honed granite” because it comes in a matte finish instead of the traditional high gloss of polished granite.
Some people prefer honed granite because its soft, cool-to-the-touch surface is just as durable and resistant to heat and scratches as polished granite. And the low gloss minimizes any tiny imperfections that may befall a well-loved and used countertop over time.
Honed granite and polished granite both come in various color palettes to satisfy any design plans. The resale value of polished or honed granite is one of the most significant advantages of granite.
It’s important to remember to reseal polished or honed granite countertops on occasion to ward off stains.
MODULAR GRANITE
There are advantages to modular granite in that it’s easier to install. Modular granite slabs are considerably thinner, making them less expensive. Most DIY kitchen projects involve modular granite countertops, and better quality modular granite countertops can be scratch-resistant.
Beware of some modular granite countertops that appear to have the advantages of granite because there are disadvantages too. Modular granite is more prone to cracking, it may have visible seams, and it generally only comes in a square, bullnose design, unsuitable for a custom kitchen. Modular granite might not offer the same resale value as honed or polished granites either.
WHITE GRANITE AS A MARBLE ALTERNATIVE
Marble may be the crème de la crème of luxurious materials, but marble comes at a cost, and the truth is, it’s not a cinch to maintain.
If you’re craving the clean lines and chicness of marble, the advantages of a white granite countertop are many. White granite is just as elegant and durable as marble, and it’s easier to maintain too.
Bear in mind that granite comes from the hardest and oldest natural stone. The look and graining of granite occur over thousands of years as molten rocks cooled and solidified.
Because of this, a “pure white” without flecks in the granite doesn’t exist. But that’s another advantage of granite, the variations adding richness and character to your countertop.
A white kitchen remains a timeless favorite, and it fits the needs of anyone looking for a contemporary, sophisticated, or classic style.
WE KNOW THE ADVANTAGES OF GRANITE
Your dream kitchen or bath deserves the finest design, materials, and workmanship. We are professionals who understand your needs, and we pride ourselves on making your dream home plans come true.