How to Install Coutnertops: Granite Countertops 101?

Answer 1

Kitchen owners everywhere are opting for granite countertops. All natural stone, granite is gaining popularity by leaps and bounds. Why is granite such a top choice for countertops these days?

Made from natural stone, granite offers many benefits starting with heat resistance. A hot pan does not bother a granite countertop one bit, ever. This is handy in that there is no mad dash for a protective pad to toss down when a hot pan is in hand. Offering an always cool surface, granite is also ideal for those who spend a lot of time baking in the kitchen.

Granite countertops are on the expensive end of the price range, but are proving over and over to be more than well worth the cost. This high end pricing happens in part because of the intensive labor involved in removing the granite from the quarry, cutting it to specifications and installing it in the kitchen. Once sealed, this type of material only requires a once-a-year resealing in the way of maintenance. This sealing of the granite countertops ensures a virtually stain and scratch-free surface that lasts for a long, long time.

When working in the kitchen with a granite countertop, it is not a good idea to cut food items directly on the granite slab. While the granite has no problem handling the mess, being that it will not scratch or stain, the knives are another matter and could possibly become dull. This is an easy fix in that a simple cutting board can be put down to avoid the knives being in contact with the granite surface.

Once the decision is made to install a granite countertop, it will pay to visit reputable granite dealers to learn about the material, the available colors and the price ranges. Installing granite countertops in the kitchen has been shown to increase a home’s resell value by as much as ten percent. In this current economy, that is a big increase and a great help. However, the installation must be done by professionals experienced in granite countertops, for this is not a project for the home DIY fan.

The expense and effort are all worthwhile in the beauty and durability of a quality granite countertop in the kitchen.