Polished granite countertops have become the favored choice of builders and owners of upscale homes. Although granite has been around since the formation of the earth, it wasn't until the late 1800's that the use of polished granite started being used for tables and counters in the homes of affluent owners.
The wide range of colors and variety of flowing patterns gave granite countertops an aesthetic appeal like nothing previously available. Its natural beauty gave a room a feeling of elegance that could only be expected in the finest homes.
Today, granite is quarried in most parts of the world, and variations in the mineral content have expanded the choice of colors and patterns into the thousands. Your local supplier probably won't have thousands in their inventory, but if they are a serious supplier, they will likely have several hundred varieties to choose from.
Another thing that is appealing about granite countertops is its durability. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones in existence. It doesn't chip easily and when properly installed, is not likely to crack. Heat from pots and pans don't usually cause any harm, but most experts agree that it is always best to use a trivet just in case. The use of knives will not cause any damage to the granite itself; however they can scratch the polished finish. Scratched finishes can be polished smooth again, but the use of a cutting board is recommended.
Granite countertops are very easy to care for. In the early days you would have had to be especially concerned about staining. Natural granite is porous and if something spilled, it could result in a noticeable stain. Today, specially formulated granite countertop sealers are applied by the installers, and periodic resealing prevents staining. Still, it is always best to wipe up any spills promptly, just to be safe. Normally you can clean granite countertops with mild dishwashing liquid and a rinse with plain water.
Granite countertops are no longer just for the wealthy. While they are still one of the more expensive options, they are much more affordable than in the past. Producing granite is labor intensive. The stone slabs are cut at the quarry site, and then they have to be shipped, polished, and cut to the final size and shape, with cut outs for sinks and faucets. And, it can take three or more workers to set the countertop in place. But the use of modern tools and methods has reduced some of the expense.
On the plus side, even though granite countertops are expensive, it is one of the few investments in your home that can return two to three times the cost if you decide to sell your home. It will often make the difference in making a quicker sale as well. On the other hand, if you don't plan on selling your home for a long time, the cost is insignificant when averaged over the years. And, properly maintained granite countertops can still look great after fifty years.
The wide range of colors and variety of flowing patterns gave granite countertops an aesthetic appeal like nothing previously available. Its natural beauty gave a room a feeling of elegance that could only be expected in the finest homes.
Today, granite is quarried in most parts of the world, and variations in the mineral content have expanded the choice of colors and patterns into the thousands. Your local supplier probably won't have thousands in their inventory, but if they are a serious supplier, they will likely have several hundred varieties to choose from.
Another thing that is appealing about granite countertops is its durability. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones in existence. It doesn't chip easily and when properly installed, is not likely to crack. Heat from pots and pans don't usually cause any harm, but most experts agree that it is always best to use a trivet just in case. The use of knives will not cause any damage to the granite itself; however they can scratch the polished finish. Scratched finishes can be polished smooth again, but the use of a cutting board is recommended.
Granite countertops are very easy to care for. In the early days you would have had to be especially concerned about staining. Natural granite is porous and if something spilled, it could result in a noticeable stain. Today, specially formulated granite countertop sealers are applied by the installers, and periodic resealing prevents staining. Still, it is always best to wipe up any spills promptly, just to be safe. Normally you can clean granite countertops with mild dishwashing liquid and a rinse with plain water.
Granite countertops are no longer just for the wealthy. While they are still one of the more expensive options, they are much more affordable than in the past. Producing granite is labor intensive. The stone slabs are cut at the quarry site, and then they have to be shipped, polished, and cut to the final size and shape, with cut outs for sinks and faucets. And, it can take three or more workers to set the countertop in place. But the use of modern tools and methods has reduced some of the expense.
On the plus side, even though granite countertops are expensive, it is one of the few investments in your home that can return two to three times the cost if you decide to sell your home. It will often make the difference in making a quicker sale as well. On the other hand, if you don't plan on selling your home for a long time, the cost is insignificant when averaged over the years. And, properly maintained granite countertops can still look great after fifty years.
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