Is Granite Ideal for Making Countertops?

The answer is YES.

Next to diamond, granite comes second when it comes to hardness. This incredible strength only means that it is one of the most long-lasting and durable countertops you can ever have. Granite is also a unique natural stone because a slab’s patterns depends on the presence of minerals and the quarry.

Surely, you can never have a granite countertop similar to your neighbor’s. Also, you will not have any issues in maintaining this type of natural stone because it doesn’t need a lot of attention at all. Granite is scratch, stain, and heat resistant. You won’t worry when someone suddenly places a hot pan on it. The surface will never melt or dull. If you run out of space on your cutting board for vegetables, feel free to use your granite countertop. Your knives will dull but not your granite countertop.
What are the Types of Finishes for Granite Countertops?

These strong and attractive countertops are finished with various effective techniques:

• Polished. This is easy to clean and maintain. It also provides a mirror-like, shiny appearance to the countertop’s surface, adding more elegance and radiance to your kitchen or bathroom.

• Honed. Now becoming more popular, honed finishes gives your space a sense of casualness while still retaining that timeless elegance and uniqueness.

• Flamed. When granite is subjected to high levels of heat, it melts and then solidifies into crystals. This is a rough, non-slip surface finish, which some homeowners like.

How is Granite Best Maintained?

It is known that granite is extremely easy to clean and maintain. You only need to have it sealed once every twelve months. The professional installer will perform the initial sealing during installation. This is a vital step because granite is still a porous material. With the help of an effective sealant, it will not absorb moisture or stain right away. You can also maintain it by wiping it every day with a soft, clean cloth. If there is dirt or any type of spill, clean it with a neutral cleaner. Feel free to ask the installer what type of cleaner doesn’t strip off the sealant, and maintains the integrity of the granite.

What is a Granite Countertop’s Typical Lifespan?

Investing in granite countertops is considered a one-time expenditure because once it’s installed in your home, it will stay there for the rest of your life.

What are the Colors Available for Granite?

You can never go wrong with the myriad colors and styles available for granite countertops. It will always have that lasting hues and luster. Choose the appropriate colors to complete your interiors and make your dark spaces brighter.

What are the Different Thickness Levels for Granite Countertops?

Here are the popular thickness measurements available for granite countertop slabs:
• 1 ¼ thickness (3cm). This is the most well-known thickness, which has an ideal weight of 18 to 19 lbs. With this thickness, you won’t have to strengthen it with plywood.
• ¾ thickness (2 cm). The general weight for this is 12 to 13 lbs, but you still need to reinforce it.

How Much Does a Granite Countertop Installation Cost?

There are many factors (size, color, thickness, cut) that can influence the cost of the granite countertop installation. On average, a granite countertop installation can set you back 2,500 USD to 4,000 USD. This usually includes cutouts for cooktops and sinks. It could cost even more depending on the type of granite you pick.

Is it Possible to Prevent Seams on a Granite Countertop?

Seams are impossible to avoid or prevent especially is you want to attach two slabs. Even so, there are certain ways to make them less obvious. One effective way is to simply hide them. You can also have the seam at a diagonal, which makes it more difficult to spot.

What Granite Edges are Available?

Below are the available edges for granite countertops:
• Straight
• Double bull nose (best for homes with children)
• Eased
• Ogee
• Bevel

What Happens in During a Granite Countertop Installation?

A highly-trained professional should install your granite countertop because the installation requires accurate measurements and proper sealing. If you do it yourself and you make an error, it would set you back a lot more just to make the corrections. The granite countertop manufacturer usually does the hard work.