Granite is one of the most elegant choice for a kitchen countertop. It is very easy to clean and will make you proud of your kitchen. Granite countertops add a touch of elegance to any space. This natural material is exceptionally durable, and fits any décor style. The challenge in selecting the right material is that there are so many styles, patterns, and colors that it can be difficult to choose. There are several factors to consider when selecting the right granite countertop. Here are a few reason you’ll want to consider granite for your next project.
EASE OF USE AND FUNCTION
Granite is a very durable and practically maintenance-free product. Granite carries a holocrystalline structure meaning that the crystals that make up the stone don’t fully develop. Instead, these crystals grow into each other making granite extremely durable and giving it the grainy look that granite is named for.
COLOR & DESIGN CHOICES
Because of all the different crystals and formations made within granite, the color can vary quite a bit. The most common colors tend to be black, gray, white, pink, and orange but many other colors will pop up. Granite is made up of mostly quartz, mica, feldspar, hornblende, and biotite. With this large selection of colors to choose from it’s easy to see why granite is one of the most popular materials around.
WHY IS GRANITE GREAT FOR KITCHENS?
This countertop material is an excellent option because of its durability. Since the kitchen is area is considered the heart of the home, there’s a lot of traffic in this space. The counters are an integral part of meal preparation, eating, and other activities. Choosing the best material for your area not only adds beauty, but it also helps increase the value of a home.
Granite’s durability makes it ideal for homeowners to prepare meals directly on the countertop surface. Another factor that make this material suitable for this space is maintenance. When sealed properly, the kitchen surface will resist heat, stains, or cuts. Due to the non-porous surface, it will also resist harmful bacteria making it very sanitary to use.
Some homeowners cringe at the thought of spending a higher amount for granite countertops, but this material lasts longer than others making it a smart investment. The combination of beauty and performance makes them ideal for the heart of the home.
WHAT IS GRANITE ANYWAY?
Granite is a 100% natural igneous rock that forms from slow crystallization below the earth’s surface. The large grains are easily seen with the naked eye and come in a variation of pinks, whites, greys, and blacks. It is composed of several minerals that form a sturdy and beautiful material used in many different residential and commercial spaces.
The material is drilled and chiseled out of quarries in large blocks and then milled into workable slabs for use. With the unique composition, homeowners will have a natural product that adds value and enhances the beauty and elegance of a home’s decor. Whether it is custom-made or precut, this material gives homeowners the design esthetic they need to turn their dull room into a beautiful space.
ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GRANITE?
The short answer to this question is yes. The material is a mixture of minerals and rocks with the primary components, including quartz. Other minerals include feldspar and micas, which make up the color of each slab.
- Santa Cecilia has deep red minerals with quartz, feldspar, and biotite minerals.
- Uba Tuba is mined in Brazil and has a darker color because of the high content of mica.
- Kashmir White is a metamorphic rock composed of feldspar and quartz.
- Venetian Gold combines feldspar, quartz, mica, and dark garnet color.
- Giallo Ornamental has a swirl texture and is primarily white.
- Tan Brown has trace amounts of potassium that gives it a slight pink color.
- Baltic Brown is similar to Tan Brown, except it has larger feldspar grains.
- Black Pearl is a gabbro stone with pyroxene and amphibole.
- Bianco Antico is quartz with flecks of pink feldspar from Brazil.
- Black Galaxy is a medium-grained gabbro with golden flecks.
- Absolute Black is not granite due to its low quartz content. It is considered a gabbro stone.
With the different types of material selections, homeowners have a large variety to choose from when making a selection for their homes.
WHAT IS THE PRICE RANGE FOR A GRANITE COUNTERTOP?
The price of this material can vary depending on how you purchase it. If you are buying a more conventional style, you can expect to pay an average amount of $40 per square foot. The national average is approximately $80 per square foot, and higher-end more exotic materials are upwards of $200. Tiles can run from $10 to $40 per tile and are suitable for a standard space.
WHAT TYPE OF MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?
Cleaning and maintaining this natural material is much easier than many people think. Keeping the beauty and durability of your countertops simply involves having them sealed every 1 to 3 years. This schedule depends on the color and porosity of the stone. Lighter colors tend to be more porous and need sealing more often than darker colors. The better the sealing material, the less often you will have to apply it.
Sealing is not the only way to care for your countertops. Regular cleaning is essential. Ordinarily, hot water and a mild cleanser will do the trick. If you are looking to do more sanitizing, 70% isopropyl alcohol will work. Diluted bleach is safe for sealed tops; however, acidic cleaners such as ammonia, vinegar, or lemon juice will break down the surface of the countertops. Immediately cleaning any spills will help avoid staining.
HOW TO INCORPORATE A GRANITE COUNTERTOP INTO A HOME?
This beautiful natural material comes in many colors, patterns, and styles. Utilizing it in the heart of the home can be done to complement or contrast the decor. Implementing a design flow with darker cabinetry and lighter tops provides a beautiful contrast for an eye-catching appeal. Conversely, using a natural material that complements the flooring and cabinets can be achieved by pairing similar shades of materials. Adding decorative accent pieces allow you to create a pop of color in this beautiful space.
It is always best to consult professionals when designing any area of your home. They have the expertise you need to guide you in making the right selections. From planning to execution, these professionals will help you choose the best materials for your home. We always offer free design an estimates, click here to get in touch with one of our designers.
WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR MY SPACE?
Selecting the material that is best for your space depends on how you intend to use it. The kitchen is usually a high-traffic area. If you have children, you want to select a material that will not stain easily. Choosing a darker color top will allow you to enjoy its beauty and give you a greater appreciation for its durability. Since lighter colors are more porous, they may be more suited for spaces that do not have high traffic.
The natural rich beauty of granite makes it aesthetically pleasing for home spaces. The beauty of this material can make it the focal point of any room. With the variety of colors and patterns, you are sure to find what you like to make your home the showpiece you’ve always wanted. This natural material resists scratches and heat, which makes it the perfect material for your kitchen space. Sealing granite countertops prevents them from absorbing liquids, and it maintains a beautiful appearance through normal wear and tears.
When installing these types of countertops, it is essential to utilize the professional services of contractors local to the Denver area. We have the knowledge and experience to help you plan and design the most critical room in your home.
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