Read This Before Buying Granite Countertops

Ufema Contracting hopes everyone had an amazing Fourth of July! While most of the blog posts are tailored to specific renovations, we don’t often analyze the materials involved. We have articles involving windows, doors, roofs, bathrooms, and kitchens, but countertops are an important aspect of any bathroom and kitchen renovation. Homeowners have numerous options to choose from, including granite, butcher block, marble, laminate, quartz, and even concrete. Granite will be the today's topic as it’s very popular and commonly found in kitchens throughout the world.

What is Granite?

Granite is a stone which is mined in many parts of the world, including the United States and China. After the rock is mined, it’s then cut into slabs to be transported to suppliers and contractors who will slice the slab into precise dimensions for your kitchen. Granite is available in different patterns and colors, although black, white, and brown/tan are the most common. White and black granite is favored since its appearance is very similar to marble. Granite patterns can be described as “veins” or “dots” depending on the specific slab. Each slab is unique with its own unique pattern. Like anything, granite has its pros and cons.

Pros

Granite is a stone with considerable pros and slightly fewer cons. Nothing is perfect, but granite is popular for a reason. The biggest pro of choosing a granite countertop is the durability that it provides. Since it’s one of the hardest stones, granite is extremely durable, and will last many years. Another benefit of this stone is that it’s easy to clean. Everyone loves a kitchen countertop that doesn’t stain easily. Using a mild soap when washing will ensure your granite is clean. The final benefit of granite that we’re discussing is its resale value. Compared to butcher block and laminate, a granite countertop will increase the value of your home.

Cons

Having granite does come with a few drawbacks as well. First, it’s a tremendously heavy stone. If you're only replacing your countertop, seek professional guidance to see if your kitchen cabinet material and design can support the weight. While granite does look amazing, it’s not affordable for everyone. The cost of a natural stone can quickly add up, especially if you pick a rare color/pattern. Lastly, granite requires periodic sealing in order to keep its low-maintenance quality. Failure to seal the stone can result in stains and cracks.

We can’t say for certain if the pros and cons of granite are worth the price, but its popularity shows that many homeowners feel it is. Granite is a great choice for those who wish to change their kitchen countertop and those who are completely renovating their kitchen. Don’t forget that each renovation should be discussed with a professional who can make sure the proper design and building codes are met for the job. If you have any questions regarding a potential construction project, please request an estimate or give us a call at (978) 771-7936 to discuss your next project.