When it comes to home remodeling or renovations, granite is one of the most popular options for the majority of the households. Its rich and natural beauty truly elevates the overall value and aesthetics of your home. You can have this mineral for your granite kitchen countertops and granite bathroom countertops.
Despite its timeless beauty and elegance, there are still setbacks from using granite but it does not induce a great reduction in its overall quality. Like quartz, granite’s main gripe is its hefty price but there are already few suppliers who offer cheap granite countertops.
What is Granite
This mineral is an igneous rock which is composed of feldspar, mica, and around 20 percent quartz. It is mostly mined in various countries such as Italy, China, Brazil, India, and Norway. Meanwhile, Barre, Vermont is the largest granite mine in the United States.
In terms of texture or finish, you have an array of an option applicable to granite. This mineral can have a polished, honed, brushed or sandblasted finish. The choice greatly depends on where you plan to have your granite slab installed in your kitchen and bathroom.
To learn more about this magnificent stone, stay tuned and read through the entire section of our article. We will be discussing several ideas and topics regarding granite.
Granite Countertops Pros & Cons
Have you done your research about the benefits and drawbacks of granite countertops? Like any other materials for your countertops and home renovations, granite has its beauty and flaws that you need to know and accept. Understanding the holistic nature of this mineral is important so that you won’t regret choosing this for your countertops.
Granite Countertops Pros
- Green Material – Granite countertops are 100 percent recyclable and durable mineral. However, its supply is not as abundant as quartz and other man-made minerals used for countertops.
- Resistive to Heat – Considering this mineral is an igneous rock, so it is used to extreme heat and pressure. When you place hot objects like pans on top of your granite kitchen countertops, you cannot see any burnt black spot on its surface.
- Resistant to Scratches – Based on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, granite countertops are on the seventh scale (1-10 scale 1-weakest while 10-hardest). This is also the main reason why it has excellent durability.
- Seamless for Huge Slabs – When you choose a large granite slab for your granite kitchen countertops, there will be no seams at all. However, for smaller slab sizes, you can expect 2 to 3 seams. Meanwhile, if your countertops are angled in a different direction, then expect a seam as well.
- Best for Undermount Sink – Your granite bathroom countertops and granite kitchen countertops are best paired with an under-mount sink. This is highly recommended because you can wipe off liquids and spills directly into the sink without being caught by its lip.
- Backsplash – Aside from being a good material for your countertops, granite also suits best for backsplashes. If the color and texture are paired with your countertop, it creates a continuous and seamless appearance.
- Chemically resistive – Aside from being heat and scratch proof, granite countertops also has excellent resistance against chemicals. However, we still recommend you to avoid acidic cleaning agents as it can remove the thin film covering and maintaining the sealing properties of granite.
Granite Countertops Cons
- Price – The price of granite countertops varies based on its quality – low, medium and high. The estimated price for cheap granite countertops is around $35 to $55 per square foot.
Meanwhile, the price for the high-quality grade granite countertop is between $125 to $200 per square foot. If you want a cheaper one, you can go for a granite tile countertop.
- Limited Color Variations – Unlike synthetic minerals, granite countertops has fewer options for color variety. The design and veinings are outstanding despite its scarcity in options. The typical variety you can have is white granite countertops and black granite countertops. There are also blue granite countertops that you can have for your kitchen and bathroom renovations.
- Sealing Maintenance – Granite countertops are naturally porous which puts it at risk for growth of bacteria, molds, and mildew inside its mineral pores. Likewise, this innate porous nature of granite makes it susceptible to stains. To resolve this issue, you need to have annual or semi-annual sealing maintenance on your granite bathroom countertops and granite kitchen countertops.
Granite Countertop Maintenance
Unlike other natural stones, granite countertops require low cleaning and maintenance. The most important thing you need to secure before granite countertop installation is its sealing process. When your granite counter is properly sealed, there will be zero worries about stains, and growth of bacteria and molds.
Meanwhile, for your daily cleaning regimen for granite countertops, you can simply use a non-abrasive cloth, water, and mild or neutral pH cleaning solution. Dilute your cleaning solution in water and place that inside a spray bottle. After, you can spray a substantial amount on the countertop surface and wipe it with a non-abrasive cloth.
After your application of dilute cleaning agent, you can rinse that with water and wipe dry with a clean and soft cloth. Make sure no soap solutions are left on the surface as it can create water rings or marks on your granite counter.
Are Granite Countertops Worth It
If you are looking for a premium quality natural stone to increase the overall value of your house and its beauty, then choosing granite countertops will be your best option. It has reliable durability and resistance against scratches, heat, and stains.
In terms of design, the natural veinings and specks around its surface provide a dramatic appearance which creates a luxurious impact to your home remodeling. Then again, before choosing to invest in this premier natural stone, you have three things to consider to make it worthwhile.
1 Is your house considered a high-end real estate property?
Consult your real estate broker to know if your house is considered a high-value real estate property before moving to granite countertop installation.
If it is a high-end real estate property, then installing granite kitchen countertop and granite bathroom countertop will be a great option for increasing resale value.
2 Speculate on the economic condition of your country or state
If the economic condition in your place or state is in an upward trend, then investing for your granite countertop installation is a good decision. However, if the market condition is declining, it is better to save your money and go for the cheaper materials.
3 Expected Return on Investment
If your house is considered a high-value real estate property, then your luxurious granite kitchen countertops and granite bathroom countertops will provide a substantial increment in its overall resale value.
How much does it cost for granite countertops?
The price per square foot of a granite countertop will depend on its quality level and size. The average price of granite countertops is between $50 to $100 per square foot. The price of cheap granite countertops can range from $15 to $35 per square foot. Meanwhile, the premium grade granite countertops can reach from $125 to $200 per square foot.
How long do granite countertops last?
Compared to other natural stones, granite countertops last longer, more than 100 years. With proper maintenance and cleaning, you can further prolong the useful life of your granite countertops.
The longer life of this natural stone is highly attributed to its innate hardness and resistivity against scratch, heat, and chemicals. The excellent heat resistance of this mineral proved to be useful for your kitchen granite countertops. Meanwhile, for chemical resistivity, it pairs well for your granite bathroom countertops.
Estimated Life Span of Granite Countertops and Other Stones
- Concrete countertops – 20 years
- Laminate countertops – 20-30 years
- Cultured marble countertops – 20 years
- Tile 100 years excluding the accumulation of grim in tile’s grout
- Granite countertops – more than 100 years
What is the cheapest color of granite?
The most popular color choice of granite slabs in the market is black and white granite countertops. However, if you are on a slim budget, the cheapest granite color you can buy in the market are tan and black granite countertops. The main factor for this is the supply and demand of the material.
White and black granite countertops both have high demands in the market. However, Tan and black granite countertops are more abundant compared to the former color. Tan brown granite countertops are approximately $30 to $60 per square foot, while Black granite countertops have a price ranging from $40 to $55 per square foot.
In contrast, a specific example of white granite is White Kashmir Granite Countertops which costs around $200 to $300 per square foot. Looking at their price differences, white granite countertops tend to be 3 to 6 times more expensive than black granite countertops.
Which is better granite vs quartz countertops?
Granite and quartz are the best rivals in the market when it comes to home remodeling. They both have very slight differences in terms of price, quality, hardness, and aesthetics. Bottom line, the last decision will still depend on your preferences, budget, and requirements.
Durability
Quartz is slightly tougher than granite because of its cement-based resin binders.
Design Variations
Quartz has more variations because it is man-made, so customization can be done in the last section of the production process. On the other hand, granite countertops’ design can no longer be changed as it is naturally produced. Nevertheless, you would still see the visible difference between natural and synthetic veinings and color tone.
For those who love the natural and dramatic appearance and veinings, then a granite countertop would best fit the purpose.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Granite requires annual or periodic sealing maintenance to keep its optimal resistance against stains and growth of molds and bacteria. In contrast, quartz no longer requires sealing maintenance as their resin binders provide a complete sealing effect on its mineral pores.
In terms of cleaning regimen, both minerals require low-level cleaning requirements. You just have to use a neutral pH cleaning agent, water, and non-abrasive cloth for cleaning it.
Price
In general, quartz tends to have a higher upfront cost than granite countertops. Quartz has an average cost between $50 to $65 per square foot while granite is around $15 to $35 per square foot. These are the best discount price you can get from these two minerals in the market.
How to take care for granite countertops
It is not complicated to take care of your granite countertops because of its durability and resistivity against heat and chemicals. The main thing you need to do to preserve its overall quality is proper sealing maintenance. With this, you are providing the utmost protection for your granite against stains, bacteria, and molds.
Likewise, to maintain its sealant film you need to keep your granite away from acidic liquids and sharp objects. Despite being resistant to scratches, the film will be peeled off or destroyed when it comes in contact with those sharp objects.
