Are you looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom? About to build a new house? Data has shown that consumers and homeowners alike love granite, and this popular trend is not going out of style anytime soon! Most people associate granite with countertops, but this beautiful stone can also be installed as backsplashes, edges, showers, and sinks.
With the proper care, granite can easily last the lifetime of your house. It is a natural stone, and as such it can withstand the wear and tear that causes other kitchen and bathroom materials to deteriorate. Many homeowners are more than willing to pay a little more for granite because they know the value is not going down. They will not need to update the granite components of their house, and granite will allow for a return on the homeowner’s investment upon selling. When compared to materials like concrete, marble, and laminate, granite blows them out of the water in terms of longevity, with the ability to last 100+ years where other materials average a lifespan of around 20 years.
We know choosing the perfect material for your home project is a big decision though, so if you’re thinking about granite, we’ve laid out some pros and cons to consider. When you’re ready to make a decision, give Wholesale Granite Direct a call.
Pros of Granite Countertops
- Unique colors, design, and style (since granite occurs naturally, Mother Nature does all the work and produces beautiful varieties of stone that complement any element in a house)
- Extremely durable and strong (while we don’t recommend banging pots and pans or dropping heavy items on your granite countertops, they are composed of solid, hard rock, so they are pretty sturdy)
- Scratch-resistant (granite is the second hardest material after diamond, so it takes a lot to mark up or nick this material)
- Stain-resistant when sealed appropriately (liquid and food spills can easily be wiped up, and the sealant means nothing will seep into the pores of the stone)
- Resistant to high temperature
- Sanitary when sealed appropriately (sealed granite is easily cleaned and sanitized to ensure no pesky bacteria is hanging around your kitchen or bathroom)
Cons of Granite Countertops
- It’s expensive (according to 2021 cost estimates, granite countertops cost $70–$175 per square foot plus installation costs, compared to tile at $20–$70 per square foot plus installation costs)
- It’s heavy (we’ve determined that granite is in fact a hard, sturdy rock, and as such it’s hefty; because of this, during the installation process, contractors might need to add extra support in the kitchen and/or bathroom to counter the weight)
- Repairs can be difficult and costly (although it is unlikely, accidents happen, and if a portion of a granite countertop, shower, or sink cracks, the entire section needs to be replaced; it’s close to impossible to fix a chip or crack and then match the color and pattern of the rock perfectly)
- You still need to keep on top of cleaning and sealing for optimal performance and longevity
- Some designers feel granite is too natural, as each pattern is unique
Take Care of Your Investment
With any part of your home, the better you take care of something, the longer it’s going to last, and granite is no exception. As you saw in both the pros and cons sections above, although it boasts being a super sturdy material, the proper cleaning and sealing of granite are the keys to its long life. Granite sealant should be applied upon initial installation, and a reseal is recommended every year for optimal care, sanitation, and upkeep. If granite is not properly sealed, stains and moisture are sure to start seeping in, and bacteria will start to form, which is never good in a kitchen or bathroom environment.
Rely on the Experts
Wholesale Granite Direct has been in the granite installation and fabrication business for over 20 years, and we hope you let us help with your next home project. We proudly supply all of the Dallas and Fort Worth Area, so contact us for more information and check out our Kitchen and Bathroom Visualizer links to help with your planning. Granite is one of our favorite home materials, and we’re here to bring it to your kitchen or bathroom design!
