Whether you’re remodeling your home or having a new house built, one of the biggest decisions about your kitchen and bathroom will be about what type of countertops to install. There are a number of excellent choices, including quartz, tile, natural stone, and many others. Among natural stone countertops, granite is one of the most popular choices. Granite is beautiful, durable, easy to care for, and instantly adds value to a home — but it comes at a price.
If you love the elevated look of granite counters but are unsure of whether they’re worth the cost, you’re not alone. In fact, many other people have the same question. When you compare granite side by side to many other countertop materials, you’ll see why it is a superior choice and may very well be worth the investment for your home and family.
Durability
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones on Earth, which makes it exceptionally durable. It’s resistant to heat, bacteria, scratches, and stains when sealed properly, so it performs very well in even the most heavily-used kitchens and bathrooms. You can set hot pots and pans directly on granite counters without worrying about whether the heat will compromise or weaken the granite in any way, whereas with other materials, such as quartz, heat damage is a major concern. You can also prepare food directly on granite countertops, because cutting won’t scratch them (though your knives may need to be sharpened regularly!) and certain foods won’t easily stain or damage them, unlike marble counters.
Virtually maintenance-free
A valid concern many people have when considering granite countertops is what type of maintenance they require. Some materials are notoriously high maintenance, but granite is not. Granite is a porous stone, which means it can stain, but protecting it with a high-quality sealant prevents this and keeps the surface looking glossy. Most granite counters today are pre-sealed, meaning they are either sealed by the fabricator before installation or sealed when they’re installed. If you have granite countertops that did not come pre-sealed, or if you aren’t sure whether or not they were, Wholesale Granite Direct can recommend a sealant that’s safe and specifically for use on granite or connect you with a professional who will come to your home and seal your counters.
There are several different types of granite sealant, ranging from water-based spray sealants that require application every six months to heavier-duty, solvent-based sealants that penetrate the granite much deeper and provide years of protection.
Cleaning granite countertops is simple as well. While there are many specialty granite-specific cleaners available, all you really need is mild soap and water. Granite can be scratched, so use a soft cloth, such as a microfiber towel, for cleaning instead of a sponge or scrubbing pad. Using the cloth, gently scrub the counters with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, then rinse thoroughly with another clean, damp cloth. It’s important not to use vinegar, Windex, Lysol, or any other conventional cleaning products that contain bleach, ammonia, or other abrasive ingredients, as these can dull the finish of granite counters and break down the sealant.
If you do encounter an occasional stain on your granite counters — which, let’s face it, is inevitable — simply create a paste made of baking soda and water. Spread the paste over the stain and let it dry, which may take a couple of days. Once dry, clean the area with warm water. It may take a couple of rounds of doing this to completely remove stubborn stains, but it’s highly effective.
Significant impact
The average complete kitchen or bathroom remodel costs upwards of $22,000, according to HomeAdvisor. However, simply replacing your countertops can give the illusion of a fully-updated kitchen. Think about it: If your home has original countertops, or if the counters are made of builder-grade laminate or tile, they likely look dated — perhaps even more so than they actually are. Since the counters are the focal point of most kitchens, especially those with islands, replacing them can have a tremendous impact and make the kitchen look much more modern. Further, many top real estate agents across the country say that homes with granite countertops can be listed at higher prices and tend to sell faster than homes without this desirable feature.Wholesale Granite Direct serves the entire Dallas–Fort Worth area and offers hundreds of granite colors and designs. We offer wholesale prices directly to our customers, and we even have a virtual granite visualizer on our website. Once you’ve decided granite countertops are the way to go, or if you have any questions at all, contact us or give us a call at (817) 962-2616. We look forward to helping you make your dreams a reality!
