Upgrading countertops can be one of the best long-term decisions a homeowner can make. Top -quality countertops tend to be high on most home buyers' lists of demands and therefore, when it comes time to sell the house, homeowners know they will receive more than their money back from countertop renovations.
Natural stones, especially granite, are ideal for building countertops since they are highly-valued by homeowners, buyers, designers and architects. Some natural stones used within the home include:
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Marble;
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Slate;
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Sandstone;
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Travertine;
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Limestone;
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Onyx; and
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Italian granite.
These stones have a variety of uses other than countertops, including:
Italian granite is one of the most preferred choices for countertop materials, mainly because of the stones durability and resistance to elements like heat and staining.
Defining Granite
Granite comes from magma or lava that has long been cooled. This means granite is a type of igneous stone and is found deep under the earth's surface where it undergoes extreme pressure, which is one of the reasons why granite is so strong and durable. In fact, granite's strength is often compared to the strength of a diamond.
Many minerals are found within granite's composition. Each one contributes to its elegant appearance and very unique patterns. Some of these minerals include feldspar, mica, quartz and silica.
Because of granite's composition, no two granite slabs are the same. This uniqueness also adds to granite's allure and value, and in this sense, many perceive granite to be similar to original works of art.
However, granite is more than just a material used to improve the appearance of a space. It is also used to improve the functionality of a space. Granite is surprisingly versatile and practical. Beauty and function is a rare combination, but with granite countertops, homeowners get the best of both worlds.
The Benefits of Granite
Granite is a highly advantageous source of material to work with, especially within a home. Some of its advantages include:
Durability
Granite is a dense stone and, as mentioned above, is almost as tough as a diamond. Compared to other natural stones, granite does wonders to hide organic stains and is far less susceptible to scratching, chipping or etching.
Resistance to Burning or Scorching
Granite is able to handle exposure to temperatures of up to 12,000 degrees Fahrenheit or 6,600 degrees Celsius, making it a great choice for kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds, outdoor fire pits and any other area where heat is present. Homeowners need never worry about char marks appearing on their granite pieces.
Aesthetically Pleasing Appearance with a Flexible Assortment of Finishes
Granite is highly sought after for its pleasing aesthetics, which can vary immensely depending on the type of finishes a homeowner or designer decides to use. Different finishes also change the way a granite piece performs. For instance, honed finishes are often recommended for granite floors, as it helps to diminish the slippery surface of granite. Other finishes include:
Honed finishes give granite a matte surface, which does not get slippery when wet. Polished granite denotes a very elegant quality. Its high-gloss, reflective surface emphasize the colours and patterns of each particular granite piece. For homeowner who can't decide between honed and polished, satin finishes are a great option. Satin finishes are not as glossy in appearance as polished finishes and are not as dull as matte finishes, offering a middle option.