Questions and Answers About Granite Installation

Will a granite installation be the right one for your kitchen or bathroom? What are the facts about granite countertops? How does granite compare with other modern countertop materials? If you're remodeling and thinking about adding granite to your home, these are just a few of the questions you may have about it. So before you make the big decision about what material to use for your countertop or vanity, consider the following answers to basic questions about this valuable stone.

Will my granite installation be durable?
Granite is one of the hardest rocks on the planet. Only diamonds beat it for strength. If taken care of properly, granite is highly scratch and stain resistant. Granite is also naturally heat resistant. It remains cool on its own, making it safe to set hot pots or pans directly onto it (thought it's not recommended). Its natural coolness also makes it great for rolling out pastry dough like cookies or biscuits. And because granite is immune to mildew or mold, you'll never have to worry about water damage.

Is granite safe for a kitchen?
You may be surprised to learn that granite is one of the safer countertop materials for kitchens. For one thing, granite will never develop mold or mildew issues. And it has been shown to be 150 times more resistant to bacteria than other popular materials, including laminate and tile. In fact, according to The Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management, granite is second only to stainless steel for cleanliness. You won't have to worry about bacteria going amuck in your granite installation.

Is granite difficult to clean and maintain?
Granite does require regular maintenance and care but it's not as fussy as you might think. If you consistently wipe down the countertop with mild dish detergent and keep on top of spills, the care of your granite installation will be minimal. Aside from daily cleaning, granite countertops should be sealed once a year or less, and it's recommended to wipe them down with stone cleaner regularly. But basically, if the countertop is kept clean, problems will be few.

Is granite cost effective?
Granite countertops are an investment but depending on the type of granite you choose, it may be comparable to other materials available. However, choosing a granite countertop is one investment that will pay you back. If granite countertops are properly cared for and maintained, they will last for years. So instead of replacing cheaper countertops over and over, you'll have one granite installation that will no doubt still be there when you've moved on. And adding quality materials like granite to your home adds to its value and can be a perk to buyers.

As you can see, granite is a reasonable choice for kitchens and bathrooms in all types of homes. It’s durable, bacteria resistant, maintains value over time, and is a relatively carefree material. If you want to add value to your home with a quality, natural material, make the choice of a granite installation.