7 Dos and Don’ts of Designing With Granite

1. DO Use Granite Where Function Counts
Granite is perfectly functional as well as attractive. Years of use prove it wears well over time, even in high-traffic zones of the house. Granite works great for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and tabletops. Instead of having to choose between function and style you get both when you choose granite.

2. DON'T Hide Granite
Granite is an investment and you should enjoy it. So don't just tuck granite away in the guest bathroom or as the rarely-used dining room table. Exploit it for your own enjoyment in the master bathroom as a vanity top or sink. Wrap your kitchen countertops in granite. Pull out the granite tabletop for your everyday eating area or use it as a desktop instead. Granite is too lovely to bury where you'll never benefit from it.

3. DO Take Granite Outside
A little surprised by this suggestion? Well, granite medallions make a perfect outdoor decoration. They're designs laid out on one larger tile and install on the floor or on walls. A medallion would make a nice artistic touch to a patio walkway, a path through a garden, a garden wall, or even the bottom of the pool. It would be a unique use of the stone, one that both you and your guests will enjoy.

4. DON'T Relegate Granite to Kitchen Countertops
While kitchen countertops are an outstanding use of granite, it's not the only place to add it in your home. Entryways and foyers, bathrooms, dining rooms, home offices, patios, and even pools leave open several options for granite. If you really love the stone, use it in different ways throughout your home.

5. DO Choose Natural Over Fake
There are many man-made stone replicas today and you may assume they're less expensive and more durable than natural stones like granite. Well, not necessarily. Overall, man-made stones like DuPont Zodiaq® cost just as much as the real thing and aren't necessarily any more durable than granite or other natural materials. If you want stone, then choose the real thing over the man-made.

6. DON'T See Granite As Temporary
Granite has been used for centuries for all types of construction and design work. It endures whether in the form of a building or sink. So don't view it as a temporary fix or as something that you'll change in the near future. View granite as a wise investment that will be with you for years to come, will add value to your home, and will be enjoyed by your family and guests each and every day.

7. DO Improve the Value of Your Home With Granite
Granite countertops, bath vanity tops, and other granite additions to your home will increase its value to buyers. But don't overlook the value it adds to your living conditions now. Even if you don't sell for years, if ever, you will benefit by having this quality piece of natural art in your life.

So look at granite, whether you install countertops, medallions, sinks, or otherwise, as a quality investment that will age well and add value to your home and life.