Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Why Granite Countertops Are So Popular?

Nowadays, a lot of people opt for granite countertops when renovating their bathroom and kitchen. The same can be said about the people who are buying a home for the first time. They are also liked by the architects and interior designers. There are various reasons behind the popularity and demand of the granite counter tops.

As a matter of fact, Granite is an igneous coarse-grained rock comprising of substances like quartz, mica and feldspar. The unique blend of minerals lends it the durable and tough constitution. It is very hard and can not be scratched easily. The counter tops made from other materials are susceptible to wear and tear. But granite can look fresh even after several years of extensive use.

The mica present in granite slab makes it resistant to heat and temperature. That is why it is ideal to be used in kitchen. People who cook a lot can safely use granite countertops without worrying too much. They need not bother about cracks appearing on the surface owing to hot and steaming foods kept on the surface.

Moreover the granite counterparts are more durable compared to their wooden and ceramic counterparts and they also look nice. The appearance of the granite slabs also play a strong role behind the popularity. The commercial eateries and hotels also use granite for enhancing the look of their premises. Granite lends a touch of elegance and class to any place.

The granite countertops sold in the market are available in a plethora of patterns and colors. A person can choose a color while buying the slabs that complement the color scheme of his kitchen and bathroom. Since each piece of granite rock is different there is almost no chance of buying a common design. The cost can vary on factors like polishing and overall finish. But the quality does not vary.

Granite countertops are easier to clean as compared to other countertops. They need to be cleaned by a soft cloth and a mild soap solution would serve the purpose. There is no need to spend money in expensive cleaning products. With regular care and cleaning the granite countertops can last for many years in immaculate condition. Using a good quality sealant will enhance its life.

There are some people who still use the laminated and marble countertops. However, these materials have some drawbacks. While laminate is cheap its durability is poor compared to that of granite. It also gets affected by staining, crack and scratching faster.

Marble also has its share of limitations. It is vulnerable to staining, dulling and scratching. Hence, a person who chooses marble counter tops may have to end up spending a lot on maintenance. Using oily foods with a marble countertop can be problematic. The products with acid in the composition can also erode marble. This can become a serious problem over prolonged use. The cost of marble is also higher compared to granite. Therefore, granite outperforms both the alternatives by a large margin.

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