Why Granite is So Popular

You may know one or more people in your social circle or family who have granite in their homes. You may have either opted to install granite yourself, or moved into a home where granite countertops or other granite pieces already existed. That may have even been a perk for choosing your home. Have you ever thought why granite is so common? You no doubt have your theories, and they may include the following four reasons.

Granite is popular because...
It's a classic. Granite countertops, and in fact, granite as a building material, seem to be as old as time. More often than not when you find quality building materials in a home, granite is among them. Especially popular for kitchen countertops and bath vanity tops, granite has proven to be practical and beautiful over years of use. The familiar graining and versatile color palettes seem to make a house a home instantaneously. Really, when you see a granite countertop in all its glory, you don't doubt why it's considered a classic material.

It's practical. It can be rare with more modern man-made materials to find that beauty and function merge. Not so with natural granite. One of the main reasons it works its way into houses, modern and ancient, is because it holds up so well. Considering that granite is cut from the sides of mountains, you would think it would be durable. But even after intense polishing and fabricating to make it countertop-ready, granite still maintains its solidarity underneath. The solid, side-of-a-mountain qualities come in quite handy in a busy kitchen or bathroom. Almost unbreakable, granite is also scratch, stain, and mildew-resistant. The natural coolness also finds function in the kitchen, making it perfect for baking especially. And granite is sanitary, highly resistant to harmful bacteria.

It's versatile. There are very few materials that go with almost every style of kitchen or bathroom. Granite is one of them. The natural stone look blends with most design tastes but the sheer amount of colors to choose from certainly helps. From low-profile browns and tans to stunning reds and emeralds, granite can work with almost any style of kitchen. Whether your taste is more traditional with crown moulding and white cabinets, or more industrial with flat-paneled cabinets and stainless steel appliances, granite will not only coordinate but enhance the look.

It's valuable. When renovating, the goal is often twofold: to improve the home's appearance and to raise its market value. Nothing fulfills both goals like granite countertops. For as long as you live in your home, you'll adore your granite countertops. But should you ever sell, they will work in your favor to appeal to a wide network of buyers. A finished kitchen is a prize for homebuyers and the better quality materials, the higher bids you'll receive. So granite can be a perk today but also in the future should you choose to sell your home.

These are just a few basic reasons granite is such a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom design. There are few materials, natural or synthetic, that combine beauty and function so flawlessly to create a classic, practical, versatile, and valuable product. If it isn't already, granite is sure to be a classic and a standard in your home very soon.