Thirty years ago, you might not have ever seen granite countertops in someone’s home. However, granite countertops have been on the rise since the late ’90s, and now it’s difficult to see a home without them.
Obviously, granite countertops look great – otherwise, people wouldn’t want them installed in their homes so frequently.
Looks aren’t the only important thing when thinking about installing new countertops, though. In fact, thinking of the pros and cons of your desired countertop materials may be more critical than how they look.
Don’t worry: you don’t have to become a stone expert overnight in order to weigh pros and cons. We’ve got you covered there.
Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives of installing kitchen granite countertops.
Pros of Kitchen Granite Countertops
First, let’s look into why so many people want granite countertops in their kitchens.
Durability
While it would be amazing if we could put countertops in and never dirty them, the unfortunate reality is that kitchen counters see a lot of wear and tear on a daily basis.
This means that purchasing kitchen granite countertops, which are durable in multiple different ways, become a time-worthy investment.
Granite is naturally heat-resistant and stain-resistant, meaning that it can stand up to boiling-hot pots, spilled food, and even a child’s creative magic marker drawings.
Generally, most people consider granite to be a low maintenance countertop, meaning that repairs and replacements will not be necessary for most of the counter’s lifespan.
Knowing that your counters will last a long time makes the initial investment a lot easier to stomach.
Visual Appeal
Comparing the pros and cons of kitchen granite countertops would be impossible without mentioning the unique look of granite.
Each granite countertop is unique, considering the fact that it’s a natural material. This means that you can have a one-of-a-kind countertop without breaking the bank.
Additionally, while the color spectrum is limited by what occurs in nature, granite boasts a fairly impressive range of colors from light to dark.
This makes it a breeze to pick out a kitchen granite countertop that you’ll love and that will complement your home.
It’s no wonder so many people are picking them up!
Added Value
Because granite countertops last for a long time and look so beautiful, they are not only an investment in your life but in the overall value of the home as well.
This goes doubly so if your choice of granite is exotic or hard to find.
Be careful, though – while granite turns lots of homebuyer heads, it’s important to make sure it’s installed correctly and competently.
All Natural
Unless it’s a fake laminate, granite is an all-natural countertop product, making it attractive for people who want a more “green” kitchen.
Granite isn’t produced in a factory or plant, making it a responsible choice in terms of emissions and chemical use.
This also means that there’s less of a chance of contaminants from fake countertops making their way into your food.
Cons of Kitchen Granite Countertops
Now that we’ve looked at why kitchen granite countertops are so great, let’s take a look at why they may not be the best choice for everyone.
Cost
While it is true that granite countertops can raise the value of your home, it can be difficult to make the initial investment for some.
It’s not impossible to find granite on a budget. However, budget granite typically means paying for lower quality, which defeats the point of granite in the first place.
After all, you want granite countertops to last a long time.
Granite should generally run you anywhere from $45 to $200 per square foot, depending on the color and quality. This price may cause some to balk away from granite and go for a more budget alternative like soapstone or laminates.
Porosity
Kitchen granite countertops can be porous, especially if they are installed poorly.
What this means is any liquids that get on the granite can seep into its small holes, causing stains over time. This becomes an even larger issue when those liquids cause an outgrowth of bacteria.
However, this problem is entirely avoidable if the right people are chosen for the job.
It’s also a good idea to get countertops resealed every year. While this may seem high maintenance, sealing is a fairly painless process and can even be done on your own.
Not So Seamless
Because granite is a natural material, it comes in large pieces called slabs. A typical kitchen counter, depending on size, will be made up of more than one slab, meaning that the surface won’t always look seamless.
This can be a make-or-break moment for some. After all, seams aren’t the most attractive feature to look at in your new kitchen countertops.
Luckily, people have come up with lots of ways to hide those seams. For instance, you can get a custom epoxy to fill in the seams, making it look as though there were no seams in the first place.
Sustainability Concerns
While granite is a natural material, its sustainability has been questioned by many people because it takes a long time to form in nature.
So while it is a “green” choice, it might not be the most environmentally conscious choice.
There’s good news in all this, though – quarries have taken steps towards greater sustainability and responsible quarrying, meaning that granite is still a great choice for anyone thinking of making their kitchen a little more environmentally friendly.
Now What?
Now that you know the pros and cons of kitchen granite countertops, you may be asking yourself what the next steps are.
Lucky for you, you don’t have to worry about doing your countertop renovation by yourself. We have a massive selection of products that you can see for yourself if you’re having trouble making a decision.
You can also browse our inspiration section for some samples of countertops that you could potentially have in your own kitchen.