Are Granite Countertops Good: A Guide for Homeowners
The Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are one of the most popular options when it comes to choosing a new kitchen or bathroom design. But what is the best type of granite selection for your needs? What are some pros and cons of granite that you should know about before making a decision?
Granite is a type of igneous rock that is formed when molten lava cools over millions of years. Because it has had so much time to form, granite comes in many different colors and patterns; some are vibrant with color while others have more earth-toned hues.
Granite counters can be made from the same stone as walls or floors, which means you will not need to choose between matching your kitchen countertop design with either flooring materials or cabinetry (though if desired there may still be an option). Another advantage of using granite for your new counters is that they do not require sealing like other options such as marble does. This feature alone makes them very low maintenance compared to similar stones. However, this also means that they require more frequent cleaning and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
Also, because it is made of harder minerals, granite countertops are much more durable than other options.
Another type of stone that can be used for kitchen or bathroom counters is limestone. Limestone has many advantages over granite because they come in a large variety of colors and patterns, which means there will almost always be an option to match any design scheme you may have planned out. They also do not require sealing like marble does so the maintenance involved with this material would also be lower compared to similar stones. There are downsides though; one being that limestones tend to scratch easily if knives or utensils should fall onto them during use (though these scratches can usually be buffed out).