If you are considering changing out your kitchen or bathroom countertops, you might want to consider granite. There are so many choices to consider when it comes to countertops. Granite is quite literally cut directly from the ground, so it is easy to see why each piece varies in color, consistency, and texture. Yours will have a character unlike any other in the world. The majority of granite comes from Brazil, although there are some types of brown granite which originate in China, and other types of granite can come from places like Italy or India. When the granite is mined, the slabs are saw-cut, resin is applied to fill any pits, and the slab is cured in a huge oven. Following the curing process, granite slabs are polished and buffed to bring out their natural beauty.

Many believe nothing can really compare with the beauty of real stone. When you look at the unique veining of granite, it’s the only piece in the world that’s like that. If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing kitchen or bathroom countertop, granite could be the best choice. Granite has a deep, rich beauty, unmatched by most other countertop materials and can take a kitchen or bath to an entirely new level, visually.

There are countless shades of granite so you can find a color which complements the room, adding warmth and depth. Granite’s natural veining is a part of its beauty. Since granite can vary considerably, it is usually a good idea to personally choose your slab rather than looking at photographs. If you’ve decided on granite countertops, the Cincinnati Countertops and Cabinetry by Design team can assist you in choosing the perfect slab.

Perhaps one of the biggest “pros” regarding granite countertops is that each and every granite slab is unique in some way, with its own colors, patterns, and individual lines. This means your granite countertop won’t look exactly like anyone else’s countertop. The uniqueness of each slab piece means there are so many shades and colors you can choose from, making it easy to find one which blends perfectly with your kitchen or bath décor. Granite countertops also can add considerable value to your home and are a big plus should you ever want to sell.

Granite is an extremely hard surface and is much less susceptible to scratches, meaning it can take your normal wear and tear of kitchen use better than most countertops, while also resisting heat fairly well. Granite is very resistant to stains when properly sealed, repelling liquids rather than absorbing them, as long as your granite is properly sealed. We want your granite countertops to maintain its beauty indefinitely, so call one of our professional granite countertop installers from Countertops and Cabinetry by Design to ensure your granite countertop is installed correctly and properly sealed.

Although granite countertops are considered one of the very best counter surfaces, well-known for their beauty and durability, there can be a couple of disadvantages to granite countertops. If your granite countertop is not properly sealed, the porosity of the surface can be a problem. An unsealed granite countertop—or a poorly sealed granite countertop—will absorb liquids such as juice, wine or oil, creating a permanent stain. Bacteria can also be harbored in an unsealed or poorly sealed granite countertop. Some people feel granite—as well as other stone countertop materials—are “cold.” The mass of the stone pulls heat away from the skin, leaving behind the perception that the surface is cold—a phenomenon not everyone is happy with.

Real granite can also break during fabrication, although this is not common. Unlike solid surface (man-made) countertops, a typical granite countertop may have seams, although an experienced Countertops and Cabinetry by Design professional will avoid seams whenever possible. Granite countertops may also cost more than some other types of countertops, usually the difference is based on the availability of the stone. Less common stones are more expensive. Hard to quarry stone, “from high in the mountains” for example will be more expensive.

Let’s look at the differences between granite and quartz countertops first. Granite is extremely hard and is 100 percent natural, mined from quarries, cut to size, then buffed and polished. Quartz countertops are 95 percent ground natural quartz and 5 percent polymer resins. Although granite comes naturally in many colors and patterns, quartz has the look of stone, yet allows homeowners to customize the design.

The price of quartz and granite is roughly equal, with an installation of granite countertops ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 and an installation of quartz countertops ranging from $1,500 to $5,000—all dependent, of course, on the amount of countertop you need, and the specifics of your choice. Quartz is widely considered a bit more environmentally friendly than granite since it is engineered using local fabricators and regionally manufactured stone. This means there’s much less distance to transport quartz than granite. Granite is often quarried out of the country, requiring considerable transportation, which makes the substance less environmentally friendly.

Granite countertops should be cleaned daily with soap and water to avoid stains and ensure the longevity of the product. Quartz countertops do not necessarily need to be cleaned daily, although any spills you make should be immediately cleaned to avoid staining. Quartz is actually a bit more durable than granite because of the non-porous surface, but quartz countertops are more likely to be damaged by heat. In the end, there is simply no duplicating the dramatic mineral deposits, streaks, and veins in slab granite.

When comparing solid surface countertops with granite countertops, solid surface countertops are 33 percent manmade polymers and 66 percent minerals and are not nearly as dense as natural slab granite. Solid surface countertops can be less expensive than granite, and remain a functional, reasonably priced material for those whose budget does not stretch to quartz or granite countertops.