Granite Countertops

Granite is a very popular stone to use for a kitchen countertop. It is very durable but does have limitations in color availability. It is after all a natural product and its formation in the earth does not give it the patterned swirls that marble will have. While it will not need it but about once a year, granite does require some maintenance to keep it in good shape. While it is a very dense material, there is a small danger of staining if spills are not cleaned up quickly. This can be prevented with a coating of water based sealant about once a year.

The granite stone, once polished, is heat resistant and can be used as a cutting board without scratching. Temperatures of up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit have been tested on granite kitchen countertops without any dulling of the surface. You can use common household cleaners on polished granite without danger but it is not advised to use abrasive cleaners on it as they can dull the finish over time.

Once you have decided on granite as your new kitchen countertop, you will have to take precise measurements of your cabinets and any sink cutouts that you require. The manufacturer that does the final design work on your granite kitchen counter top will construct wooden frames to these dimensions so as to insure a proper fit. Granite is heavy. At about twenty two and a half pounds per square foot, your average granite kitchen counter top will weigh between 250 and 300 pounds so you should make sure you have reinforced the cabinets it will rest upon.

If you have concerns about using a large single piece of stone for your countertop, you can consider designing your new countertop as a modular unit. With several pieces comprising the whole, you can incorporate the slight differences of the individual pieces as part of the overall motif. A further option that is sometimes used is to create your granite countertop in a tiled motif. You should be aware though that this type of design work brings out the major disadvantage of ceramic tile countertops in that you will have to routinely seal the grouting between the tiles even though the stone itself will be mostly trouble free.

Granite can be used in the bathroom as well as the kitchen and can be utilized in your decor plans for that part of your house as well. Since it is water resistant and not harmed by soap cleaners it can make a stylish addition to your sink top or vanity.