5 Reasons to Choose Granite when Remodeling

Remodeling your kitchen is not only a huge investment it is also full of choices and decisions to be made.  If you are thinking about, debating or just curious about having granite in your kitchen this blog is for you.

1. Value

Many homeowners who are considering a kitchen remodel may think that granite is too pricey. When you consider its value over time, however, the extra cost is usually worth it.

By adding granite countertops to your kitchen, you are not only improving that space, but you are also adding value to your whole home. Granite will also never depreciate in value, so your investment now will payoff in the long run.

2. Appearance

Granite is a natural occurrence of interlocking mineral crystals of usually feldspar and quartz that is mined from the earth in large slabs. These slabs are then cut and polished until they are ready to shine in your new kitchen.

Coming from nature, there are no two slabs of granite that look exactly the same. Installing granite countertops means that your kitchen will have a luminous look that is unique to your home.

3. Cleanliness

A polished granite countertop is a thing of beauty and also has the benefit of being resistant to bacterial contamination. With granite countertops you can prepare food without worry. If something does get on the countertops you can easily clean them with a little bit of warm water mixed with detergent.

4. Strength

In addition to being strong against bacteria, granite is also strong against heat and abrasions. Granite is formed underground in a process that involves extreme heat and pressure. This makes granite countertops resistant to any damage from placing a hot pan or pot directly on the counter surface. With granite, your counters will also be resistant to scratches and chips, but be careful of any powerful direct contact (such as from a meat cleaver).

5. Stain Resistance

The kitchen can be a messy place and accidents do happen, that’s why you want a countertop that will be resistant to stains. Granite is naturally moisture-resistant and is less likely to stain than some other popular counter materials, but it is a porous rock and, if not treated correctly, will also stain.

Sealed Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are a hot commodity for any house or business. They bring a level of elegance and beauty unparalleled to any other substance, yet there are a few things every homeowner and business owner should keep in mind when implementing new granite countertops.

Having sealed granite countertops is something everyone should invest in. Due to granite’s porous structure, countertops that are unsealed are vulnerable to permanent staining and scorning. This is especially true for colored liquids, oil, fat, and grease which can cause permanent discoloration.

Looking to replace stained or scorned granite can be very time consuming and expensive which can all be avoided by a proper sealing.

Although, some counters do not necessarily need to be sealed, it’s always a good decision to make anyways in order to reduce the possibility of something unfortunate happening.

Granite sealers can be purchased at any local department store and can range anywhere from $10-$25. Next, be sure to properly clean your countertops before applying the sealer and wait for the surface to be completely dry before applying.

Once applied, most cleaners take a good 6 plus hours before being officially sealed and ready for operation. Make sure to read the instructions on the can because some cleaners can have different time frames.

So, how do you know if your countertops are sealed correctly? Any liquid spilled on the surface of your countertop should immediately “bead up” restricting any liquid from seeping in the granite itself.

Properly sealed granite can last for years and rid owners the worry of any permanent staining, scorning, or discoloration. It’s an exceptionally cheap solution which can prevent a very expensive problem.

Cleaning Granite Countertops: Proper Cleaning Techniques and Advice

For those of you who have the luxury of owning your own granite countertops, you realize and cherish the value of owning a material that is gorgeous, but also effective. Granite is not just used as eye candy, but functions as a heat and scratch resistant countertop and a fairly easy maintenance process.

Maintenance and safe cleaning techniques is very important for any type of countertop, but there are different techniques and methods for every surface material. Granite is a surface that is easy to clean, but requires special care.

 

Detecting dirt and grime on granite countertops is not necessarily an easy task. Make sure to check your countertops first by swiping your hand or a microfiber towel over the surface. We prefer a microfiber towel because they catch dirt and other materials more effectively than paper towels.

Next, apply a ph-balanced cleaner which will reduce streaking and leave a nice polished top. A water and soap combination will work well also, but will leave more streaks and won’t give off a more clear & polished look compared to a ph-based counter cleaner.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Refrain from using window cleaners or bleach on your granite countertops! They have been known to harm sealant and can cause damage to your countertop.

Finally, wipe down the rest of your counters with your microfiber towel and let it dry for a few minutes and your countertops will be open for service.

Following these simple, easy steps will ensure maximum cleanliness and leave your countertops shiny and streak free!