Granite Kitchen Images

Granite Can Be The Perfect Addition To Contemporary Kitchen Designs

When it comes to contemporary kitchen designs, a growing number of homeowners are choosing granite over other kitchen countertop options. Of course, this doesn't necessarily mean that they are the right choice for you.

In fact, as with any kitchen countertop material, there are pros and cons associated with using granite as well as with any other type of natural material. Therefore, it is important for you to weigh the pros and cons before determining if granite is the right choice for you.

The Pros of Using Granite For Your Kitchen Countertop

There are many pros associated with using granite in your kitchen. One of the greatest benefits to using granite in contemporary kitchen designs is the fact that it such an attractive option. Most people agree that granite offers a timeless elegance and beauty that cannot be surpassed by other countertop options. But, does it have more to offer than just great looks?

The fact is that granite offers a number of benefits to the homeowner when used in the kitchen. These include...

* Granite is highly durable, which means you don't have to worry about it breaking if items are dropped on it
* Granite is resistant to scratching, which means you can scrape small appliances across it and cut the food you are preparing directly on your countertop without fear of scratching
* Granite is resistant to heat, which means you can place hot pots and pans directly on your countertop without worrying about it causing the countertop to crack, warp or otherwise get damaged

With so many benefits associated with granite kitchen countertops, it is easy to see why so many homeowners are choosing to go natural when designing a new kitchen.

The Cons of Using Granite For Your Kitchen Countertop

Of course, no material is perfect. As such, it should come as no surprise that there are some potential downsides to using granite. Some of these include...

* Granite is porous, which means it has to be resealed every year to avoid problems with germ accumulation
* Granite is one of the more expensive countertop options
* Granite is installed as one giant piece, which can make installation difficult

Whether or not these cons are actually an issue for you depends upon your personal situation. For example, you may not consider resealing your granite every year to be a hassle. In addition, if you are adding a new kitchen to your home, finding a way to bring in the new granite countertop may not be as difficult as it would be if you were simply remodeling.

The bottom line is that granite is a beautiful addition to contemporary kitchen designs. Therefore, if your budget allows it, you should certainly consider installing granite kitchen countertops in your home.

Granite consists of feldspar, quartz, mica, obsidian and silica, along with some other natural minerals. Most people that select granite kitchen worktops over other choices, like laminate, Siltstone, or Corian, do so because of granite's distinct natural beauty. Every slab of granite has its distinctive crystals, color variations, as well as, depth. Granite does not change its colours, so it isn't going to lose its special brilliance as time passes. The granite that is used for worktops comes from different parts of world, including Brazil, Canada, Italy, United States and other countries.

The cost of granite kitchen worktops will be different based on the square footage, and other factors, like the type of edge and backsplash options. Round, bevelled edges that are 6.35 mm thick are standard. A unique edge will increase the cost of the worktop. Although, some granite worktops are quite resilient, the granite itself usually will not come with a warranty for it since it is a natural stone. Most installers will warranty the installation though.