The rich color and elegant polished look of a granite countertop is just one of the reasons homeowners and kitchen remodelers love this material.
Other reasons are its durability and easy maintenance. Second only to diamonds in terms of hardness, granite’s polished surface does not wear or chip. It can withstand heat and does not blister, scratch or crack — even if a hot pot is placed directly on its surface. Like marble it is great for rolling pastry, but granite is far more stain resistant than that traditional baker’s favorite.
All that is required in terms of care and maintenance is some warm water and a soft cloth to clean up spills and applying a clear sealer twice a year to preserve the bright look of the material. Keeping up with the regular sealing regime is very important. Although granite is generally known as the least porous and stain resistant of the natural stone options, it does contain micro fissures that can stain if it has not been sealed properly, or the regular sealing process has been forgotten. Oil in particular can seep into the fissures of a granite countertop.
Over the past decade granite has become the countertop of choice for many homeowners. In 2002, Monticello Granite, Ltd. became the first company to introduce nationally available granite countertops that carry a 25-year warranty.
The cost of granite can vary considerably, depending on the type, quality and thickness of the slab. Edge treatments, such as the bull nose look, will add to the cost.
For kitchen remodelers that love the look of granite but simply cannot afford to equip their entire kitchen with granite countertops, using granite for one section of the kitchen — such as the kitchen island — will still give the room a more elegant look.
For those who can afford granite — and lots of it — some homeowners are also opting to have a granite sink installed to along with their countertops. As well as creating a truly beautiful and seamless look, this gives more flexibility in terms of the size of the sink, as the end result can be a very small task sink or a longer “trough” for the home chef.
For more information on Monticello Granite, Ltd. check their company website at: www.monticellogranite.com
