Granite Countertops for Your Luxury Kitchen Remodel
A counter is more than just a work surface. Your countertops set the tone for the entire kitchen, and granite countertops are the current material du jour, whether you are going for a rustic, contemporary, modern, country, or something different. Their popularity is not due to their good looks but because they are durable and long-lasting. Though it's not possible to predict trends, it's likely those granite countertops won't look "dated" 10 or 20 years down the line, whereas styles of laminate come and go. Still, are granite countertops your only option for a luxury kitchen remodel?
Certainly not. There are plenty of other good looking options, and eco-friendly or "green" materials are becoming more and more popular.
There are options galore when it comes to kitchen countertops. If you have a handful of kids, and macaroni and cheese is on the menu several nights of the week, you probably aren’t thinking about elegance or even resale value at this point in your life. If you are a heavy duty cook you will probably favor granite because it can withstand the heat from pots and pans and still look like something from a magazine picture.
Regardless of your lifestyle, a kitchen is a place where work is to be done so durability and maintenance should be among your primary concerns. There are many choices of countertops ranging from laminate, ceramic, and stone tiles at the low-end, to granite, concrete, and recycled materials (such as glass) at the high end of the scale.
If money isn't a big concern and you know you'll sell your home one day, you will definitely want to consider granite countertops. It's desired but most folks, so you're sure to appeal to a wide variety of potential home buyers. And there's really not much to dislike about granite on a personal level either.
It is beautiful and will add a certain something to even a modest kitchen. Because granite is a quarried stone, each piece is unique and no two counters will have the same look. Granite will last a lifetime and is rated highly by home buyers. Granite is a popular choice for kitchens because the surface is hard enough that knives and cutlery will not scratch the surface.
Granite holds up to heat, comes in a range of colors from blacks and white to pinks, reds, yellows and greens. It is the hardest of the stone countertops and will last forever. Granite countertops are only increasing in popularity and as a result is becoming more affordable and new methods and techniques are available to make it stronger and cut down on the maintenance necessary to keep it in pristine condition. If you are concerned about environmental issues stone countertops are relatively good “green” options since they do not outgas hazardous chemicals and can last for generations.
Granite countertops are durable and for all practical purposes easy to clear with a soft cloth and warm water. Because the stone is porous, however, it can absorb stains if the spills are not wiped up immediately. Fortunately, you can get a sealer applied during the fabrication process, which practically eliminates that problem and does no have to be reapplied.
Granite countertop finishes are either honed or polished. A honed countertop is flamed or tumbled to create a matte surface and a polished countertop has a smooth glass-like surface. If glare is an issue or if you are covering a considerable surface you might like the matte surface better.
Further reading: Black & Decker Complete Guide to Dream Kitchens
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