Why Granite Kitchen Countertops are a Popular Choice Among Home Builders
Your kitchen countertop isn’t just where you roll cookie dough with your little ones and create your and your significant other’s unforgettable feta salmon dish from your dating days. It’s where you make lifelong memories with your loved ones. Given your countertop’s importance, investing in a high-quality and functional one that will stand the test of time is wise—and that’s where granite shines.
In 2024, granite countertops held a 28.31% market share, and they remain increasingly popular due to their remarkable durability and timeless style. Let’s explore why granite countertops are popular among home builders and why you should invest in one.
Hard as a Rock (Literally)
Granite’s extraordinary hardness and density come from this stone’s natural composition of mica, feldspar, and quartz. That’s why granite countertops are incredibly resistant to typical kitchen wear. Granite’s sturdy composition makes it hard to scratch using standard kitchen tools. Its durability guarantees your counters will maintain their immaculate look even with extensive daily usage.
Granite is also strong enough to resist impacts that could otherwise harm softer materials (e.g., marble, butcher block), making it less prone to breaking or chipping from regular kitchen use. This countertop material provides an ideal surface for holding hot pans and pots straight off the stove, as it can withstand high temperatures without sustaining damage.
Although granite isn’t completely stain-proof, it’s less vulnerable to absorbing liquids compared to more porous countertop materials, such as marble, due to its low porosity. When adequately sealed, granite resists stains from acidic items (citrus fruits; like grapefruits, lemons, and oranges; tomato sauce, and vinegar), oil (e.g., canola, vegetable, and olive oil), and wine.
Remember that even though granite is extremely stain-resistant, spills should be cleaned up immediately to keep the countertop looking brand new. Cutting boards, trivets, and coasters can all help protect the countertop’s surface.
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A League of Its Own
One of granite’s most praised qualities is its distinctive look. Every granite block has a unique pattern and tint that can’t be duplicated because it was produced naturally over millions of years.
Each slab of granite has a different combination of swirls and veins. Because no slabs are the same, every piece in your home will make a unique statement. Granite is also available in various hues, ranging from white and black to reds, greens, and blues. These hues come in a variety of tones and shades to match your kitchen design.
A Treasure Trove of Value
Look no further than granite countertops if you’re looking for a way to add value to your home before selling it. Granite countertops are widely viewed as high-end features that draw prospective buyers for several reasons, including their natural aesthetics and luxurious appeal.
Granite’s unique hues and patterns bring nature indoors. The material’s organic beauty can instantly give your kitchen depth and personality while fostering a cozy and welcoming ambiance. Accentuating granite’s colors and patterns is its polished surface, which gives the stone a rich, opulent appearance. The material’s refined style can improve your kitchen’s overall look, making it appear and feel more sophisticated and upscale.
Another reason granite countertops are popular among potential buyers is their longevity and durability, which give homeowners the assurance that they won’t have to replace their countertops as often. Because buyers know they are investing in high-quality, long-lasting features, their durability raises your home’s value. All in all, these countertops can help your house stand out in the real estate market and enable you to list it for a higher price than competing homes for sale.
Ease of Maintenance Long-Term
Granite countertops require minimal upkeep, a major bonus for homeowners seeking a practical countertop option. They require periodic sealing to preserve their stain resistance since granite is porous, but sealing is simple, and after sealing, your countertops will remain easy to clean.
Sealing may be required every one to three years depending on your granite type and usage. For instance, dark granite may require sealing every three years since it is often less porous than light granite, while light granite might need to be sealed yearly since it is more porous. Likewise, if you use your granite countertop daily, prepare to seal it at least once a year. If you don’t use your countertop frequently, sealing it every three years should suffice.
Daily granite countertop maintenance consists of simply washing the surface down using a mild solution of water and soap or a quality pH-balanced countertop cleaner made especially for stone. Steer clear of abrasive cleansers and aggressive chemicals, as they may harm the sealant. In addition, use hot pads or trivets beneath hot pans to further protect your countertop sealant’s integrity.
Upgrade Your Kitchen with Granite Countertops Today
Granite countertops remain in high demand due to granite’s matchless durability and unique appearance. These countertops are also easy to maintain, making them perfect for busy homeowners. A comprehensive granite countertop care guide can further make maintaining your granite countertops easier so that they continue to look impeccable from one use to the next. Consider all the above-listed benefits of granite kitchen countertops as you seek to take your kitchen’s appeal to the next level for years to come.