Granite is one of the best building materials for new countertops. There are many reasons that is the case, as well as many different areas of the home where you can implement granite countertops. However, there is no area of the home more suitable for installing granite countertops than the kitchen. Having granite kitchen countertops will not only look good but will offer helpful functional benefits as well. Choosing the right material for your kitchen countertops in no small task. Selecting granite can be one of the best decisions that you ever make.

There are several factors to consider when thinking about buying granite kitchen countertops, such as what type of granite you like and the functionality of the different types, among many other aspects.

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Granite: General Information

No matter which type of granite you decide on, there are certain characteristics that are generally similar for all types of granite.

Patterns and Marks

Different types of granite can either feature veins, swirls or be consistent in pattern.

Durability

Regardless of which type you select, granite is known for being one of the most durable countertop materials that you will be able to find. The durability of the stone makes it perfect for use in the kitchen. Generally speaking, between cooking and spending time with family, your kitchen will see a lot of use. Because of this, you want to make sure that you have kitchen countertops that both look good and can handle the pressures of frequent use. Granite countertops check both of these boxes.

Types of Granite

Granite comes in a multitude of styles and colors, meaning that you are virtually assured to find at least one type that suits your taste.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to granite, there are various pros and cons that you should consider before purchasing. Both the pros and cons of owning granite are explained below.

Pros:

Pros
Natural stone look
Many types to choose from
Durable
Heat resistant
High resale value

Natural stone look

One of granite’s major benefits is the look of natural stone. There is no denying that certain patterns that occur in nature are simply amazing. Granite has plenty of these patterns that you can choose from.

Many types to choose from

Granite will offer you a seemingly endless amount of options to choose from. Marble.com has well over 500 variations the company offers.

Durable

Granite is one of the most durable natural stone materials that you will be able to find. As long as you take proper care of your granite, it will last for many years – so many that it will likely reside in your home for more years than you do.

Heat resistant

A huge advantage that granite offers in the kitchen is that it is heat resistant. Granite will be able to handle any hot kitchen items that you set down on the surface.

High resale value

When it comes time to sell your house, there are few more attractive features in a house than natural stone countertops – especially in the kitchen. Granite’s durability and heat resistance make it that much more attractive to perspective buyers as well.

Cons:

Cons
Rare granite will cost more
Heavy objects can cause damage
Needs to be re-sealed yearly

Rare granite will cost more

Much like any stone, the rarer the granite you choose, the more you will have to pay. Some rare forms of granite can cost around $200 per square foot, so make sure that it is really what you want before buying it.

Heavy objects can cause damages if dropped on the surface

While it is one of the most durable natural stones that you can find, granite is not totally indestructible. You will need to be very careful when handling any heavy items around your granite countertop. If you drop those items, especially on the countertop’s corners, you can cause significant damage.

Needs to be re-sealed once a year

Your granite countertop will need to be re-sealed roughly once every year. Despite this seeming like an inconvenience, the process of re-sealing your granite countertops is relatively simple and quick. Something else to keep in mind is that granite does not need to be re-sealed as often as some other countertop materials, such as marble, do.

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What Are Your Granite Kitchen Countertop Options?

One thing you will notice about granite is that you definitely won’t be limited in types to select from. Here are just 30 of the countless options that are available to you.

Ubatuba
Cosmic Black
Original Peacock Green

African Galaxy
Orion
Blues in the Night
Black Thunder
Absolute Black

Santa Cecilia
Altair
Itaunas
Atlantis
Colonial Gold

Giallo Ornamental
Tiberious
Blue Eyes
Tan Brown
Astoria

Bianco Romano
Florence Gold
Brazil Gold
Bianco Antico
Ivory Fantasy

Silver Pearl
Red Dragon
Titanium Black
Peregrine C
Siena Beige

Madura Gold
Brown Antique

Appearance: Brown with hints of blue

How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?

Much like any other natural stone countertop material, the cost of granite varies greatly depending on the type and your needs. Your needs that can factor in include how much of the stone you will require and any customization elements, such as decorative edging. In any case, granite is still less expensive than many other natural stone countertop options, like marble and quartzite.

Generally speaking, common types of granite can be found for as little as $35 per square foot. However, if you have your sights set on rare granite, be prepared to pay for it: Rare types of granite can cost well in excess of $100 per square foot, and even more than $200 per sqaure foot in some cases.

Where Should I Buy My Granite Countertops From?

A large part of the cost of granite countertops will result in where you purchase from. Something helpful to remember is that it is always better to purchase from a local fabricator rather than a big box store. Stone fabricators specialize in creating countertops and can help you through every step of the process. In addition to this, big box stores only carry granite that is mass produced, and they pay a fabricator to create the countertop anyway. This is a significant factor in cost because big box stores will charge you more money for your new granite countertops than a fabricator will. In essence, the big box stores charge higher costs for acting as a middle man. Going to a fabricator will also allow you to choose from a much wider variety, as fabricators get the stone shipped straight from quarries around the world.

Additional Cost Factors

Other than where you purchase from, another factor of granite countertop cost is edging. The more detailed the edging, the more money your project will cost. Standard edges, such as straight edges or quarter round, will cost much less than complicated styles, like ogee and waterfall edges.

Backsplashes can also play a part in how expensive your new granite countertops will be. A 4-inch backsplash will cost much less than a full backsplash that covers the area in between the countertop and the wall cabinets. Choosing a backsplash is recommended not only for style purposes, but because it will protect your kitchen walls. Ultimately, having a smaller backsplash installed can save you a lot of money in the long run.

One final way that you can save a little bit of money on your kitchen countertop remodeling project is to consider using remnants for small areas. In addition to full size slabs, fabricators will also carry remnants. Remnants are perfect for small areas that require a countertop but may not require a full slab. Keep in mind though that you cannot just use remnants for any size job; they will only work to cover small areas.

What Are My Other Material Options for Kitchen Countertops?

Although you may have narrowed down your kitchen countertop choice to granite, there are many other options that exist. Below are some of the options that you have outside of granite.

Other Natural Stone

Of course, granite is not the only natural stone countertop option that you have. There are various other materials you can choose, from marble to quartzite to even something rarer, like gemstone. To compare, granite wins out in a major category: Price. These three options, while each offering distinct benefits, will cost you more than granite will. Something else to note is that a material such as marble is much more prone to staining than granite is. Beyond cost and appearance, you will want to compare the functional benefits and disadvantages that each natural stone countertop option will offer you.

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Quartz

Quartz has risen in popularity in recent years. Unlike natural stone, quartz is engineered by combining roughly 90 percent quartz mineral with about 10 percent resins, polymers and pigments. These percentages can vary based on the individual countertop. One major benefit you will get from quartz is the amount of customization options available. You can even manage to find quartz that looks like natural stone. However, there are some downsides to the material. It is not heat resistant and will not cost you any less than natural stone options.

Solid Surface

Solid surface is another material that is very popular for kitchen countertops. Made from acrylic and polyester blends, solid surface countertops are non-porous. There are also many options that you can choose from. Something to make note of is that solid surface countertops are not heat resistant, so you will need to be very careful if you have the material in your kitchen. Solid surface countertops usually cost in the range of $45 to $75 per square foot.

Laminate

After originally rising to popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, laminate countertops have been making a comeback in recent years. The primary benefit of laminate countertops is the cost; they are among the cheapest countertop options that you will be able to find. You will also be able to find many different options in terms of looks. However, with this reduced cost comes reduced quality. Laminate countertops are extremely vulnerable, so you will need to exercise significant caution around them. If a laminate countertop sustains damages, it cannot be repaired. The material is also not heat or scratch resistant.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel countertops have become a hot commodity on the market in recent years. The material works especially well in modern homes, as it will blend right in with stainless steel appliances and fixtures in the kitchen. A major benefit to stainless steel is its ability to be resistant to nearly any kitchen headaches: The material is heat, stain and moisture resistant. However, like every other countertop option, stainless steel does have negative aspects. The countertops can scratch if you are not careful and can even dent if you drop heavy objects on it.

Ultimately, granite kitchen countertops are a timeless and classic look that will offer you many benefits, both aesthetically and functionally. There is a reason that this beautiful natural stone has been used to build kitchen countertops for years and has been used as a building material dating all the way back to the days of ancient civilizations. If you are looking for a kitchen countertop material that is affordable, stylish and durable, granite is the way to go. Installing granite countertops will also increase the value of your home, as many home buyers are in love with the idea of having granite countertops. Investing in granite countertops is a wise idea, as these aforementioned benefits will last you the rest of your time in the house.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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Why Granite Kitchen Countertops Are a Smart Choice

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Granite: General Information

Patterns and Marks

Durability

Types of Granite

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Natural stone look

Many types to choose from

Durable

Heat resistant

High resale value

Cons:

Rare granite will cost more

Heavy objects can cause damages if dropped on the surface

Needs to be re-sealed once a year

What Are Your Granite Kitchen Countertop Options?

Ubatuba

Cosmic Black

Original Peacock Green

African Galaxy

Orion

Blues in the Night

Black Thunder

Absolute Black

Santa Cecilia

Altair

Itaunas

Atlantis

Colonial Gold

Giallo Ornamental

Tiberious

Blue Eyes

Tan Brown

Astoria

Bianco Romano

Florence Gold

Brazil Gold

Bianco Antico

Ivory Fantasy

Silver Pearl

Red Dragon

Titanium Black

Peregrine C

Siena Beige

Madura Gold

Brown Antique

How Much Do Granite Countertops Cost?

Where Should I Buy My Granite Countertops From?

Additional Cost Factors

What Are My Other Material Options for Kitchen Countertops?

Other Natural Stone

Quartz

Solid Surface

Laminate

Stainless Steel

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