Why You Need Granite Countertops in Your Kitchen?

by Kevin Smith Author

While there are myriad options available for kitchen countertops, nothing quite tops granite. Marble, quartz, glass, wood, metal, solid surface, and other materials have their own pros and cons, but granite is the most popular option for a reason. It is both beautiful and practical, bringing the best of both worlds to your kitchen. If you are looking into upgrading your kitchen countertops or have ever considered going with granite, read on to learn about your options, the benefits of granite kitchen countertops in Atlanta, and how to best care for your countertops once they are installed.

Benefits of Granite

First and foremost, people choose granite for its beauty. Stone countertops give your kitchen that classy, expensive feel. In addition to being nice to look at, however, granite is great because it doesn’t show signs of wear and tear like other materials. Granite remains lovely for the lifetime of your kitchen and will never look dated. It is great for cooking areas since it easily stands up to heating ranges, pot and pans, chopping knives, cooking spills, sticky hands, water drips, and other everyday use.

Choosing the Right Countertops

Granite comes in many different naturally-occurring colors and varieties, and since it is a quarried stone, no two slabs are exactly alike. Ranging from pitch black to white varieties and everything in between, you can find a granite option that perfectly complements your kitchen. There are patterns with tiny flecks, those with larger marbling, and patterns both subtle and bold. Your price range and color preferences will determine your choices. Your granite can be honed, polished, or flamed, and the finish can create very different looks. Polished is the common glossy mirror effect, honing creates a more matte and buffed look, and flaming the granite creates a more faded and rough appearance.

Granite Maintenance and Care

The biggest thing to remember with granite kitchen countertops in Atlanta is to have it sealed regularly. As long as you do that, your granite will withstand just about anything you can throw at it. Check the label on the sealant you use, but most products should be applied everyone 1-2 years for maximum effectiveness. For sealed granite, avoid harsh cleaning chemicals and oils. Instead, wipe up spills with a damp cloth and use gentle cleaners for regular kitchen cleaning. Since granite is naturally anti-microbial, it is very simple to keep things clean and sanitary.