Granite countertops are among the hardest surfaces you can find for kitchen counter use. If you have ever tried to cut or chip granite counters, you know they are extremely difficult to cut. If you want to try cutting your granite countertop, then make sure to use a special and expensive knife. It would be best if you never used a regular knife, as they will scratch up the surface and transfer the dullness to the stone.
Resistant to heat:
Unlike other materials, granite countertops are very resistant to heat. While most granite countertops will not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat, some do. In fact, they are among the most heat-reactive countertops out there. You could cut it with a knife, but most of it is not recommended because it will dull the knives and possibly leave a dull metal residue behind, which is difficult to remove later.
If you have older granite countertops, then it may be more difficult for you to clean than newer countertop surfaces. However, this is something you will need to look into if your kitchen style does not allow you to clean your granite countertops with soap and water regularly.
It is durable:
Another thing to consider is how durable the natural stone is. Like other natural stones, granite countertops can take much abuse before they begin to look worn out. However, with proper care, durability can last a lifetime. The good news is that each stone has its unique characteristics that add to durability.
Maintained durability:
You can help make the durability of your granite countertops last longer to properly seal the surface. Sealing helps to protect the surface from stains and water damage, which keeps it looking new. The key to making sure that your countertop is sealed effectively is to choose an acid-free sealer for granite countertops in Virginia. In addition, you may also want to consider applying a protective coating to avoid staining from spills.
Chipping and warping
Since granite countertops are man-made, there is more chance that it will encounter chipping and warping over time. Since man-made materials tend to be heavier, this can often negate the additional cost of granite countertops.
Nevertheless, the heavier the materials, the more likely it is that it will have more problems with sagging over time. You can prevent this from happening with granite by choosing a thinner countertop material.
How to choose granite countertops?
One thing to keep in mind when looking for granite countertops is the per square foot pricing. While the cost-per-square-foot pricing is higher than for other countertop materials, it is more difficult to apply the sealant and the installation is generally more difficult.
Therefore, it is recommended that you find a store that sells a wide variety of granite countertops to compare the prices. Also, when shopping for granite countertops, you should consider the thickness of the granite countertop material to ensure that it will fit into all corners of your kitchen without making the countertop unstable.
Lastly, always make sure to choose a countertop that is undercoated with a sealer. If you are not, you will need to sand down the granite countertop to match the color of your countertop, which can result in a substandard look.
Comparison:
When compared to other countertops, granite countertops tend to be less expensive than others. In fact, they cost about half as much as medium-priced countertops and are three times as expensive as high-end commercial countertops. This is primarily because they are more difficult to install, requiring skilled labor to cut and shape.
However, if you do it yourself, they are relatively easy to maintain. This is important because if you want to save money on granite countertops, you may want to hire someone to install them so you do not have to.
It is a great option:
For all of these reasons, granite countertops are by far one of the greatest options for your kitchen. However, there are several things you should know before you start to install granite countertops in your kitchen. First of all, granite is a very tough material, but it does absorb some of the heat when it is being used, which means that you should always allow yourself enough time to get to a comfortable temperature before using your granite countertops.
In addition, if you are using a hot pan on your granite countertops, be sure to wipe the burn off of the countertop before you turn your attention to working with the granite.
Conclusion:
A granite countertops is the best option among other countertops. It is durable, heat resistant, and stylish. You can buy granite countertops online in different styles and designs; before buying any countertops, you have to compare them with other types of kitchen countertops. In short, it is a great option.