Is Granite the Right Choice for Your Countertop?
Congratulations! You've decided to give your kitchen a
makeover with new appliances and professional granite countertops installation.
Your plan is to re-invent the room as a place for your family to congregate,
prepare food, and share good times. Knowing that it will become the place where
your family will actually spend the most time together, you want everything to be
inviting, cheerful – and functional. You've heard friends shower praise on
granite for its wonderful qualities as kitchen flooring and countertops.
Granite is an expensive stone and, though it has become
popular for use in contemporary kitchens, you still need to take a step back
and consider if it is the right stone for you. It is not the perfect stone for
every kitchen, starting with the cost element. Granite is expensive and cannot
be installed by a do-it-yourself-er. On the other hand, though its initial cost
is high, it does add value to your home.
Some other considerations are:
- How big is your kitchen?
Dark granite will make it look smaller; light stone will open it up.
- What colour are your
cabinets? The counter should contrast with them, so if your cabinets are dark, consider light
granite. One of the great advantages of granite is that it comes in a wide
range of colours and hues.
- How much natural light
does your kitchen get? Granite's surface is a miracle of idiosyncrasies.
It can sparkle, gleam and surprise. Good natural light is best for
bringing that out.
The Perfect
Backsplash
Granite also makes a terrific backsplash for
your counter. Find a
stone with an exciting or bold pattern. If the kitchen surfaces are smooth,
contrast them with some rough surfaces. Stone also complements modern
appliances. Granite comes in tiles of many colours, making it possible to have
a unique and inviting design component to the backsplash.
Granite is Tough and Durable
– But it Still Needs Care
Some stone tiles – and this includes granite that has been
highly polished – can be slippery when wet.
Depending on the location of the granite, it may be necessary to hone it
– roughen it up a bit - before installation. Obviously this is most important in
a situation where water can splash to the
floor, as in a kitchen or
bathroom, or entranceway from outdoors.
Natural stone can be stained by spilled liquids. Spills
should be wiped up immediately with
soap. Abrasive or ammonia-based cleaners can dull the floors lustre.
Because granite is porous, it must be sealed and
periodically resealed. Most experts
recommend an annual or biennial application. The good news about granite is
that the variegation of its colour – containing as it does speckles and ribbons
and a changing base colour, means that stains don't look that bad. However,
there is always that "big spill” – and a professionally applied sealant is your
best protection.Of couse, by having professional granite countertops installation, you will be well informed about the necessary maintenance to keep your countertops looking brand new!
On a more frequent basis, daily and weekly cleaning is
recommended. Use a clean microfiber cloth. Warm water is best to wipe away any
daily residue. Mild dish or hand soap can be used. A stone cleaner can be used
once a week.