Granite Countertops: An Overview

Home remodelers and builders have experienced a boom in the demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design, and the durability and easy care of granite countertops keeps them a favorite for homeowners who are looking into the future. Though adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere choice in upscale homes, as they retain their value better than most other improvements.

Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth. Granite is found all over the world. As a preferred material, granite was used in the construction of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. In the recent past many builders continued to use granite for pillars and exterior finishes. Stone suppliers didn't begin experimenting with polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in 1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at The Great Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.

Granite makes an excellent medium for countertops, as it is the most durable of all stones. The hardness of granite is rivaled only by the hardness of diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite countertops makes it a favorite of professional and home chefs. Granite can withstand the placement of a hot pot and serves as an excellent surface for handling doughs and confectionery. The natural beauty of granite countertops complement any tone of wood or style of cabinetry, from French country to sleek modern styles. Granite is an attractive stone that adds color and warmth to any room.

A popular choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become popular with the public. There are literately hundreds of colors of granite, from variations of white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown and beige tones are the most popular, as they work well with most any kitchen color scheme, allowing greater flexibility in redecorating over the years. Some of the granite colors exhibit ""movement,"" or a design within the natural color. Movement from large patterns can carry the eye quickly over the surface of the countertop, while small patterns have a more sedate appearance. The combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are exactly the same.

While granite countertops are a favorite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not impervious to damage. Regular care includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite hard, it can be easily be chipped. A skilled professional can perform repairs that are nearly invisible.

Granite countertops can cost more than other countertop materials, with prices starting at $60 a square foot installed. The majority of the cost is not in the stone, but in the quarry work, cutting, transportation, polishing and installations. It is not recommended that the do-it-yourself homeowner to take on this project. Despite the strength of granite, the oversized slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit the counters, and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to reinforce the base cabinets, and the slab must be set perfectly level. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could cause it to break during regular use.

When a homeowner desires the utility of granite countertops, but is unable or unwilling to pay a premium, discounted granite for countertops may be a good option. Retailers maintain groupings or tiers of stone based on popularity of color and movement. Lower tiered cuts of stone maintain the consistent characteristics granite is known for, but the shade of a color may vary according to current fashion trends.

Granite countertops will continue to remain a favorite of homeowners, architects and interior designers. The ageless beauty and durability of granite makes it a home improvement treasure to last a lifetime.

Granite Countertops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more. Granite Countertops is the sister site of Kitchen Sinks Web.

---

Resourceful Redecorating - Budget Friendly Home Decorating

Spring is here and for many of us it's the... Read More

Add Summer To Your Home

Here's a decorating challenge just for fun in this hot... Read More

Where to Find Unique Shower Curtains

Once upon a time, shower curtains were functional? and they... Read More

A Kitchen Cart To Spruce Up Any Kitchen

Contrary to popular belief, the addition of a center island... Read More

Keep Things In Order With A Written Home Decorating Plan

Begin your written plan by choosing one room to start... Read More

Long-Strip and Engineered Hardwood Floors

Longstrip hardwood floors are wide and long, and each plank... Read More

Which Air Purifier is Best For You?

Perhaps the best air purifiers are those from the IQAir... Read More

Safely Decorating Your Kids Bedroom

? Wall Decorations:Never place a wall hanging, picture, poster, or... Read More

What Should You Know About House Flooring

Having a nice house is everyone dreams. In fact, everybody... Read More

Nursery Room Decor

The nursery is your newborn's first room, his own little... Read More

Discount Mini Blinds

As with other discount items you want to buy, discount... Read More

What to Look for in Bathroom Vanity Tops

Bathroom vanity tops offer many options to the discerning customer.... Read More

Interior Decorating and Home Decor With Inuit Art from the Arctic North

In order to help give a room a classier touch,... Read More

A Place For Everything In Your Home

Are there homeless items living in your home? If you're... Read More

An In-Depth Look at Air Filter Manufacturers

Because there are several air filter manufacturers on the market,... Read More

Getting a Grandfather Clock at a Discount

Whether it is a basic bong-bong-bong or a thrilling symphony,... Read More

A Brief History of Wedgwood China

The story of the line begins in 1730 with the... Read More

The Benefits of Metal Wine Racks

The number of metal wine racks available may seem overwhelming,... Read More

Vinyl Mini Blinds

Vinyl blinds are the perfect choice for high-humidity locations such... Read More

Warm And Cozy Down Comforters Will Turn Your Bed Into A Luxurious Sanctuary!

Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that... Read More

How to Kickstart a Good Bedroom Design Project?

Dear friends,Any room in your home is primarily a space... Read More

Making Your Home Blossom is Easy

Having trouble getting a room in your home to have... Read More

Home Interior Design Tips on Decorating your Space with Wall Art

How to Decorate your Space with Wall Pictures If a... Read More

Buying Down Alternative Comforters

When the frigid winds of winter arrive, many people turn... Read More

Creative Ways to Decorate Your Walls

Moving into a new house can sometimes cause a quandry.... Read More

Fireplace Screens - A Practical and Beautiful Addition To Your Home

There once was a time when the fireplace was the... Read More

Parsons Chairs: Dining in Elegance

What does your dream dining room look like? Is it... Read More

The Benefits of Dried Fruit Baskets

Usually combined with varieties of nuts, dried fruit baskets have... Read More

A Look at Wood Shutters

Shutters are a wonderful addition to any home. They give... Read More

Home Decor Accessories - How to Create a New Look in a Room

Apart from complimenting your newly painted walls with soft furnishings... Read More

Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office

From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and... Read More

How To Install Window Treatments Like A Pro

Tools needed: a battery operated screwdriver, screwdriver bits (Phillips and... Read More

Decorating Frugally

The trend these days is to discover extremely innovative ways... Read More