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Granite Counter Tops - Are They Right for Your Home?

Granite is the latest trend in kitchen counter tops. However, there are many factors to consider when making the decision whether or not to use granite.

The granite counter top appeals to many homeowners. However, it is quite costly at about ten thousand dollars for the average kitchen with ninety square feet of counter top space. Of course, the price will be adjusted if the counter top areas are larger or smaller.

A major factor to consider is local home values. Realtors have stated that kitchen and bathrooms are the two most important rooms that prospective buyers look at when looking to buy a home. While granite counter tops are a big selling point for any home, one should look at local property values in their neighborhood before installing such an expensive material. If property values are low to moderate, a less expensive type of counter top should be used because the profit will be affected by the cost of granite.

If granite is chosen as the material that will be used there are a few points to keep in mind. Granite is an all natural product. It is excavated from under the ground and is later cut into slabs and polished. Each slab of granite is unique in color and pattern. No two pieces will ever be exactly the same. When choosing granite one should seek an expert in this field to assist them in making the choice for their home. They can offer valuable assistance concerning how to match patterns and advice about color variations.

Granite is not entirely maintenance free. It requires sealing on a regular basis, usually every six moths to a year depending on how much it is used. As a natural stone, granite is porous and absorbs any type of liquid that is spilled on it. All liquids, especially those such as red wine, should be cleaned immediately and foods should not be left in contact with the surface of the stone for prolonged periods of time. Sinks should be installed under the stone rather than on top of it to prevent water from spilling over the edges and being absorbed by the granite. Granite is not heat resistant and hot pots should never be placed on it.

Granite is not a do-it-yourself project. Installation should be left to the experts. Do not attempt to cut granite yourself. Once it is cut there can be no changes made to it. This could be a very costly mistake and an expert is less likely to make a mistake. If they do they will be obligated to replace it.

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By : dror klar Five stars rating