Granite countertops are a durable, high-end, natural stone option for your kitchen. However, they also have a few drawbacks, such as their typically high price and high maintenance.
Know the pros and cons of granite countertops when deciding if they are right for you.
In This Article:
Pros
Pros of Granite Countertops
Solid and Durable
On Moh’s Hardness Scale which lists minerals from the hardest to the softest, granite scores a 7 out of 10. In comparison, diamonds score a 10. So, if you go for granite, you’ll have a solid, durable material. You can even use this countertop outside, and with the right care, it will last. It’s also unlikely to crack, except if mishandled or installed incorrectly.
Resists Scratches
Don’t worry about damaging your beautiful new countertops while cooking. Even though it’s not recommended to deliberately cut ingredients on your countertops, if you accidentally happen to do so, your countertops most likely won’t be affected.
Resists Chemicals
Chemicals typically don’t harm granite. However, they can harm your sealant, so avoid using harsh chemicals on the countertop anyway.
A Very Heat-Resistant Material
Granite countertops won’t melt or blister from heat up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. You can put your hot pans directly on your granite countertop without damaging them, although heat can damage your sealant.
Still, it’s not wise to expose any surface – no matter how durable – to heat for extended periods, so use a trivet under Crock Pots or other implements that produce extreme heat.
Also, granite doesn’t adapt well to extreme temperature changes. For example, granite can crack if you place something extremely cold and then immediately something extremely hot on it.
Repels Stains When Sealed
Granite repels stains if you seal and maintain it. Plus, darker granite countertops generally require less or even no sealant.
Offers Many Design Options
Whether you like your countertops bold and busy or neutral and muted, you can find granite in a pattern that appeals to your aesthetic. No two stones are exactly alike. And like marble, you can get granite with veining.
Offers the Option of an Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks are great for wiping crumbs, spills, and other debris directly into the sink because they have no raised edges. Granite countertops offer this option because you can get your sinkhole cut precisely to the shape of your sink.
Note: If you have heavy cast iron pans, don’t place them into your undermount sink. You might break your pan, or, worse, damage the granite.
Sustainable
Granite needs minimal processing once it’s been quarried. It’s way more sustainable than engineered materials that are often produced using toxic chemicals, which produce harmful emissions.
Cons of Granite Countertops
Pricey
Granite countertops generally cost more than some other countertop options.
Granite countertop prices often cost between $75 and $185 per square foot, including labor. Some exotic granite stones may cost over $400 per square foot plus labor. Labor usually costs $35 to $85 per hour, or $10 to $50 per square foot.
Granite is generally pricier than laminate countertops, on average. However, you can get a slightly better deal on granite than other high-end materials, like concrete. The cost of concrete tends to be between $65 and $150 per square foot, including labor.
If you want a cheaper option, you can go for a granite tile countertop. Granite tiles cost as little as $6 per square foot, without labor.
Some Patterns May Not Be Your Taste
Some find that granite doesn’t have the same modern appeal as, for example, marble. Granite with a complex, colorful pattern and high gloss coating is a signature look of older designs.
That’s not to say that granite is not desirable. Some people even get laminate countertops with a granite-like pattern. If you want a more modern-looking kitchen, consider granite with a simple pattern, matte coating, and perhaps some veining.
High Maintenance
Granite countertops usually need to be sealed every six months to five years, depending on the product. You shouldn’t use harsh chemicals to clean your granite countertop because it may damage your sealant. It needs regular cleaning with mild soap and water.
While granite is sturdy and durable, it’s quite easy to damage your sealant. For example, you can easily discolor it or make it wear off with heat. Nevertheless, you usually need to use sealant. Granite is porous and absorbs spilled liquid even when you attempt to wipe it. Try to get a heat-resistant sealant if you can.
Other materials, like quartz, are easier to maintain. Darker granite is generally less porous and doesn’t need to be sealed as much as lighter granite. As mentioned above, some darker granite needs no sealant at all.
Pro Installation is Required
Installing granite countertops is a precise job best left to a pro. The installation is difficult and expensive, and the slabs themselves are quite.
Require Professional Repair
Just like you can’t install granite countertops yourself, you shouldn’t attempt to fix any cracks and chips, either. Unlike some surfaces, like quartz or concrete, damaged granite needs the help of a pro. A fabricator will be able to fill any accidents so that they’re not noticeable. However, significant damage may be costly or impossible to fix.
Hard Choices
Granite is a tough stone that comes in a wide range of patterns and has wide appeal. However, be prepared to pay up for a granite countertop because it’s one of the more expensive materials on the market.
Most granite countertops also need sealant, which can be quite a bit more vulnerable to damage than the countertop itself. Finally, be ready to maintain the countertop regularly and to install and repair it with the help of a pro.
Doing your research when picking the right countertop is crucial. Check out our articles about other types of countertops:
- Concrete Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Laminate Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Marble Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Quartz Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Stainless Steel Countertops: Pros and Cons
- Tile Countertops: Pros and Cons
Main Image Credit: Bryan / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
