3 Questions You Need to Ask About Granite Countertops

There are three major areas in which you as a homeowner should ask when it comes to installing granite countertops.

1. Why Should I Choose Granite Countertops?

What makes granite so popular is that it has a natural elegance that gives the home a sophisticated, luxury feel that is naturally endearing. It is also the toughest countertop materials among the varieties available. Granite is more affordable and available that you might think since it is readily available in many varieties in the United State.

Given its durability and natural toughness, granite countertops are considered to be quite low maintenance. With typically use, a simple wipe down is all that is needed to keep your granite looking beautiful.

Also, granite tends to be the favorite choice over the other alternatives because it can withstand high temperatures. There is ample evidence that it can’t be damaged by hot pans or trays.

Because of modern technological production methods, granite countertops are relatively cheaper than other custom surfaces and is much more difficult to scratch than other natural stone varieties. Graphite is nearly as hard as diamond.

2. What about maintenance?

Every homeowner knows that maintenance is a big deal.  As one of your largest investments, it is important to maintain every aspect of your home.  Add to that the exterior maintenance, and most homeowners feel they spend a significant portion of each year maintaining and repairing their home.

So anything that requires little or low maintenance is always a plus!

In the rare event that your granite becomes damaged from a crack or chip, granite countertops can be repaired by a professional granite fabricator. Another advantage regarding maintenance is that granite countertops do not harbor bacteria or bacteria carrying organisms.  It is highly unlikely that granite will ever develop mold issues that need to be remedied.

Granites have been known to emit radon emissions at such insignificant levels like the same amount that naturally exists in the general environment.  There is no significant radioactive emission coming from these countertops.

While the standard thickness of a quality granite countertop varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, most of them fall at around the 4 cm thickness gauge.

3. How will granite countertops affect my cabinets?

When designing a custom kitchen for a new home, or completely renovating your kitchen be sure to tell your cabinet maker that you are choosing granite countertops. If you are simply upgrading to granite countertops with your existing cabinets any professional granite installer will be able to advise you the exact specifications, you need to adhere to in order safely keep your existing cabinets.

At 16.5 pounds per square foot and existing in a variety of colors, weight and strength, the granite countertops rarely requires reinforced cabinets.

When you choose to install granite countertops in your kitchen it is important to consider your edge design, thickness, and overhang. Overhang is the distance the countertop extended over the cabinet base. The most common overhang is around 1.5 inches.

Granite overhangs can be extended for up to 7 inches or more.  This is commonly used for a breakfast bar or barstool area. Keep in mind, that if your top is extended beyond the standard overhang then it needs to be reinforced underneath with wood or metal for extra strength.

If you have a dishwasher it has to be attached underneath the countertop to prevent falling and breakage. Most new dishwashers have attached clips that can be tied into the cabinet to secure them firmly.