Granite Countertops in Sarasota

When it comes to kitchen and bathroom remodels, granite is one of the most consistently popular choices for countertops. It boasts an incomparable natural beauty, it’s a timeless classic, and it’s known for its durability.

This article will outline the basics of granite and how it can benefit your home remodel. If you’re curious about this countertop material option, keep reading.

What Is Granite?

Granite is a type of igneous rock that’s made up of feldspar, mica, and quartz, and it’s mined in various places, including India, China, and Italy. In the United States, you can find the largest granite quantity in Barre, Vermont.

When it comes to finishes, there are plenty of options regarding granite—including polished, honed, brushed, or sandblasted. What you decide depends on where your countertop will be located in your home and, of course, personal preference.

The Benefits of Granite

The reasoning behind granite’s popularity isn’t just based on looks. It also comes with a list of other valuable benefits:

It’s environmentally friendly.

Did you know that granite countertops are 100 percent recyclable? It only makes sense since they’re a natural material.

It’s heat resistant.

Being that granite is a form of igneous rock, it’s used to extreme temperatures. This makes it a great choice for kitchens (a common place for hot pots and pans) and bathrooms (where heated hair products are most used).

It’s scratch resistant.

On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, granite scores a 7 (out of 10). Its scratch resistance is part of why it’s such a durable material.

It’s chemical resistant.

It’s not only resistant to heat and scratches; it also holds strong against chemicals. We still recommend avoiding acidic cleaners because they can damage the sealant, but granite isn’t too picky otherwise when it comes to products.

It’s unique.

Because granite is a natural stone, that means that no two slabs are alike. Your granite countertop will be unlike any other slab out there, which helps bring personality, beauty, and interest to your kitchen or bathroom.

Granite Myths, Debunked

Because granite is so popular, many people get the wrong idea about it. Here are a few common misconceptions about granite:

Quartz is the new granite.

Not true! Granite and quartz both have impactful benefits and unique advantages. Both are quality choices and can complement different aspects of a home.

Granite = Marble

These two materials are both natural stones, but they are not the same. They’re actually very different! Marble is much softer than granite and requires more maintenance.

Granite countertops are high maintenance.

Natural stone countertops will always take more work than man-made products, but that comes with the territory. Compared to other natural stones, though, granite is easy to maintain.

Granite isn’t conducive to food prep.

With the right sealant, granite is resistant to germs and bacteria. Even without sealant, they are naturally less porous than other stones—though we still recommend sealing them.

Granite Maintenance

Compared to other natural stone countertops, granite doesn’t require a whole lot of maintenance and upkeep. As long as it’s sealed properly upon fabrication and regularly after that (consult our team for a recommended sealing schedule), maintaining its pristine appearance isn’t difficult. It also remains resistant to bacteria and mold.

To clean your granite countertop, all you need is a nonabrasive cloth, water, and a cleaning solution that has a mild or neutral pH. Dilute that cleaning solution with water, put it in a spray bottle, spray generously on the countertop, then rinse it off with water. After that, all you have to do is wipe it clean with the soft cloth and you’re good to go.

Are Granite Countertops Worth It?

Granite is a quality stone that will undoubtedly increase the resale value of your home. If beauty, durability, and longevity matter to you, then granite is a choice that you definitely won’t regret.

Although these countertops are more expensive than certain man-made options, they’re a worthy investment because of how long they last and how much value they can bring to your home and life in general.

How Long Does Granite Last?

If taken care of correctly, granite has the potential to last over one hundred years. The better you take care of your countertop, the longer its life will be.

It’s a naturally long-lasting stone because of its inherent hardness and resistance to chemicals, heat, and scratching. If you keep up with the reasonable care that granite requires, then you can expect your countertop to last for generations.

Your Granite Countertop

If this article has gotten you interested in granite countertops, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Sanford Granite Sarasota. We would love to help you make a decision regarding this quality natural stone.