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Granite Countertops
There is no getting around the fact that
even though they are expensive, granite countertops
are the most popular choice for kitchens
today. If you are building or renovating
with resale in mind, you need to consider
installing granite. Also, it is increasingly
being used in bathrooms. Granite is an igneous
rock with a crystalline coarse grained texture
that is formed from quartz, feldspar, mica
and tiny amounts of other materials, making
it so hard that it will last almost forever.
Granite is very heat resistant, so you can
put most hot pots directly on it. Because
it is a natural stone found around the world,
granite comes in a huge variety of colors
and patterns. It is usually sold in two thicknesses
(3/4 inch and 1 ¼ inches), although thicker
looks can be created by gluing two pieces
of granite together. Slabs sizes are rarely
bigger than 10 feet long by 5 feet wide.
You should consider the following
when buying
granite countertops:
- Since no two pieces of granite are identical,
adjoining pieces should come from the same
source.
- Although granite is practically nonporous
and therefore resistant to
staining, acids
such as lemon or orange juice
will mark it
if they sit for long periods
of time. Cooking
oils will also penetrate it.
Granite should
be sealed once or twice a year
with a product
containing fluoropolymers to
prevent stains.
- Most granite countertops are highly polished.
Dark colors will show finger
prints and water
spotting. If this concerns
you, consider
ordering your countertops in
an increasingly
fashionable matte finish.
- Granite countertops are heavy. Make sure
the cabinets you are installing
can hold
their weight. The slabs are
usually installed
by gluing them to the tops
of the cabinets
with silicone or epoxy or by
securing them
to a plywood substrate.
- If an entire kitchen of granite countertops
is beyond your budget, consider
using them
for only part of the room or
installing less
expensive granite tiles.
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