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Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most fascinating and beautiful natural stones in the world. Among the hardest and strongest naturally occurring materials, granite was created by extreme heat and pressure within the earth. The vast array of granite countertops colors and patterns result from quartz, feldspar, and other minerals that have combined together over time. These minerals combine in such a way that makes granite a very hard, scratch resistant, and durable kitchen surface.
 
There are several factors that make granite a terrific choice for a kitchen countertop. Granite countertop care is one reason homeowners love to use this material. The surface cleans easily with a sponge or soft cloth using warm soapy water, rinsed with clean warm water and polished dry with a clean towel for easy cleanup. There is specially formulated natural stone cleaner, polish, and sealer to be used periodically for granite countertops maintenance to keep it looking like new.
 
One of the main reasons people select granite is because of its natural beauty. With over 3000 colors of granite countertops to choose from, it has the ability to make every kitchen unique. Granite can fit into just about any kitchen decor or color theme.
 
Durability is another reason homeowners choose to use granite counter tops.  A granite countertop will virtually last forever and remain looking new provided that it is cared for properly. 
 
Along with all the advantages of granite, there are some disadvantages as well. You should consider all granite countertop pros and cons before making this stone your countertop choice. The biggest disadvantage is the price.  Granite is the most expensive countertop material available.  Keep in mind though that there are some ways to reduce granite countertops price, such as purchasing discount granite countertops or doing some of the installation work yourself.
 
While some homeowners install their own counters, granite countertops installation is usually best to leave to the professionals. If an error occurs, it can be very costly since granite is such an expensive material. There are some tasks related to installation that a do it yourself homeowner can do to help with the process, such as removal of the old counter.

Video: How granite is extracted from quarries around the world and turned into beautiful countertops for the kitchen.

 

granite countertops - Google News
Google News

Forget Granite Countertops, Here Comes Electric-Vehicle Charging - Wall Stree...

Forget Granite Countertops, Here Comes Electric-Vehicle Charging
Wall Street Journal (blog)
This isn't exactly a granite countertop, but, in a release, Chief Executive Jeffrey Mezger says the company is thinking about how home owners will live ?in ...

and more »

Glass countertops edging out granite - Orland Park Prairie

Glass countertops edging out granite
Orland Park Prairie
In recent years, the media have reported on allegations of granite countertops possibly emitting dangerous levels of radon and radiation. ...

and more »

Natural Stone: Affordable Luxury - North American Press Syndicate

Natural Stone: Affordable Luxury
North American Press Syndicate
The recommendation for bathroom improvement was simpler: "Upgrade to granite countertops." Stone countertops have become more affordable as demand has ...


Industry Research & Information Manager - Orland Park Prairie

Industry Research & Information Manager
Orland Park Prairie
Half of the 24 entries that used natural stone included granite countertops, while five used marble, three limestone and one each soapstone and onyx. ...


Silver Spring: Choose amenities in Poplar Run home set - Business Gazette

Business Gazette

Silver Spring: Choose amenities in Poplar Run home set
Business Gazette
With the starting price of the house, buyers receive the home site and a basic finished home, with luxury amenities such as granite countertops and hardwood ...


A Look at the Most Common Myths About Granite - Kitchen and Bath Design News

A Look at the Most Common Myths About Granite
Kitchen and Bath Design News
We'd like to shed some light on common myths and misconceptions about granite countertops. Some of these myths are spread by people trying to ...


Take a Look at TulaneJeff's Awesome NOLA Kitchen - YumSugar.com

Take a Look at TulaneJeff's Awesome NOLA Kitchen
YumSugar.com
TulaneJeff lives in New Orleans where he has a modest-sized kitchen with lovely green walls and black granite countertops. Like this? Be the first! ...


Old-home day puts the past in perspective SANDRA SNYDER WALL TO WALL - Wilkes...

Wilkes Barre Times-Leader

Old-home day puts the past in perspective SANDRA SNYDER WALL TO WALL
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
Granite countertops? I've been reading they might be on the outs, almost a clich . Wall-mounted televisions? But how long until we mount our sets on ...

and more »

Serene setting makes Salem, NH home a real gem - Eagle Tribune

Serene setting makes Salem, NH home a real gem
Eagle Tribune
The eat-in kitchen, in the center of the house, features beautiful multi-colored swirled granite countertops, custom maple glazed cabinets, ...


1-bed, 3-bed units left in Potrero Hill development - San Francisco Chronicle

1-bed, 3-bed units left in Potrero Hill development
San Francisco Chronicle
Kitchens in the development come with granite countertops and energy-efficient, stainless steel appliances. All the bedrooms have carpeting, ...


 

Related Information:

Granite kitchen backsplash

Granite quarry

Granite Stains