Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most highly sought after design elements in a home. If you’re considering granite in your home, you may be weighing the advantages and drawbacks of the decision. To make it easy, let’s break down the pros and cons of granite countertops.

Pros of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are prized not just for their looks, but also for their utility and strength. Here are a few pros of granite countertops.

Granite Countertops Have a Striking Appearance

Granite as a natural stone has an incredible variety of colors and patterns due to the way it is formed. Available in light and dark shades, and everything in between, granite adds a beautiful natural element to any home design. For a large kitchen project, more than one slab will likely be used. Coordinating slabs can be used to create a continuous feel with a subtle contrast in the details.

Granite Countertops are Very Durable

As a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, granite is an extremely strong countertop material. It’s naturally resistant to erosion, which makes it a great choice for busy kitchens. It’s also scratch and heat resistant, though you should still treat it with care to keep it in peak condition.

Granite Countertops Are Very Popular

The beauty and strength of granite countertops makes them a popular choice for many homeowners. Your new granite countertops are sure to be a point of conversation when you have guests gathering in the kitchen. It’s a stone that is meant to be shown off. Fortunately, each slab of granite is completely unique, which means your home’s granite countertops won’t look like your neighbor’s.

Granite Countertops Hold Their Value

The durability of granite countertops and the high demand for the natural stone mean they will hold their value for a long time to come. This makes granite countertops make a great selling point if you ever list your home.

Cons of Granite Countertops

Despite all their positive attributes, there are a few cons of granite countertops. 

Granite Countertops Can Be Expensive

Granite countertops have a luxurious look and feel, and will last a long time and stand up to heavy use beautifully — but these advantages come at a price. At the high end of many price ranges, they average between $100 – $250 per square foot for materials alone, and the price can go up depending on thickness and style of the granite countertops. 

It’s important to note that granite is not used to make economy countertops, which makes price the biggest turn-off for homeowners considering granite countertops. What the price tag doesn’t explain, however, is the value of granite countertops. They may require a larger initial investment compared to economy countertops and other stone types, but they are incredibly durable and will hold their value over time. Your investment will pay off when you can ask for more when it comes time to sell your home with granite countertops.

Granite Countertops Require Some Care

Granite countertops require a bit of maintenance to keep them in pristine condition. An important part of that maintenance is prevention against stains and damage. Granite is a porous stone, meaning it can absorb liquids left on its surface. Sealing is required to slow this process, which makes granite countertops effectively stain resistant but not stain-proof. It’s still important to clean any spills as soon as possible.

Also, granite can be prone to chipping or cracking if significant force is applied. Although a naturally strong material, granite countertops can be chipped if something heavy is dropped on them. Take care when handling heavy pans or stoneware, and as a general rule, always use a trivet to protect the finish from scratches or chips.

Granite countertops are not for everyone. They require someone who will appreciate their beauty and strength, and can look beyond the investment level to see the great value and long lasting elegance of granite countertops. As one of the strongest and most striking countertop materials, granite can make a great addition to any home.

If you’re interested in granite countertops, but not sure if they fit into your lifestyle and budget, call Kowalski Granite & Quartz! We’re happy to talk to you about all of the pros and cons of granite, and help you decide what stone countertops might be right for your home.