Pros & Cons of Putting Granite in Your Kitchen
Choosing the right material for your kitchen benchtop can be difficult. You want a product that is affordable, practical, durable and esthetically pleasing. Granite bench-tops tick all of these boxes however, that doesn’t mean that they don’t come with disadvantages.
In this article, we are going to discuss all of the pros & cons of having a granite bench-top in your home. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will know if granite is a suitable material for your application.
Pros:
- Resistance to acidic and basic chemicals
- Durability
- Heat resistant
Cons:
- Sealing
- Colour Availability
- Cost
Resistance to acidic and basic chemicals
Unlike most marbles, granite countertops are extremely resistant to acidic and basic chemicals. Lemon, vinegar, and wine will not harm the material or etch it, the way they will limestones and marbles. However, be cautious of repeated use, as some chemicals will wash away the sealer over time, creating the need for re-sealing before the recommended time.
Durability
If you choose a granite bench-top for your kitchen, it will last you decades. In fact, your kitchen bench will outlast the rest of your home.
Granite is heat resistant
Granite is a heat-resistant material so it becomes very practical when cooking near a range or cooktop. Placing hot pots or pans directly on your countertop is acceptable since granite can take the heat without being damaged or weakened.
Sealing
Granite, like all natural stone, is porous. If liquids are left on the surface for too long, they will absorb into the stone. Depending on what substance needs to be removed, you can apply different natural stone cleaners to speed the process along. Most stone fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops after they are installed, which protects them from absorbing liquids too quickly.
Colour Availability
Unfortunately, you cannot choose the exact colouring and pattering of your natural stone bench-top. You have to inspect slabs from your local natural stone supplier and choose from what is available. Man made materials are more consistent and come in a far greater colour range. However, granite is a genuine natural material that makes your bench-top a true work of art. It is truly a personal preference: a wider range of colour options or a piece of earth art.
Cost of Granite
Granite is one of the most expensive bench-top materials on the market. Installation is also expensive. Granite is unforgiving, compared to other counter options. A small mistake in installation might mean tossing that section and starting over. The cabinets required to handle the weight of granite countertops can also be more expensive than run-of-the-mill cabinets.
