Are you looking to replace your kitchen countertops? go with granite

There are a number of options for new countertops in the kitchen, but the current trend is definitely towards granite. Stone is extremely durable and will hold up well to the daily grind that comes with cooking. Granite will maintain its shine for years with a minimal amount of maintenance and will add elegance to your home that will increase in value.

The number one drawback to granite is cost. Having a granite slab configured to fit your kitchen and installed will cost you at least $60 per square foot and can run upwards of $90. A typical 3×12 granite countertop will set you back around $3000. cost associated with granite is shipping it to your home. Granite slabs are very heavy and great care must be taken when moving them because they can crack, especially if a sink hole was made at the factory. Because they can be difficult to handle, installation is best left to the experts.

Ten years ago, composite materials became very popular for use in the kitchen. Sold under brand names like Corian, Avonite, and Swanstone, these one-piece countertops provided a nice improvement over conventional laminate, which has been the industry standard for years. However, the materials are not as durable as granite and cannot withstand high temperatures either. A pot fresh from the stove can be placed on a granite countertop without fear of burning the surface. Granite, when properly sealed, is also much more stain resistant than composites made from plastic resins.

There is also no substitute for the look of Granite. There is no man-made material that can match the appearance of polished stone. Granite is made of tiny crystals that are ground using diamond-studded pads to polish the stone to a smooth finish. The surface is polished to the point where it is completely flat and the shine comes from the way the polished granite reflects light.

There are enough color options available in granite to match any design or taste. While no two pieces are alike, slabs are classified into basic color groups of white, yellow, blue, green, and brown. White granite tends to be more of a cream color and often has black or gray flecks. Yellow granite is brownish yellow in color, while brown granite tends to be a dark tan. Blue and green granites come in dark and light shades of those colors. Each different color can be found with a wide variety of marbling. The most expensive stone cuts are variegated granite pieces that have elaborate veining running through them. These pieces have been compared to works of art and give the illusion of movement at all times. Going with variegated granite will give your kitchen a look like no other and make it truly unique.