subject: Granite Kitchen Countertops are all the Rage [print this page] Nothing screams style and elegance like granite countertops in a kitchen. They are fast becoming the number one choice of high end builders and are increasingly being used in kitchen remodels. The granite countertops look gorgeous and will hold up well even in the busiest of kitchens. They may cost more than laminates or substrates but the extra expense will be well worth it when you start hearing the complements on your kitchen from your guests.
The number one reason people are gravitating toward granite is the beauty of the stone. There is no limit to the selection of colors and textures available across the U.S. While you may have to do some searching, you will be able to find a slab of stone that will match your decor. No two pieces of granite are the same; the marbling pattern is always different and the piece that you select for your kitchen will be unique. Make sure that if you need more than one piece of granite for your kitchen countertops that they come out of the same quarry so they are as similar as possible.
Another reason people are going with granite is because it is so durable. With a minimum amount of maintenance, granite countertops will continue to look brand new years later. The stone is heat resistant and will not be damaged by hot pots being used in your kitchen. Granite resists staining and discoloration unlike other materials used for kitchen counters. All you have to do to keep the luster is seal it with a chemical compound every two to five years.
If you decide to spend the money and upgrade to granite countertops, consider it an investment in the value of your home. Research shows that money spent renovating the kitchen will be recovered when you go to sell the house. A kitchen renovation will not only drive up the resale value of your home but it will also make your house easier to sell, which is a huge plus given how the housing market has been down in recent years. People shopping for existing homes list a renovated kitchen as one of their top desires. If the house has a luxurious kitchen with granite, the would-be buyers are willing to pay more for the home and may be a little more motivated to make an offer.
Installing a granite countertop is a job that you can do yourself, with the proper assistance. The most difficult part is measuring for the slab which will have to be cut to fit your space. You will also have to plan an opening for the sink and be very precise with your calculations. The next toughest part is lifting the granite countertop into place because it will be extremely heavy. The countertop is set on the cabinets and held in place by adhesive applied to the base. You will want to check and make sure that the countertop is level from side to side and from front to back, if it is not, use shims to level it out.
