Granite countertops have long been a selling point for kitchens. Indeed, the practice of creating beautiful, functional objects with the dense stone is nothing new; the walls of the King’s Chamber in Egypt’s Great Pyramid were made from polished black granite, and that was back before there were lasers to cut it. The appeal of this versatile igneous rock is widespread, and understandably so. It makes a great addition to your home for several reasons.
It Can Take the Heat
Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of lava or magma, which is essentially liquid stone. Since it is formed by heat and pressure, granite will not burn, melt, scorch or otherwise sustain the kind of heat damage that could take down other kitchen contenders. You don’t have to worry about setting hot pans directly on your granite countertops. Nothing will happen to them. In fact, the surface is cool to the touch, which creates ideal conditions for rolling out dough or working with caramels and candy.
It’s Tough
This stone stands up to a fair amount of abuse. It does not scratch easily, so you can cut directly on it the way you would on a cutting board or butcher block (though it’s so hard it may dull your knives!). Serious blows from cleavers can cause cracks or chipping, but everyday wear and tear won’t make a dent. Because the stone slabs are barely porous they’re also largely resistant to bacteria, which should make you feel safe if you’re going to place food directly on your counter. Low porosity means they’re easy to clean, too. All you need is warm water and a mild soap solution.
It’s Desirable
If you like granite countertops, you’re not the only one. Installing them can add value to your home, whether that means your own enjoyment of it or the price you can ask if you’re planning to sell. They don’t depreciate in value and, because they’re so durable, they’re likely to look just as good several years down the line as they do when they’re first installed. Protect your investment by treating your counters with a penetrating sealer to further prevent any staining or other damage.
It’s Beautiful
No two pieces of granite are exactly alike. Each piece displays countless combinations of veining, speckling and pitting. Mineral composition determines the stone’s color — which can be light and sandy or dark and rich and anything in between — so there’s a variation out there to fit every style and palette. Slabs can be cut into almost any shape, from rectangles to ovals and curved flourishes. When the crystalline structure of granite meets sunlight, the reflection produces a look of depth and luminosity that is unmatched by other surfaces.