Granite is a natural, unique material that adds value to your home. It’sIt’s a one-time investment to help your home stand out in a competitive market.
In addition to their durability and beauty, granite countertops offer a variety of practical benefits, such as heat resistance. While trivets and coasters are still a good idea, granite resists damage from hot pots and pans.
Durability
Granite counters are resistant to heat, scratches, and stains. They’re a perfect fit for families with young children prone to spilling, dropping, and scraping. The non-porous surface is also safe for kneading dough or rolling out cookies, unlike other countertop materials that require protective food gloves.
Unlike most artificial surfaces, which must be cut and manufactured with binding agents that harm the environment and end up in landfills, granite comes straight from nature. Choosing a natural stone allows you to preview an entire slab and select based on innate color variations, veining, and other unique characteristics that make your kitchen one-of-a-kind.
Homeowners who upgrade to granite counters can often recoup some of their installation costs when they sell their homes. New granite countertops in St Louis are estimated to be among the top home improvement projects for return on investment. However, be sure to talk with a real estate agent in your region to determine the prices of selling comparables before you invest in this upgrade.
Uniqueness
Unlike most synthetic countertops, granite is a naturally occurring stone. That means that each slab is unique and offers a one-of-a-kind look for your kitchen.
You can expect to see speckles, swirls, and veining patterns that complement your home decor. Additionally, you can find a variety of colors in granite that will work with any kitchen color scheme.
Granite countertops bring a touch of the outdoors inside, and they make your home feel more luxurious. This will appeal to potential buyers if you decide to sell your home. While this isn’t a direct monetary return, it does help you build value in your home that will pay off later.
Health and Safety
Granite countertops are a safe choice for homeowners. They don’tdon’t harbor germs and bacteria that could harm family members and can withstand heat. Plus, they don’tdon’t emit toxic fumes like many other countertop materials when burned.
Though some granite counters can emit radon, research has found that the radon levels produced by granite countertops in homes are far lower than those in outdoor air. The EPA recommends testing all homes for radon and mitigating high levels.
Granite counters are also relatively resistant to stains, especially the darker varieties. A regular wipe-down with a mild cleanser is all needed to keep them clean and pristine. If adequately sealed, they’ll resist staining from spaghetti sauce, red wine, and other everyday spills. This makes them an excellent option for families that want a sleek, modern look. Granite is available in various colors and patterns to match any kitchen decor.
Value
If you ever decide to sell, granite countertops can help boost your home’s resale value. It can give buyers a sense of luxury they may not have seen in other homes.
Unlike other countertop options, granite is not porous. It won’twon’t absorb bacteria and other substances from food or drinks like a sponge. When a granite countertop is sealed correctly, it is resistant to bacteria, heat, and moisture-resistant.
Regarding style, granite counters are always fashionable and timeless options for kitchens. While quartz and other artificial products may try to imitate the look of granite, they cannot match its natural beauty or durability. However, it is essential to consider your neighborhood when deciding whether or not to invest in this feature. If other homes in the area do not have granite, you may be wasting your money. The same goes for other high-end features.