Why Granite Counters Are Better Than Concrete

Concrete countertops were part of an interior design trend that started in the late 1990s, which resulted from a combination of do-it-yourself practices and a resurgence of industrial/rustic décor. Although to some homeowners the idea of concrete countertops may sound like installing a section of sidewalk in their kitchens, they can actually look pretty sharp because they involve more than just cement. With the right mix of pigment, sand, or crushed stone, a concrete countertop can be made to look unique. Plus, skilled installers can mold the surface with intricate curves and special features that aren’t commonly seen with ceramic or laminate counters. Though the industrial and rustic styles of interior décor are still very popular, the same cannot be said about concrete countertops, which have been overshadowed by the popularity of granite. To understand why granite is a superior choice when compared to concrete, consider the following reasons. Granite Will Always Look Better Even the most talented installer of concrete countertops will never be able to match the intricate colors and veining patterns that Mother Nature blesses granite with. Though there are materials that can be engineered to closely resemble granite, they cannot fully replicate a natural look. Granite’s Pricing Is Competitive Unless you’re going for a stern industrial décor that will make your kitchen counters look like they belong in the outdoor grilling station of a public beach in Brazil, concrete countertops aren’t so affordable. An elaborate concrete project complete with pigments, polishing, and sealing could cost over $2,000. The cost of granite installation has come down considerably in recent years, and you may spend just a few hundred more compared to concrete. Granite Is Easier to Maintain Even with the application of industrial sealants, the high porosity of concrete will become a maintenance concern. Staining is more likely to occur on concrete surfaces, and the seal will degrade faster than on granite. Granite can be kept shiny with a granite polish that’s easy to use, such as Granite Gold Polish®. Since concrete is more porous, you’ll find yourself reapplying sealant quite often, especially if the kitchen counters are extensively used for food preparation. You still need to seal granite regularly, but the process is less laborious. Granite Can Boost the Value of Your Home Concrete isn’t a keyword prospective homebuyers look for when they search the multiple listing service. They’re more likely to look for granite, marble, and quartz. Home appraisers who don’t remember the short heyday of concrete countertops will probably mark them as solid surface materials, a designation that won’t help in terms of overall valuation. Granite floors, counters, and panels are factors that appraisers and home buyers will always pay attention to. In addition to sealing and polishing, it’s important to clean granite regularly. If you don’t know how to clean granite countertops and what products to use, Granite Gold® has you covered. All of our products are safe to use on granite, as well as all other types of natural stone, including marble, slate, and travertine. Contact the Stone Care Experts today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). If you’re on Facebook, make sure to like our page for regular updates and tips on quartz and natural-stone care.