5 Drawbacks of Granite Counters

Drawbacks of Granite Counters

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials with good reason. While granite countertops offer beauty and durability, they do come with some slight drawbacks. Consider these 5 disadvantages when choosing new countertops for your home.

1. Granite Can Be Expensive

Granite is definitely not the most budget-friendly countertop material. In fact, it's on the higher end of the scale. Still, you do get what you pay for. Granite is one of the most durable and long-lasting countertops you can choose for your home. If you want to mitigate the cost of granite countertops, consider granite tile instead of granite slab. This option has a lower cost for materials because it uses separate tiles instead of a continuous slab of granite. The downside is there will be visible grout lines.

2. Granite Needs to Be Sealed Regularly

Most types of granite need to be sealed to prevent stains and bacterial growth. The good news is sealing granite countertops doesn't take a great deal of expertise or time. The installers can seal your countertops initially and show you how to do it yourself once or twice a year to keep the stone looking and performing its best for a lifetime. Make sure you use a specially formulated sealer for granite like Granite Gold Sealer®.

3. Granite Countertops Need to Be Installed Professionally

This may not be a drawback if you were never considering a do-it-yourself kitchen remodel, but granite needs to be professionally installed for a few reasons. The material itself weighs a great deal, professional installation is necessary for a warranty of your new countertop, and granite installation and fabrication requires specialized tools and experience that aren't worth the investment if you're only going to do it once.

4. Granite Countertops Are Very Common Today

Some people prefer the idea of having a unique kitchen or bathroom counter material. While granite was less common just a few years ago, it's now the most common kitchen countertop material in the United States. If you want something unique for your home, this doesn't mean you need to write off granite because it comes in endless styles and colors. You can find an eye-catching slab of granite with veining and color that stands apart from the pack. There's also the fact that homebuyers love granite countertops. Adding granite to your home can increase its resale value and make it easier to sell down the road.

5. Granite Can Crack

It is possible for granite to be cracked or chipped if it's struck by a sharp or hard object like a meat cleaver, especially if the object is dropped on a corner. The good news is this is a fairly uncommon occurrence, and it usually only happens when the countertop is struck very hard in a particularly weak area. Most people aren’t deterred by the drawbacks to granite counters because the benefits outweigh them. If you’ve decided to have granite counters installed, make sure you know how to take care of them properly. For tips on taking care of your granite countertops, reach out to the stone care specialists at Granite Gold®. We offer specially formulated cleaners, sealers, and polish that can keep your counters looking as good as new. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE.
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