Granite Countertops – What are the advantages?
Granite countertops have been used for many years in upper-end homes. Unique colors and one-of-a-kind patterns have made granite countertops the central focus of many of kitchen makeovers. A natural stone, granite is extremely hard and durable and kitchen remodelers and interior decorators continue to promote granite countertops as a kitchen work surface.
Granite Countertops - What are the problems?
Granite countertops are expensive and often require new cabinetry as part of a total kitchen makeover adding substantially to the cost of your granite counters. Granite slabs must be matched, cut, and installed with little room for error. Granite countertops require sealing and polishing every 6 months with a quality, penetrating sealer. Without regular sealing, your granite countertops may become cloudy and stained. Avoid allowing liquids including lemon juice, vinegar, alcoholic drinks, citrus juices, or other acidic liquids from standing on your countertop to avoid dulling or even etching the granite finish.
Use only granite-safe cleaners to avoid stripping off the sealer or completely staining the granite. Take care with heavy pots and pans as granite can be chipped and damaged. Invisible granite repair is difficult if not impossible. Lastly, select your kitchen sink very carefully because replacing a stainless steel sink sandwiched between the cabinet and your granite countertop will be very expensive to replace. It will require removing the granite, which, in turn, may require removing any tile or granite backsplash.
Granite Pros
- Very hard, resistance to cuts and scratches.
- Heat resistant.
- Unique, natural stone patterns.
Granite Cons
- Porous and pin holes…which can harbor bacteria and requires regular sealing.
- Expensive.
- Difficult to repair.
- Seams between slabs can be hard to match.
- Susceptible to staining from citrus, acidic, and other liquids.
- Some granite slabs emit unusually high levels of radon and radiation. Test your slab before installing.
Granite Countertops - What is an affordable alternative?
Miracle Method offers a cost-effective alternative to replacing laminate, tile or man made solid surfaces with granite countertops! We call it Natural Accents™; you'll just call it amazing! This is not a man made imitation granite countertop, but a high tech coating that gives you the look of stone you want without the expense and maintenance of granite. Many homeowners like it even better than granite kitchen counters.
Homeowners love the choice of custom colors, textures and finishes they have with Natural Accents™. This custom stone look is a great kitchen makeover alternative to removal of worn and dated Formica®, Corian®, Silestone®, tile or cultured marble. These stone-like finishes are abrasion resistant and tolerant to the wear and tear of typical kitchen environments. There are almost as many colors as there are for granite patterns. Requiring only common cleaning and care, the Natural Accents™ stone finishes can also be repaired if accidentally damaged.
We can even create a bull-nose edge for your square-edged Formica® kitchen counter or cultured marble bathroom vanity. See How to Upgrade a Countertop to a Rounded Edge.
Before you decide on countertop replacement, compare the cost savings and easy maintenance of Natural Accents™ stone finishes to granite countertops. Call a Miracle Method professional for a free estimate at 1-888-271-7690 or click on Find a Location.
