Granite countertops are beautiful and durable, but they’re not exactly budget-friendly. When most people look into bathroom or kitchen remodeling, they’re faced with one big question – Are granite countertops worth the money? In this guide, we will go over some of the pros and cons of granite countertops, along with some affordable alternatives to keep in mind.
Advantages of Granite Countertops
It’s no secret that granite countertops are stunning to look at. Those aren’t the only benefits to look forward to though. Some of the biggest advantages to granite include:
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- High durability to heat – you can set hot pans directly on top of the stone.
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- One of a kind designs. There will be no other countertops exactly like yours in the world.
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- High resale value. As long as the value of your home can support granite countertops (you’re not over-remodeling for your neighborhood), you can get a high return on investment with granite.
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- Easy maintenance, especially if you choose dark, dense granite. The pores are small, and the stone itself is resistant to staining and scratching. All you have to do is wipe it down.
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- Wow-factor interior design. Granite countertops are showstoppers that will intrigue visitors and potential buyers alike.
Disadvantages of Granite Countertops
Despite the many benefits of granite countertops, there are some downsides to keep in mind. The most common complaints about granite countertops include:
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- Granite is expensive and difficult to install
- If you do not have a lot of high-end features in your home (old tile, wood paneling, outdated cabinetry, etc.), granite countertops may look out of place.
- If you have a large kitchen, it may be difficult to get enough granite to cover the countertops – not to mention pricey.
- Granite usually has seams at corners, which can detract from the rich look of the stone.
- If you want a solid slab of granite, you may be limited in your choices. This will depend on the size and shape of your cabinets. In some cases, a solid slab is not even an option because there would be no way to get it into your home.
Before you invest in granite countertops, make sure you know the full scope of the work involved. Only you can determine if it is indeed worth the money.
How to Save Money on Granite Countertops
If you decide you want to get granite countertops, see if you can buy remnant pieces instead of full sheets. This is great for bathrooms with small vanities because most remnant pieces are the perfect size for those counters. You can pay a small fraction of the price for someone else’s “leftover” stone, but you will still get all the benefits of real granite.
You could also consider granite-looking alternatives, like solid surface countertops or countertop refinishing. At Maryland Tub and Tile, we have several stone designs to choose from. The refinishing coating will go right over your existing countertops, and the finished result will look like natural stone. There is no demolition process, and the process costs hundreds of dollars less than true granite.
You could also get stone tile to cover your countertops if you wanted the durability and heat resistance of granite. Just keep in mind that the grout may get dirty, so you cleaning time is liable to increase. You won’t have to worry about that with countertop refinishing because the grout lines and other seams are covered in the process.
Consider all of your options before getting new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, and you will make a great decision for your home.
For more information about bathroom remodeling, tile refinishing, and other solutions, contact Maryland Tub and Tile a call at 877-717-8827 to schedule your free quote.
