Home Remodeling Guide >>  Materials >>  Natural Stone >>  Natural Stone Countertops Guide >>  Granite >>

Why Ganite?

Granite is a very hard, natural, igneous rock found on all continents. It is pulled from the Earth in giant monolithic blocks. Granite has been used in construction and interior decoration since the dawn of civilization and has remained the most prominent construction material during the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical periods. It was only in the Twentieth Century that granite, along with other natural stones, temporarily gave way to less expensive man-made materials.

Natural Stone Countertops: Fashion Meets Function in Today’s Kitchens

Today we are witnessing the revival of the popularity of natural, durable, and environmentally friendly materials. Homeowners replace vinyl and carpet with hardwood and ceramic tiles, mundane laminate countertops with granite and marble, nondescript synthetics with handcrafted mosaics and limestone.

The exceptional strength of granite combined with the wide range of colors and surface patterns and its stunning beauty make it an ideal surface for kitchen counter tops. Granite surface can withstand hot pots and pans, it is resilient to scratching and chemicals and is extremely durable.

Each slab of granite is unique - it will add character and style to your kitchen, add value to your home and will be an investment that you will never regret.

Granite vs. Man-made Stones

When it comes to Kitchen Remodeling, some homeowners debate whether they should choose granite or one of the man-made stones sold under names like Cambria, Zodiaq, and Silestone. The prices for these man-made materials start at $50 Sq. Ft., which makes them comparable to granite. The manufacturers of man-made stone typically stress the durability, safety for food preparation, and non-porosity of their materials. But how do these man-made stones really compare to granite in terms of performance? While it is true that engineered stones are non-porous and easy to clean, they are more vulnerable on the edges and can chip easily if a heavy object is dropped on them. The surface of an engineered stone can also be damaged with a knife, something that does not happen to the exceptionally hard granite surface. Unlike engineered stone the granite surface cannot be damaged by hot pots and pans placed on the countertop.

Manufacturers of artificial stones stress that their materials are consistent in color and pattern, thus the homeowners are able to select the color and pattern of their countertop material by simply looking at the sample with no necessary trip to the stone yard or showroom. This is true, just like it is true with all other mass produced products. But the uniqueness of each granite slab is one of the most attractive qualities for those who appreciate the natural beauty of earth formed materials and want a piece of it in their homes.

To copy is the greatest flattery, so it speaks volumes that manufacturers of artificial countertop surfaces make their products look like granite. But aesthetically speaking, Corian, Zodiaq and other similar products do not yet come close to the richness, depth and polish of natural granite.

The Timeless Appeal of Natural Stone

Stone introduces a sense of permanence to the interior. Designing with stone makes a statement about staying power - stone is the material that integrated the architectural structure with surface at the most fundamental level. When chosen properly, stone will deliver a profound sense of continuity and a timeless quality that is beyond fashion and trends.