A stunning material that complements any aesthetic and holds up against stains and sharp objects, many automatically choose granite for their kitchen countertops. But with great countertops comes great responsibility.
So, what mistakes can you avoid when choosing granite countertops for your kitchen remodel?
Redoing your kitchen can quickly become costly and a home improvement nightmare if you’re careless with a few key details. Before installing, make sure to avoid these five common countertop missteps.
Going Light
While more stain-resistant than materials such as quartz and marble, granite is still a natural stone that will stain if frequently exposed to wine, citrus, and harsh chemical cleaners. Because kitchens mean food mess and frequent family gatherings, we recommend choosing a darker granite material that easily hides day-to-day damage.
Choosing Thick
People love granite because it’s durable and won’t require replacement years down the line. With everything crazy life throws your way, hefty countertop maintenance and replacements should be last on your list of priorities. However, if you’re choosing a granite thickness over one inch, think again about avoiding maintenance.
Why? Well, your manufacturer will need to glue two slabs of granite together to create a thicker countertop. While the granite itself won’t deteriorate much, the glue holding your slabs together will and when that glue disintegrates, a gap between the two slabs will form. That gap means damage to your countertops and, consequently, necessary maintenance. So, keep it simple and stick to standard thickness for your kitchen counters.
Ignoring Edges
More of a general countertop installation note – it’s difficult to edit your edges once you install your countertops. So be thoughtful when picking a style. Consider the overall aesthetic when choosing an edge shape. Flat edges versus rounded will complement or clash depending on a modern versus traditional kitchen. To avoid doubling your installation price with a costly and time-sucking reinstall, choose carefully.
Top Mounting
If you’re installing granite, take advantage of every benefit. One of the upsides to granite is the ability to undermount your sink. Aesthetically, a lower-level sink looks sleek, modern, and natural. More importantly (and practically), when cleaning your countertops, lower-level sinks allow you to sweep dirt, spills, and bacteria straight in. A top-mounted sink is a recipe for bacteria getting stuck and lodged around the sides and underneath. An excess of dirt and bacteria is not only bad for your granite but bad for the people in your household who use that sink daily.
DIY
Many underestimate the expertise needed to properly install countertops. No matter the material, installing countertops requires a professional contractor with years of experience under their belt. When it comes to countertop installation, hire a trusted countertop contractor and rest assured that your remodel is in good hands (that have a good grasp on granite).
Related Questions
What can I do to protect my granite countertops in the kitchen?
If you’ve gone granite, you probably hate maintenance, or at least need the freedom to let your countertops sit for days on end without worrying about stains and chips. While granite countertops are generally more durable, that doesn’t mean you can leave maintenance at the waist side and carelessly spill, cut, and ignore basic cleaning.
To keep your countertop shining and extend its lifespan, avoid cutting directly on the surface of your counter, use coasters, and always opt for surface cleaners without harsh and corrosive chemicals. Wiping your counter down daily is also a great way to prevent stains, especially if you’ve chosen a dark color that easily hides everyday spots and spills.
Overall
Taking the time up front to think through a kitchen remodel will save you time, money, and sanity in the back-end. Color, style, and even sink levels can dramatically impact your countertop’s ability to last long past its lifespan. So, remodel, but remodel with care and wisdom.
Remodeling your kitchen can be a daunting task, so let the professionals help. Best Granite and Marble will make your countertop remodel a stress-free process. We have been fabricating and installing stone countertops for more than 50 years and are Livonia’s #1 source for kitchen and bathroom countertops, renovations and more!
We have a vast selection of granite, marble, quartz and porcelain and our designers are here to help you choose the best countertop solution for your home. More questions on granite countertops? Contact us today for a Free Design Consultation!