Granite countertops are now found in many modern homes because they give you the opportunity to improve the quality of the time you spend in a home and increase the value of the home at the same time. Granite countertops are known for their durability, never going out of style even when used for generations. This means that once bought, you may never need to replace them, making it important to choose wisely when buying.
Granite countertops are made from volcanic rock or igneous rock produced from molten rock which has cooled. The size of grains and crystals of the minerals of the rock which make up the rock is usually determined by the pressure, temperature and speed of the cooling process. Some of the minerals found in true granite are feldspar, very hard quartz, and minerals which are not as hard as mica to help in beautifying the surface of the stone.
Maintenance Guide for Granite Countertops
Though granite countertops usually last for generations, it is still necessary to take good care of them so as to serve you for many years beautifying your home. These are some things to consider to properly maintain your granite countertops:
- How to remove stains – Stone surfaces can get stained through an agent. Therefore, the use of an absorbent material will help to remove the stains. If you are faced with a stubborn stain, you should mix a liquid dish washing soap with some flour and apply it to the stain. That mixture should be left overnight, and you only need to wash off with warm water in the morning. If the stain is an organic one from tea, coffee, mustard or gravy, a mixture of about 10% of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia should be used. The spilling of wine and ink can also cause inorganic stain, and to get this removed, you should apply a mixture of molding plaster and bleach. For about 45 minutes, you should spread the mixture over the inorganic stain, and then wash off with water.
- Chemical cleaners should not be used – Harsh chemical cleaners like the ones containing acidic substances like vinegar and lemon juice can etch and pit your granite countertops. This is an important thing you need to always consider. In addition, gritty cleaners like the ones used in cleaning glass can give you a cloudy looking countertop through a build-up of film. The cleaners that you can use are the ones having neutral PH formulations. You should always use cleaners which are formulated specially for granite countertops. Do not buy if the label has words like ammonia, bleach, acetone or lemon.
- The use of a soft cloth – You can easily clean your granite countertops with warm water and a soft cloth to remove the leftover particles and all the debris. The simple solution of warm water and an anti-bacterial, mild soap with a sponge can help in removing those things from the surface.
- The use of granite sealants – Granite sealants are good because they make your countertop to be more resistant to stains. The sealant can be bought or made on your own. In following the instructions of the manufacturer, a single coat can be applied, then after about 24 hours, you should follow it with another coat. This combination makes the granite countertop to be less porous, moisture-protected and shiny.
Price of Granite Countertops
It is a fact that granite countertops are not cheap, but you will enjoy them for many years. They are priced on per square feet basis, with each square foot costing $65 to $200 without the cost of installation, but probably including costs incurred due to stonework, transportation and finishing. However, in non-peak season, you may have them for as low as $30 per square feet.
Most granite stores offer attractive packages which include cutting, transportation, cementing and polishing. These will make you pay less, and you only need to look for a certified contractor to do the installation. In the market today, installation is usually between $10 and $45 per square feet, with the entire project costing between $600 and $1900 depending on the area. The more experienced and renowned contractor you hire, the more you are going to spend, but you will always be assured of a high-quality job. The total cost of installing granite countertops can be greatly reduced if you have the skill, equipment and experience for polishing, cutting and installing.
Granite countertops can be grouped into categories A, B, C depending on the availability of the base stone from which the type of granite is obtained. The rare ones are in Category A, while the B or C categories are the ones which can easily be found here and there. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay more if you need the Category A granite countertops.
Use Granite Countertops to Add Value to Your Home
Of course, granite countertops are not cheap and certain things need to be observed to make them serve you for many years. For instance, your granite slabs need to be cut, matched and installed while making provision for error. In addition, they need sealing and polishing every 4 to 6 months. However, the value they add to your home is usually more than the cost of installation and maintenance. Therefore, it is a good thing to have some of them today.
