Granite is an excellent choice when it comes to choosing the right surface material for the counter tops in your kitchen remodeling project. Nothing surpasses the elegance, functionality, beauty and durability that granite has to offer, not anywhere in the market for kitchen counter top materials. However, you should be informed properly about the highs and lows of using granite as a kitchen counter top surface material before you rush out to make a purchase.



Maintaining your Granite Kitchen Counter Top: Granite is the most durable, and the least porous of all the natural stone available for kitchen counter top use. However, granite still has the capability of absorbing liquids, which means that it can stain if it is not sealed properly and often. It is generally recommended by providers of granite kitchen counter top material for home owners to wipe the granite down with a sealer at least once every year. Make sure that you talk about maintenance requirements before purchasing any specific kitchen granite counter top.

Purchasing your Kitchen Granite Counter Top: Kitchen granite counter top prices are definitely far from inexpensive, but considering quality that you are purchasing, it may be worth stretching your budget a bit. Kitchen granite counter tops are generally affordable for most people, at approximately $80 to $120 for each square foot. This number is meant to include both the cost of the granite, and the labor costs to install the counter top.

Choosing a Color: Kitchen granite counter tops are available in a wide array of colors, because the granite can be found all over the world. Dark colors tend to mask the presence of crumbs or puddles of liquid, which may appear to be a positive property, but may actually trick you into laying food on what, may not actually be a counter top that is clean. Lighter colors are generally preferable, as they make stains and spills apparent so that they can be cleaned up before they damage the counter top by staining the granite.

Warranties for Kitchen Granite Counter Tops: Granite counter tops are generally guaranteed by reputable kitchen granite counter top manufacturers for an extended period, which is as long as 25 years in some cases. Be sure to ask about warranties with the manufacturer, as it will help you to determine the actual quality of the granite you have set your eye on.