Granite Is Best Choice for Countertop Installation for 2013

In 1999, we had just built a home. At the time, granite was sooo pricey. The choices available were not what they are today in 2011. Quite honestly back then, I could not afford it. What was popular in 1999 was formica inspired granite. "I am sure it depends on what part of the country you live." But in my neck of the woods and in all the big box stores, Formica and Wiison Art were the leaders of the granite look.

Back then they did not have the technology for edging Formica to make it look like a bullnose edge. We actually had a 1 1/2 " stained wood as the edge. It took a really good carpenter to make it flush and smooth because it was perpendicular to the Formica top. When guests would come over they actually commented, "Is this granite?"

In 2002 our 3rd home, we relocated out of state and purchased a home that had Corian. This was the next step up from Formica. Granite was starting to penetrate households, but it was still too pricey. Corian was heavily advertised and most consumers thought Corian was the next best thing. I loved the look of Corian. Corian is a made plastic by Dupont. Corian has the look of granite, cost less to install back then. Corian does scratch very easily. An example would be: If you slide a postcard or a coffee cup across the counter it will scratch. It is most noticeable on darker shades. Aside from that it is easy to clean.

In 2003, we had to relocate again for career reasons and we moved into a home we built from the ground up. My love affair with granite began in our 4th home. We installed granite. Granite by 2003 was more pervasive in home construction. The choices available were easier to find. There were more fabricators and distributors who sold granite. But the granite sold then was not permanently sealed. It I think was a learning curve for the industry. The color I fell in love withI was Emerald Pearl. I chose it because it reminded me of a galaxy of stars when the light hit it and it reminded me of diamond jewelry. 'What woman doesn't love bling?" It for me and my kitchen made a huge statement and paired with my spice-maple, kraftmaid cabinets, it was indeed stunning. I loved being and entertaining in my kitchen.

To me granite is as much as an emotional purchase as it is decorative & functional. I say that because when people look at the samples it stirs up feelings. The feelings are different for everyone and why they choose a certain color. Men get just as emotional and are heavily involved when choosing granite with their spouses. Granite is a as macho as it is feminine. The way to choose granite is to choose, " what speaks to you!" You are making a commitment to your kitchen and bath when choosing granite. Granite is saying you are GREEN. It is a natural resource. It is mined like diamonds but in a different way. Granite is an investment in your relationship to your home. It adds beauty and value.

We live in a different home. We purchased a home that was about 80 years old and gutted it. We replaced the entire kitchen. My love affair for granite continues, in fact i think it is stronger. Granite is here to stay. I love everything about it. I love its characteristics. More inportantly, the granite of today is sealed when it is fabricated and the warranty last about 15 years. The array of choices are incredible, not to mention edging profiles available. I can not think of any reason not to love granite.

Interestingly, more males are just as interested in decorating their kitchens with their spouses. The men love looking at the granite just as much as the women! Granite makes a such a beautiful impact in everyone's kitchen. I want to suggest that granite be used in your bathroom. I am betting that once the kitchen is done, the next room to get granite will be bathrooms across the country. The cost of granite has come down. It has become more affordable for many. Granite has made a such an impact on homebuyers that when you are remodeling or updating your home for resale, that if a buyer doesn't see granite they think your kitchen is dated. Buyers now expect and demand it in the kitchen.

"I sold my home on craiglist in two weeks." read my hub. When I look back, I still miss my Emerald Pearl granite. However, now I have a relationship with Santa Cecelia in my kitchen. I love her just as much as Emeral Pearl. Santa Cecelia is as beautiful , just different. It has warm whites, browns and soft black colors that compliments my off- white Diamond cabinetry. When i picked it, I wanted a beachy feel and less bling.

1. Granite is as hard as a diamond which means it is pretty hard to scratch from normal daily use.

2. It is easy to clean and maintain

3. Most granite is sealed at the time of fabrication. I know Marble & Granite Works of Cleveland uses Sensa to seal their granite.

4. Granite does not stain when it is sealed and it can tolerate heat up to 572 degrees. So that fry pan you just put there is just fine!

5. Granite comes from all Brazil, China and other far away places and is also mined in the USA like in Arizona.

6.Granite comes in a many colors

7. The more movement with regard to its natural color characteristics the more it will cost.

8. Granite is the number one choice over Marble because of its hardness. Marble stains , scratches and is softer than granite. Marble is more porous than granite.

9. Granite cost less than marble to install.

10. Granite adds resale value in your home

Please keep your cabinet colors in mind and bring a door-sample to compare colors when choosing your granite. You want your kitchen to look harmonious and beautiful. Personally I love the colors that have more movement. Some granite colors look like paintings like Monet. The beauty of granite is its natural characteristics. I love the natural flaws. It is a design that is naturally formed that is not replicated. It makes it special. No two sheets of granite will exactly look alike in color. Of course, anything that is not as plentiful, like the color Uba Tuba will cost more.

An undermount sink is a great solution. There is a trend for people to pick larger sinks. But your cabinets have to be wide enough. So for example if you want a 33" sink, your cabinet should be a minimum 36".

After they cut your sink hole out, ask to keep the piece that is cut out. They can polish it and have it cut to the size of a 12inch platter.

"The first thing people always comment when they walk into your home will be your counter tops...perhaps because granite is so unique as a material and our eyes are just naturally drawn to looking at it it beauty."

1. Instead of a particle desk top for your office, have a piece of granite cut and polished and place it over the desk top.

2. Window sills for drama and effect

3. Bath walls and tub surround instead of tile tile.

4. Cubbies where you showcase your art

5. Got an old kitchen table? Dress it up with a slab of Granite instead

6. Use a 10 x 16" Cheese board

7. Use as a cutting board, but know that granite can dull those knives.

8. Use on top of an old side table in the family room

9. Dress up your buffet to match your kitchen counter

10. Mixed and cut with floor tile it can be really quite special as a decorative floor border

Well, for those of you who love granite, there is a new granite that has a matt finish and is a leather look. When I saw it I did not get the impression it looked like leather. The texture looked more like scarred acne. I touched it and it felt grainy. Leather granite does not come polished. If you have kids expect greasy finger prints to show.

Do you love Soapstone because it is different? I like it but you have to rub mineral oil on it to keep its look once a month. It is softer than granite. I like the look but not the maintenance. It will show your children's greasy finger prints.If that doesn't bother you, then go for it. Soapstone a has a beautiful aged look to it.

There are a number of profile edges one can choose. Bull nose, Victorian Pencil, Dupont Half Bull Nose, Ogee and Triple Pencil. Expect to spend more for the extra detailing. I recommend using a fancier edge for a large center island.

Ok, so you found a stone you love.Please understand that stone, when dug-up is going to have similar characteristics within a lot. Each lot of stone excavated can be different. So the veining and the markings that are all beautiful and natural to the stone today may not be the same in another group, in another store.If you love the stone slab you see, buy it now. You won't find another exact replica. I can tell you from experience. Save your heartaches now!

An example I will use is Uba Tuba. It can look brown/black/ black/green or black/gold. Uba Tuba is fairly consistent in pattern and color but it does differ.Good Luck!!

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