Selecting the right kitchen benchtop has to be one of the more crucial decisions you have to make when renovating the kitchen. First, depending on how avid a cook you are, the benchtop has to be resilient enough to withstand exposure to heat, knives, moisture and so on. Second, the benchtop needs to appear like it is part of the aesthetic of the space or it will stand out conspicuously, consequently detracting from the interior décor. So how do you choose with the vast array of materials available? Stone benchtops and granite, in particular, remain a popular option since they have a proven track record of longevity. To help you whittle down your options, here is a brief look at all you need to know about granite as a preferred stone benchtop.
What makes granite different from other stone benchtops?
Although granite is a natural stone, its composition is what makes it highly suited for heavy-duty applications. This stone is formed when magma cools, making it an igneous rock. Igneous rocks are renowned for their ability to withstand heavy forces, making them ideal for construction applications. Granite comprises an array of minerals including mica, quartz, feldspar and silica. These minerals are what lend granite an array of colour combinations, so you are not limited to greys and blacks, as you can also find this material in pinks and whites too. Therefore, if you are concerned about uniqueness, you can rest assured the slabs utilised for your stone kitchen benchtops can be as individualistic as you want.
How much does the granite cost?
As with most other naturally occurring materials, granite does not have a fixed price tag. Depending on the thickness of the slabs, granite prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Additionally, if you choose to include an edge to the benchtop, you will pay a few hundred dollars more. It is also worth noting that where the granite is sourced from coupled with how scarce it is will have a direct influence on the price too, and this can change with each passing year or after every few months. The best thing to do is work with a reputable remodelling contractor who is already familiar with how the price changes work and they can advise you on what will be ideal for your budget.
Will granite's porosity decrease its lifespan?
Porosity is a typical worry that homeowners have regarding the use of granite benchtops, more so due to their location in the kitchen. But this should not be a deciding factor since most natural stones are porous. The granite is sealed during installation and all you need to do is ensure that sealing remains a compulsory part of your benchtop maintenance schedule. Other than that, this material is quite dense, making it more impact resistant than supplies such as marble, quartzite and more.
Visit a business like The AU Stone Company to see what stone kitchen benchtops they have available.
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