Selecting the kitchen countertops for your home comes with more extensive options than in years past. And for this reason, many homeowners are unsure of which materials to choose for their countertops.
You have materials like concrete, quartz, granite, marble, wood, laminate, vinyl, recycled products and so on. Everything comes with pros and cons, so it’s up to you to do the research before you buy.
It also helps to speak with a knowledgeable expert, such as a contractor. But before you do, you can look at this quick guide.
We’ll cover some of the reasons why you should go with granite over laminate kitchen countertops.
1. The Cost
We all know how pricey stone kitchen countertops can be. And it’s one of the prime reasons why homeowners opt for laminate surfaces. However, if you do the math, you’ll quickly see that granite is a cheaper option.
Granite is a natural stone, that when sealed, can last a very long time. This means you won’t have to worry about scratches, stains and burns while you’re doing what you do in the kitchen.
Laminate, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. It’s easily scratched, burned and stained, which will require replacement sooner rather than later. Anyone who does a lot of prepping, cooking and eating on the kitchen countertops will be better off with a durable stone like granite.
2. The Quality
The quality of granite is unsurpassed compared to laminate surfaces. If you’re looking for a countertop that will last you many years, then granite is right for you. Now, some folks will opt for laminate that resembles natural stones like marble and granite.
But the quality of it just doesn’t live up to the quality you expect from kitchen countertops. You should be able to chop, slice, bake and make small messes without worrying about ruining the surface.
This is the very reason you’ll find granite being the top choice for many homeowners.
3. The Heat Resistance
Those who enjoy baking and cooking in the kitchen know how important it is to protect countertop surfaces from heat. This is especially true when you’re dealing with laminate kitchen countertops.
The adhesive behind the surface can come loose when the temperatures are above 150 degrees. In other words, you must set your pan of hot cookies on the stove top to prevent damage.
You don’t have to worry about burns and the surface coming apart when you have granite stone counters. There’s no need for a trivet either, so you can set the pots and pans directly on top of the counter.
4. Resistance to Stains and Scratches
Cutting boards are a must if you’re going to be chopping and dicing food on top of your laminate counter. Not doing so could lead to you leaving behind unsightly scratches on the surface.
The same goes for water, drink and food spills. These can all lead to stains in a surface like laminate, but not so much when it comes to granite. Granite stone is both scratched and stain resistant because its nonporous upon sealing.
In the long run, you’ll save a lot of money by installing a granite countertop in your kitchen.
5. The Natural Beauty
Laminate simply can’t compare to the natural beauty of granite stone. The variety of colors and the natural specks and veins it comes with make it 100% unique. No two slabs are the same, which means your kitchen has a fingerprint of the earth no one else has.
Even if you decide to get a laminate counter that closely resembles granite, it won’t compare to the real thing.
6. Boost the Value of Your Home
Another reason homeowners choose to install granite into their homes is because they find it can help increase their property value. Not only can they get a return on their investment, but it attracts prospects.
Home buyers love kitchens with beautiful natural stones like marble and granite. So, if you’re considering putting your home on the market soon, you can have more confidence by installing granite into the kitchen.
7. Lasts Forever
Granite has been around for many thousands of years. Surely, it can last the lifetime of your kitchen. If you want to make a one-time investment that will continue to help the value and functionality of your kitchen, then this is the way to go.
8. Fast and Easy Installation
The installation of granite is faster and easier than ever before. Some may think it takes a very long time, but in most cases, it can be installed within one day. Of course, this depends on what other factors may get in the way, such as the demolition of the old cabinet and counters.
Find a Showroom Near You
These reasons alone will be enough to make most homeowners jump aboard the granite bandwagon. If you’re one, then you’ll need to find a showroom near you. At Keystone Marble and Granite, we have a local showroom featuring all our beautiful stones and tile.
The products we have available include granite, marble and quartz. They all come backed with brand warranties to ensure quality and satisfaction. The brands we carry countertops from include MSI, Caesarstone, Silestone and Cambria.
When you purchase through us, you’re guaranteed a quick turnaround. Our experts will fabricate and install it quickly. So, no waiting weeks for a big box store to deliver it.
If you want to have new granite counters installed in your home, then give us a call today!