The strength and beauty of granite has been a top choice in kitchen décor for decades. It was first available in the late 1980s—but with limited color choices. As its popularity grew, so did the selection, and by the late 1990s, granite was emerging as the top choice for designers and homeowners alike. People enjoyed the wide selection of both slab and composite granite to use in their homes.
There is no question as to the suitability of granite for kitchen countertops. Its durability, wide array of colors and unique patterns, and its natural appearance has allowed granite to move past its once-trendy status, and into the classic, elegant standard people love.
Granite is versatile, so it is also a popular stone of choice for outdoor kitchens, tabletops, bathrooms and other areas as well. Listed below are some tips for choosing granite countertops in Atlanta, as well as other uses for this beautiful stone.
Bathroom Countertops
A bathroom vanity top may not be subjected to the same abuse as what a kitchen countertop might receive, but it still needs to be stain-resistant and durable. Granite is an excellent choice. The only downside is that granite is extremely heavy. Both the countertop and the floor need to be structurally strong enough to support the weight of the vanity’s slab. Outside of needing to be resealed twice per year, granite is easy to care for, which is an added bonus. Scratches that occur can be polished down. Avoid strong cleansers or abrasive cleaners, and clean with warm water and a liquid detergent to keep it looking beautiful.
Backsplashes
Add continuity, protection, and style by installing a granite or granite tile backsplash in your kitchen. A backsplash not only protects your wall from water, grease, and food stains, it covers gaps in the walls. Use the same granite in the countertops for the backsplash, or a granite tile with a honed or matte finish in a complementary color to add interest.
Outdoor Kitchens
Consider the wear and tear inflicted upon kitchen counters, and add environmental elements to the equation. Even in this situation, granite is strong, durable, and easy to clean. The biggest concern is stains; however, sealing the granite will help prevent those unplanned splashes of color on the countertop. Avoid grease and wine spills, which are the most common culprits for stains. If a stain does occur, Mother Nature will eventually fade it out through sunshine and rain. Granite is heat-resistant and can withstand even the most rigorous cooking style, but it adds an elegant touch to your outdoor living space.
Tabletops
If you are seeking the perfect tabletop for an amazing table base you found, consider using granite. The availability of colors and veining will create a one-of-a-kind furniture piece. Keep in mind that the table base needs to be structurally sound in order to support the weight of a granite tabletop. Steel or wrought-iron bases are excellent table base choices.
Finding the perfect granite countertop in Atlanta should begin with a visit to a local showroom like Legacy Granite Countertops to see the variety of colors and veining available. Imported granite is much more expensive, depending on where it was purchased from. For example, some granite dealers only get shipments of hard-to-find granite once per year, so the cost to them is higher and that additional cost is passed on to the consumer. Ask questions as to the origin of the granite, and compare prices and appearance with less expensive options.
