Granite in Your Home

Now that we’ve talked a little bit about the geology and the history of granite, let’s dive into its uses for your home.

Countertops

Kitchen countertops are the perfect use for granite. It is a very dense and durable stone and so can generally weather day-to-day use without showing signs of wear and tear. Granite sits at a 6 to 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, with only diamond and some quartzites scoring higher. This makes it ideal for cooking, baking and entertaining guests as you don’t have to worry about accidents that could cause long-term damage. It should be noted that there are certain granites that can be somewhat more susceptible to chipping or flaking than others and so it is always best to consult with an experienced salesperson in the stone industry so you know exactly what you’re getting.

There is a misconception out there that granite is boring and only comes in a limited number of drab colors that do nothing to inspire the imagination. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, which is that granite comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This means that you are bound to find a slab that suits your tastes and is also a good match for the other design elements in your space.
There will also always be more “traditional” granite out there, with simple patterns and plain colors, and that’s great as well. For some people, they aren’t looking to make a statement with their countertops and want something that won’t dominate the room but rather, complement it. For this reason, granite is very versatile from an aesthetic standpoint as well as a practical one.

Granite is also not likely to stain, as long as you follow a few precautions. Firstly, make sure your countertop is sealed after it is installed. A good quality sealer will go a long way to preventing not only staining, but scratching and etching as well. Secondly, do be mindful to clean up any spills that happen as soon as possible to minimize the chances of liquids seeping into the stone and leaving a stain. Finally, avoid chemical-based cleaning solutions and instead, use warm water and a natural solution to clean your granite countertops.