Kitchen countertop is essential in any functional kitchen. Regardless of size, it provides stability and a little elbow room for even the simplest recipes we prepare. Moreover, countertops make it easy to keep track of ingredients and dishes when preparing large meals. Cooking utensils and equipment are useless if you don’t have a sturdy and durable place to keep them. Also, countertops free up potential space on kitchen tables, allowing for additional guests and keeping all meal preparation in one location. In the Philippines, kitchen countertops are highly valued, thus choosing the best material for this server has proven to be a challenging task for many. Given its pros and cons, granite had long been a popular choice for kitchen countertops in Philippine households.
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Countertops in the Kitchen are often firm supports because they must endure the high temperatures that kitchen utensils generate in preparing meals. They must also be resistant to knocks, scratches, and cuts, as well as the heavyweights of pots, pans, and other containers. They must also be long-lasting and resistant to water and oil. The job of the kitchen countertop is critical because it acts as a worktable for preparing meals and preparing dishes and utensils before bringing them to the dining table. In addition, dishes end up heaped in the sink, on the stove, and maybe even on the kitchen table in the absence of a counter. Food preparation would take place at the table, creating an awkward and congested environment. Counters help with organization, efficiency, and stress reduction. These significant benefits aid in transforming your kitchen into a welcoming sanctuary for the entire family. But it’s important to keep in mind that, despite these pros, there are cons to using any kitchen countertop material, including granite.
Appearances are simply one aspect to consider while deciding on a kitchen countertop. Weaker materials can burn or melt when exposed to hot surfaces. During use, certain tiles may even chip or shatter. The more robust and long-lasting your counter, the less frequently it will need to be replaced. For many years, granite has been a popular choice among homeowners in the Philippines wishing to improve the overall look and feel of their kitchen.
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What is Granite?
Most of the continental crust is composed of granite, the most common type of igneous rock. An intrusive igneous rock is granite. Magma, which is a molten substance that flows and hardens underground while slowly cooling, is the source of intrusive rocks. The granite eventually becomes visible once the surrounding rocks are removed. Granites typically have a coarse texture, which is caused by the magma cooling slowly underground, which allows for the development of bigger crystals.
The thin slabs of granite that manufacturers obtain from quarries are then used to make countertops. Afterwards they are polished and made into granite countertops. These boulders were carved into tiles by some manufacturers. The slab is larger than the granite tiles. They are just as strong and resilient as the slabs. Eventually, these tiles can also be used as countertops.
Unquestionably one of the many elegant ways to remodel your kitchen is by installing a granite slab. It not only offers the practicality necessary for various kitchen tasks, such cooking and baking, but it also adds a touch of elegance and coziness to any house. It has been employed for building structures for many years. Granite is currently, in addition, regarded as one of the best materials for countertop applications here in the Philippines.
Moreso, the pros and cons of installing granite are listed below in case you are on the fence about using it for your kitchen countertops.
Pros of using Granite
1. Durable
One of the world’s toughest materials is granite. Granite is a type of natural stone that is extremely durable, second only to diamonds in terms of natural materials. A properly placed, sealed granite countertop will seem brand new and will likely last your entire lifetime with normal use because it is resistant to scratching, breaking, and chipping. Nevertheless, cutting straight on granite’s surface is not recommended since the stone is so hard that it may dull your knife.
2. Scratch and Stain-resistant
Kitchen counters are subjected to a lot of abuse, and knives and other sharp objects will unavoidably come into touch with the surface. Fortunately, granite countertops will not scratch. They are extremely resilient and outlast practically every other material. Even after years of use, your granite countertops will still appear brand new. Other alternatives, such as plastic laminate and wood counters, are easily scratched.
Natural stones that are hard and stain-resistant include granite countertops. A sealant is applied to them prior to installation to stop liquid from penetrating the pores of the granite, but if spills are not cleaned up right away, they will eventually evaporate. When properly sealed, granite surfaces will not absorb liquids. Collaborate with a professional to ensure that your surface is properly sealed so that it retains its lovely appearance permanently.
3. Heat-resistant
Granite is a heat-resistant material, making it ideal for cooking near a range or stove. Moreover, it is naturally resistant to heat; uneven heating would only cause harm from heat. Hence, placing a hot skillet on your granite countertop for a short period of time won’t harm it permanently. Hot pots and pans may be placed right on your countertop since granite can withstand heat without being damaged or weakened. In fact, a hot pan (up to 1200°F) can be placed directly on a granite countertop without risk of harm. Doing this on another countertop may result in lasting staining and damage.
4. Various Designs
One of the most significant advantages of granite is the nearly infinite number of design alternatives. Since each stone is unique, selecting granite allows you to choose something distinctive for your house; something that sticks out from the rest. It is available in bright and dark tones, with long, smooth veins and little flecks and grains. Another distinguishing aspect of granite is its ability to be cut with a multitude of edge options, including square, beveled, ogee (an S-shape), and half and full bullnose. Additionally, regardless of the style of your kitchen, you’ll find something to complement it with.
5. Easy to maintain
Granite countertops are regarded as a countertop material that requires little upkeep. It is unlikely that it will need to be repaired or resurfaced. Over the years, sealer technology has advanced significantly, and many now survive for more than 10 years before needing to be renewed. When they do require reapplication, most homeowners can do it themselves by simply applying the product and wiping off the excess. It is a good idea to ask your installer what sort of sealer was used the first time around and use it again.
Cons of Using Granite
Notwithstanding its pros, using granite for kitchen countertops has the following cons:
1. Naturally Porous
Granite is a natural stone with pores. This implies that liquid can permeate its surface if it is not adequately sealed. Your granite may get harmed or weaker if liquids or stains penetrate the stone. Since granite is porous by nature, it must be sealed. Most manufacturers will seal the countertops before installing them, and this first sealing usually lasts up to ten years.
If you do not seal your granite countertops, or if the stone was not properly sealed from the start, liquids may be absorbed, resulting in long-lasting stains. Bacteria may live in the pores of a poorly sealed tabletop. To avoid these problems, get your countertop resealed on a 10-year period basis.
2. Color May Fade
Granite, like any other natural stone, fades with time, particularly if exposed to direct sunshine. Hence, if you intend to use granite for an outdoor kitchen countertop, make sure it’s protected. If it is not feasible to screen the granite from the sun, be aware that the first dazzling shine may gradually fade.
Throughout production, polishing is a process that a lot of granite goes through. This gives the stone a more organic luster. On the surface of the stone, substances may accumulate over time. Due to this buildup, the stone no longer reflects light but instead deflects it, dulling the appearance of the countertop. The granite frequently has a drab or hazy appearance. Granite countertops are sometimes covered with materials that give the surface a dull appearance, so they don’t actually fade or change color.
3. Unalterable
Granite is typically installed by homeowners because of its durability and indestructibility, but you should be aware that it is also hefty and brittle. As a result, it would be quite dangerous to attempt to remove the countertops in one big slab. If you change your mind, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to remove it without destroying the cabinets attached to it. Prepare to pull up the entire kitchen if you intend to remove granite countertops.
Get a professional to come with specialized tools, which as you would imagine isn’t cheap, so that you can safely remove the countertop. Numerous assistances are required to hold the countertop along its whole length to prevent pressure spots that could cause breaking.
4. Upfront Cost
Cost can be a concern, as can the pros and cons of granite countertops. When all elements are considered, genuine cost prices may be difficult to estimate due to their high resale value, very long lifetime, sumptuous beauty, and prestige.
One thing to keep in mind concerning cost is that it can fluctuate dramatically over short periods of time. Many granite countertops come from distant locations. Market conditions in many nations at the same time might have an unanticipated impact on the price of granite.
Although you can obtain fine granite at a reasonable price, it can still be costly, especially if you choose a higher-grade slab with unique hues. The average price per square meter is approximately about Php 1,800 up to Php 5,500 per square meter.
5. Complexity of Installation
Installing your countertops should only be done by qualified professionals. Although it could be alluring to do it yourself, if you do the work right you can save money. The edge profile, cuts, and layout also influence how challenging your countertop installation will be. Also, due to the weight of granite, considerable structural support is necessary.
Conclusion
Overall, granite continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Filipino homeowners, as this is another example of a natural beauty inside a home. There isn’t a countertop material that is perfect and flawless. You must choose which factors are most significant to you based on your requirements, preferences, and financial condition. You should have been able to make an informed choice for your project after reading the list of pros and cons of using granite for your kitchen countertop.
If you conduct an online search, you will come across hundreds of businesses that sell granite, but proceed with caution since the majority of them are either expensive stores or businesses that sell granite imitations. Always go with a reputable supplier who is well known in the field. Countertops may be costly, so choosing a durable material is a wise long-term investment. It’s an investment you want to last for years, and the ideal sort of countertop for your house will depend on both your sense of design and your lifestyle.
Speaking of investments, Bria Homes, one of the top home builders in the nation, is prepared to increase the affordability of house-and-lot packages for normal Filipino families. Affordable houses and lots are available for purchase from Bria Homes in a location close to your daily comforts. It is situated in a strategic location where it is easy to access and maintain local infrastructures, making your daily life easier. Check our website for Bria Homes project near you.
