Have you been considering a kitchen counter upgrade? Do you want to update the style of your kitchen, without having to do a complete kitchen remodel? Are you getting ready to sell your home, and looking at ways to make quick improvements? If you answered yes to any of these questions, granite countertops may be the perfect option. Let’s look at some commonly asked questions that people have about granite counters.

What range of colors does granite come in?

The color selection of granite is limited to natural, earth tones, because it’s taken straight from nature. These large slabs of granite are not manmade. With that in mind, each piece of granite has its own look and feel, due to the veining of lines and shade variations. You’ll find granite counters in a range of speckled or lined slabs.

Colors you’ll generally find are varying shades of white, sand tones, brown, gray, and black. There are exceptions to every rule, and you may find more limited supplies of granite with streaks of gold or silver in them as well as greens and blues.

Can I customize the color or design of granite countertops?

Granite is mined, as in taken from a quarry, and comes directly from nature. These are solid slabs or pieces of stone that while gorgeous, are limited in choices if you’re looking for something more customized. There are a lot of options, but what you see is what you get.

Is there anything similar to granite, but more affordable?

Granite is a popular choice because of its elegant look, but sometimes you’re looking for a unique design, a different texture, or maybe a pop of color to truly personalize your kitchen or bathroom. In that case, another option that’s similar to granite countertops, which offers strength and durability is quartz counters. These counters use crushed stone mixed with resin, which means you can customize the look and color unlike the granite counterpart.

Another reason you might consider quartz over granite is due to the cost. Quartz counters offer a more affordable option. Because you’re relying on nature for granite, you’re faced with a more limited supply and a different type of process to extract the slabs. Quartz counters use crushed stone, and because they are manmade, it allows for easier on demand production.

How do you clean granite counter tops?

One of the most important tips to keep in mind when cleaning a granite countertop is to avoid anything abrasive, due to the ability of this counter to scratch. Soap and water offer a safer alternative than scrubbing powders. Just like you wouldn’t use a metal spatula on a non-stick pan, on your granite counters, you want to use the right cleaners to make them last.

Acidic cleaners are another no-no. They can cause damage to your granite counters. If you’d prefer, you can pickup a special granite countertop cleaner, though warm soapy water works well, too. One thing to keep in mind is that a good seal will make the surface more resistant to stains and bacteria. That means that every couple of years, you’ll want to reseal your counters, which is the best preventative there is in this case.

How do I get granite counters installed?

We can help! Countertops are our specialty, whether you’re looking for granite, quartz, or another material such as butcher-block counters. If you’re looking for an estimate, have questions about the differences between varying materials, or are ready to schedule something, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a shout and let’s get started.

We’ve proudly helped many of your neighbors in the Greater Toledo area and can help you too.