When people consider installing new kitchen countertops, granite is the 2nd most popular stone material behind quartz for countertops. 

“Granite”. It just sounds good and solid eh?

WHAT IS GRANITE?

Mainly composed of quartz, feldspar and mica, granite is a hard, igneous rock formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.

HOW ARE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS MADE?

Granite countertops are made through a process that transforms raw granite from the earth into smooth, polished surfaces ready for installation.

1. First, raw granite is extracted from quarries in large blocks. A few of the suppliers we source our granite from include Modial Granite and Marble, RG Stone Inc and Marble Trend
2. Next, the large blocks are cut into granite slabs using diamond saws.
3. Then, the granite slabs are polished, shaped and sealed.
4. Finally, granite countertops are installed in your kitchen or outdoor space by seasoned professionals.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST OF A GRANITE COUNTERTOP?

Granite countertops typically cost around $3,800 and up for a 50 square foot kitchen countertop.

Pricing of granite countertops vary based on the quality of the granite as well as its colour and thickness.

Click here to get a quote for granite countertops. 

QUARTZ OR GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Choosing between quartz and granite countertops is a bit like choosing between Tailgates and Luciano’s  when ordering pizza in Welland.

You can’t really go wrong.

Quartz is an engineered stone made with resins, while granite is a natural stone with unique patterns.

Quartz requires no sealing and is less porous, while granite needs periodic sealing but is highly heat-resistant.

If you’re not sure which is the right stone for your kitchen, please reach out to us anytime and we’ll be happy to discuss.

WHAT IS THE DOWNSIDE TO GRANITE COUNTERTOPS?

It’s difficult to find many downsides when it comes to granite countertops, but let’s try.

This is not really a downside, but granite requires regular sealing to prevent stains and bacteria buildup.

Another stretch for a downside is that while durable, granite can crack under extreme pressure, but in most cases can easily be repaired to look as good as new!

HOW TO CLEAN GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

In terms of regular day to day cleaning of granite countertops, using warm water and a mild dish soap with a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces is the way to go.

TIP OF THE DAY: Avoid harsh chemicals!

Stay away from acidic cleaners like vinegar or bleach, as they can damage the sealant of granite.

We are Kirkstone Countertops, a leading provider of kitchen countertops in Niagara. If you have questions about this or any other topic related to stone applications please do not hesitate to contact us.