What to Look for when Buying a Granite Countertop

An increasing number of homeowners are turning to granite countertops to enhance the look and functionality of their kitchens. Granite is a naturally occurring stone that comes in thousands of shades and colors, making them extremely appealing to anyone looking to spruce up their home decor.

As with any other major home improvement undertaking, you have to do your homework before rushing out to buy a granite countertop. The savvy buyer will want to educate themselves on the granite countertop's color, thickness, edges, finish and other factors before parting with their money.

Color is often the overriding factor when buying a granite countertop. While the choice of color is up to your personal preferences and tastes, a good rule of thumb is to go with a color that complements the overall decor of the room. Luckily granite slabs come in thousands of colors to choose from. Keep in mind that unlike manufactured kitchen counters, granite countertops come from mother-nature and not a factory. All slabs of granite will have certain natural imperfections, like hairline cracks, color variations and fissures. These, however, do not detract from the overall beauty of the piece, and in many cases add to it.

Thickness is a major factor to consider with granite countertops. Currently most granite countertops are available in a 2cm or 3cm thickness, with the former being cheaper. Even though they cost more, it is recommended to go with the 3cm thick granite countertops as they more durable and attractive and, unlike their 2cm counterparts, do not have to be supported by plywood.

After you have settled on the width of your counter, the next thing to consider is its edge. Standard options include beveled edges, and while there's nothing wrong with that, you may want to stand out from the crowd and go for something complete different. Talk to you fabricator about it, they will be only too happy to create a customized counter edge for you. Opt for a seamless countertop setup, even though they cost more. Seams on your countertop, especially those near sinks may get damaged from repeated water exposure, making seamless countertops the best option.

Pay close attention to prices and cost estimates when shopping for a granite countertop. Different installation companies will offer different estimates, making it a good idea to shop around and not go with the first company you see. You should be aiming for the best quality service at the lowest possible price. Ask your dealer for sample tiles; compare their cost and quality before making a deal.

Once you've made up your mind on the type of granite countertop you want to buy, it is crucial to test the granite's quality before you make the purchase. Get a tile sample and test it by applying a few drops of nail varnish remover on it with a cotton swab. If the swab turns black, reject the stone - it is a sign that the stone has been dyed and is not fully natural.

A granite countertop can be a superb addition to your house, nevertheless make sure you do your homework before buying to avoid disappointment.