Why Home Buyers go Gaga over Granite

Granite countertops are one of the most popular kitchen or bathroom surface choices today. There are many reasons for granite's popularity as a countertop ranging from its sheer beauty to its durability and ease of maintenance. Here are the five top reasons why you want a granite countertop in your kitchen or bathroom.

1. Granite's legendary durability. Granite is the second hardest naturally occurring material on Earth, second only to the diamond. The same complex internal structure that gives granite its aesthetic appeal is also what makes the stone so amazingly durable. When granite salesmen say that their countertops can last a lifetime, they aren't exaggerating. Properly sealed granite countertops resist staining, scratching, can withstand very high temperatures and still retain their luster for years.

2. Much has been said of granite's natural, timeless beauty. Since granite is a natural stone, no two pieces are exactly alike, making a granite countertop a one of a kind surface. Granite's variety, versatility and beauty cannot be matched by synthetic materials. Naturally occurring granite slabs come in thousands of colors, shades and patterns, ensuring that there is something to please everyone.

3. Granite never goes out of style. Popular for centuries around the world, granite's appeal is universal and timeless. It's beauty, value and durability ensures that granite is in demand today and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future. Other countertop materials go through repeating cycles of increased demand followed by periods of waning interest - granite, on the other hand, remains a timeless favorite.

4. Ease of maintenance. Kitchens are often the busiest areas of the house, making your choice of countertop material important in terms of long term use. The second hardest material known to man, granite is virtually impossible to crack, break or damage in any appreciable way. All that is required to keep your granite countertop looking brand new is a little soap and water, plus the occasional resealing.

5. Granite surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom will actually increase your overall home value. Granite counters are always in demand by new home buyers, and kitchens outfitted with an eye catching granite countertop is sure to be a huge draw. The choice of kitchen countertop is important to most buyers since the kitchen is the most used room in the house, serving as both a dining and entertaining area. Installing granite kitchen counters can raise the value of an older house, or increase the asking price of a brand new house.