Benchtop Review: Is Granite Right for Your Kitchen?
Benchtop Review: Is Granite Right for Your Kitchen?
The number of homeowners shopping for a new benchtop continues to grow year over year. You’re probably already familiar with some of the most sought-after options on the market today: Porcelain, Quartz, Dekton, Corian, Granite, Caesarstone, and Timber.
Yet determining which of these benchtop materials is best for your home can take a considerable amount of time to research.
Granite is used by millions of homeowners around the world and is one of the most popular benchtop solutions around. But numbers can only reveal so much. Ultimately, what matters most is understanding whether this material is right for your home.
To help you reach an educated decision, we’re going to review:
- An Overview of Granite Surfaces
- Design Potential of Granite
- The durability of Granite Counters
- Cost of Granite Bench Materials and Installation
- FAQs About Granite Countertops
- Alternatives to Granite Benchtops
By the end, you’ll have a more comprehensive understanding of the features granite offers and who the ideal customer is for those who want to use it.
Overview of Granite Surfaces
Granite is a natural material that’s used to create beautiful and solid benchtops for modern kitchens and bathroom vanities.
It has a reputation for being a high-end and durable surface solution that will last for many years. It’s typically available in a wide variety of colours with no two slabs being identical.
While not limited as such, granite is most often selected by discerning homeowners and business operators who want to elevate the appeal of their space while simultaneously adding value.
Design Potential and Customisation of Granite
Because it’s mined from the earth, each cut of granite is unique. For some potential buyers, this is an important characteristic.
Granite comes in a large array of colours and patterns largely in part to the way it’s formed. In short, the rather technical process involves cooling and solidifying molten materials. The result is a product with a nearly limitless palette of hues.
The designs range from simple to rather detailed and ornate. It can take some time to find your desired slab since each piece is one-of-a-kind. For those considering different edge styles, these can be applied to granite counters with special cuts.
How Durable are Granite Counters?
Granite is a very hard material and is therefore tough to damage. It is, however, porous which makes it susceptible to stains. If the surface isn’t sealed properly every year it can absorb liquids which create permanent damage. In the worst case, it can even hold bacteria in the pores. This would create an unhealthy food prep environment so care must be taken here.
Granite benchtops are quite durable but like most surfaces, they can chip or crack when struck by a heavy object. Should this occur, it’s recommended to save the chipped piece for subsequent repair.
Cost of Granite Bench Materials and Installation
Homeowners are often shocked by just how costly granite counters can be. A large part of the price will depend on the grade and quality of the slab. The five main considerations that will be factored into the bottom-line cost are:
- Country of origin it was sourced from
- Product thickness
- Richness of colour
- Complexity of veining
- Ornate markings and inclusion of natural rarities
According to an article in Houzz, buyers can “expect to pay anywhere from $700 right up to $1,700 per square metre for a new granite benchtop.” Of course, the size of your bench, desired edge style and overall complexity of your kitchen layout will also weigh in on the price.
Top FAQs About Granite Countertops
Is it Hard to Clean and Maintain Granite? - Outside of the annual sealing process, granite is relatively low maintenance. It’s best to avoid harsh cleaning solutions and instead opt for daily wipe downs with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Does Granite Chip or Crack Easily? - If struck with high impact, granite can be damaged. It’s especially important to avoid heavy pressure on or near the edges of the surface which are more vulnerable.
How Long Should Granite Last? - If properly sealed each year and care is taken to clean spilled liquids asap, you can expect a granite bench to last for about 100 years.
Is Granite Heat Resistant? - Like porcelain benchtops, granite is incredibly heat resistant. Those working in busy kitchens will enjoy the convenience of placing hot pots directly onto the surface without damaging it.
Can I Install Granite Myself? - Due to the demanding and technical nature of working with granite, it’s recommended that a professional completes the installation. Unlike surfaces such as laminate, granite is quite heavy and requires special tools and handling for best results.
So, is Granite Right for You?
For the last decade or so, granite has certainly come a long way in establishing itself as a viable kitchen solution. For those looking for a durable and elegant benchtop with abundant colour options and designs to make a space unique, it certainly stands out.
It’s important to reiterate that it is priced higher than most of the other countertop options. It’s also not impervious to stains, cracks and even bacteria build up if not cared for properly.
Overall, granite is an excellent option for those with a solid budget and looking for an elegant benchtop solution.
Alternatives to Granite Benchtops
It’s an exciting time to be designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing space. If granite seems too costly of a project, there are excellent alternatives to consider.
Our line of Archant Porcelain and Quartz benchtops offer many of the same styles and durability of granite without the high price tag.
We Can Help
Would you like to check out porcelain or quartz for yourself to see if it would work in your kitchen? We offer free stone samples here. You can also stop into any of our New Zealand showrooms to see full-sized slabs up-close.
Related Links
7 Key Differences Between Porcelain and Corian Benchtops (Review and Comparison)
Which is the Best Benchtop: Concrete, Porcelain, or Quartz (Comparison)
When Will My Benchtop Be Installed? A Breakdown of the Process
A Guide to Porcelain Benchtop Costs
The Ultimate Cost Guide to Caesarstone Benchtops (Pricing)
Porcelain vs Dekton: Which is the Best Benchtop?
Porcelain vs Quartz: A Pricing Comparison
Top 10 Pros and Cons of Quartz Metropolis Benchtops (Review)
