Granite Countertops: Weighing the Pros and Cons

Anytime you make a decision about your kitchen, you should take your time and make sure you choose the right option for your home. What many homeowners don't realize is how much difference can be made with relatively small changes. Granite countertops are a perfect example of this phenomenon. At first glance, they may seem like little more than an accent. Once installed, however, you'll find that they will change the room and the way you perceive it. This can be a good thing, but you need to make sure it's what you want. Here are some pros and cons of this material.

Pro: Trendy

Granite countertops are all the rage right now when it comes to home and kitchen decor, which means they will be looked upon favorably should it come time to sell your house. Anything you can do to raise the resale value of your home will always be a smart decision, even if you have no plans to move in the near future.

Con: Price

This material isn't necessarily right for those who are on a tight budget. While there are facade alternatives that don't cost nearly as much, some people find that they look cheap in comparison and would prefer to go with another material altogether. The real deal, however, is going to cost more than nearly any other solution, which means you need to be willing to spend some money before you decide it's the way to go for your kitchen.

Pro: Damage Resistant

Few, if any, materials will hold up to heat and scratches the way granite countertops will. While pricey, you're getting much more for your money than simply a certain look and feel. You're getting durability and materials that will hold up extremely well against everything you throw at it. That doesn't mean you should start testing your new countertops with infomercial-style shenanigans, but it does mean you shouldn't have to worry about every little thing you do while cooking a meal.

Con: Porous

One of the traits of granite is its relatively high level of porousness. This means it is not highly resistant to staining, which is something to consider, particularly if you're prone to spilling. The material may need to be resealed from time to time to make sure your average, everyday spills don't get into the material and cause problems.

There is little question that granite countertops are a popular and exciting way to go if you want to make a dramatic and elegant change to your kitchen. Consider the advantages and disadvantages, however, before you commit to the project.