If you want a beautiful, and durable material for your new kitchen countertop, then you should consider granite kitchen countertops. Tougher and harder than marble, a polished granite countertop is a thing of beauty that will last for years and add some value along with its good looks to your kitchen.
Although granite is a tough stone, there are different quality granite countertops available. There a couple of tests that can be performed to determine such factors as how resistant to water and acids your granite may be. Even if the granite you are considering doesn’t pass these tests, there may still be hope. There are impregnating sealers available for a granite countertop that is somewhat more permeable than the ideal.
Testing Your Granite Countertop
The first of the tests you can try is a water test. After thoroughly dusting your samples, place a few drops of water on them. After waiting about 5 minutes. If the granite darkens, then you will need a sealer, if it does not, then it is already sealed sufficiently. Usually the lighter shades will require a sealer.
The next test you can perform is to determine if there is calcite present in your granite. Calcite is the principle component of marble and limestone, and reacts badly to acids. For this test, place a few drops of lemon juice in one spot, and then put a few drops of cooking oil ion another. Wait 5 minutes again, and then wipe them off. Dull spots where the acid of the juice was indicate the presence of calcite, and your granite will need a sealer to protect it against acid sources such as soda, or citrus juices. If the spots with the oil darken in less than 5 minutes, then you may need a sealer. If they haven’t darkened in more than 5 minutes then you won’t.
Granite Countertops Cost
Depending on what kind of installation you choose to do there is a wide variation if granite countertops cost. There are three basic ways to go with the installation. The cheapest is creating granite tile countertops from what are actually granite floor tiles. Using epoxy, granite tiles are glued to the countertop. The problem with this method is that it results in many seams. If you can, you should avoid seams in a countertop as much as possible. The cost of using tile for your granite countertop will be around $4 per square foot.
For around $25 per square foot, you can install modular granite countertop pieces. These are pre-cut pieces of granite that you glue down to make a countertop. This will result in fewer seams than using tiles, but there will still be some seams. With a little planning, you can pull this off as a do-it-yourself project.
The last option is also the most expensive, but will yield the best result. For somewhere around $60 per square foot, you can have a custom cut granite slab countertop installed.. Because of the sheer weight of the slab, this one is definitely not for the do-it-yourselfer. It costs more, but will virtually or maybe even actually eliminate seams entirely.
Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to your kitchen remodeling project that can add value to your home as well as providing you with years of enjoyment.