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granite countertops

3 Benefits of Granite Countertops

If you want to give your kitchen a luxury overhaul on a budget, you might consider upgrading to granite countertops. Due to its natural beauty, durability, and affordability, granite is one of the most popular materials in modern design. It can leave you with a brand new kitchen or bathroom you’ll love in as little as one day.

Call one of our countertop experts today at GranitePro at 410.875.7579 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our professional in-house design and installation services. We can help you understand the benefits of granite countertops.

Granite Benefits for Your Countertops

1. Natural Beauty

Granite is quarried straight from the earth, lending a majestic, organic appeal to home decor. Each piece of granite is distinctive, featuring a complex array of colors, patterns, and textures. The natural veining undulates in a large wave, so small samples pale in comparison to the finished product. In fact, one of the most challenging aspects of working with granite is choosing the final stone, as they tend to all be so beautiful and unique!

Granite’s varied appearance not only lends well to virtually any color scheme but is equally at home in any space, from family homes to apartments to upscale hotels. In addition, it lies perfectly flat, which helps with food preparation and provides an elegant, seamless finish.

2. Durability

Did you know that granite is the second hardest common working material? It’s true–granite is literally rock-hard, second only to diamonds. In fact, it requires special lasers to section it into separate slabs and is far more durable than other common countertop materials like Formica or laminated wood.

This means that when granite countertops are correctly installed, they are likely to last for a lifetime, with only a small amount of yearly do-it-yourself maintenance required. If they ever require replacement, it will only be because you want to–not because you need to.

Unlike wood, laminate, tile, or other softer materials, granite is also:

  • Scratch and chip-resistant
  • Chemical-resistant and can hold up to both acid and base exposure
  • Stain-resistant, even to wine and coffee
  • Dirt and bacteria-resistant, lending to easier cleaning
  • Heat-resistant and will not blister or warp even if exposed to hot pots and pans

If a bit of damage is incurred with a dropped cast-iron pot, granite can be easily repaired with a small amount of sealant. However, typical spills, knife slips, and other routine bits of wear and tear are no match for a quality granite countertop.

3. Affordability

For a natural, beautiful, durable material, granite countertops are surprisingly affordable. Generally, they range from about $40-$200 per square foot, including installation. Some of the factors influencing where your project will fall in this range include:

  • Whether you use granite tiles vs. larger slabs of granite
  • The thickness of the slabs
  • The total amount of square footage
  • The number of seams in the countertop (seams are typically around one-eighth of an inch in thickness)
  • If backsplashes are used
  • Whether or not your contractor can acquire their materials directly or must purchase them from a third-party vendor

Most projects not only increase the overall appeal of a home but can actually result in a sizable return on your investment.

GranitePro: Your Source for Top-Quality Granite In Maryland

If you are looking for granite countertops in Caroll County, Maryland, we have your next kitchen or bathroom renovation project covered. At GranitePro, we have built our brand on quality materials (100% crafted by our own team of artisans), competitive pricing, and flawless customer service. Contact us today at 410.875.7579 to learn how granite countertops can make your home a more beautiful and functional space for decades to come.

Best Ways to Clean Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are not only a beautiful addition to your home but have a lot of benefits. Granite is very dense and durable, making it great for a heavily used kitchen, but an equally useful perk is simple maintenance. High-quality natural stone countertops are resistant to bacteria and other germs and relatively easy to maintain, but the secret to keeping them looking great is proper and regular cleaning. 

As foremost countertop experts with over 16 years of experience, GranitePro can help you keep your countertops looking as good as new. Reach out to GranitePro by calling 410.875.7579 to learn more about granite countertop cleaning and maintenance.

What You Need To Know About Granite

Granite is a natural material, so its porousness can vary. To protect your new granite countertops, we use a sealant. This protects fluids from seeping into your countertops and causing damage over time, as well as protecting from heat and staining.

However, you will need to consider how much your cleaning products wear your sealant because of this. Sealants can wear down over time and may eventually need to be replaced. If it becomes difficult to wipe up spills or water drops begin seeping into the granite, it may be time to reseal. 

Because of this, you’ll want to watch out for products that damage not only the granite itself but also the sealant. 

Cleaning Granite Countertops

Even if your granite is properly sealed, it can still be blemished by wine, oil, or juice. Follow our tips to make sure you make the most of your new counters. 

  • Don’t use harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbing tools. Warm water, a mild dishwashing soap, and a soft microfiber cloth should do the trick without scratching the granite or weakening the sealant.
  • Be sure to clean spills as soon as possible. Make sure you blot up spills rather than wiping them to avoid spreading the dye over the counter. 
  • When cleaning the countertops, be sure to wring your cloth in clean water to avoid spreading dirt, grime, and food. Then wipe down the counter with fresh water to remove any soapy residue. 
  • After you’re finished, dry the counter with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. This helps you avoid water stains on the stone.

Dealing With a Countertop Stain

Prevention is generally the best way to deal with stains, but sometimes your granite might need a deeper clean. Look for pH-neutral products specifically made for natural stone. Do not use generic stain removers or bleach.

Sometimes, deep-set stains can require professional cleaning. Doing it yourself may make it worse. Your counter will likely need to be resealed after a professional cleaning as well. They’re also good for removing any soap build-up left from cleaning with a dish detergent. 

What to Avoid

As with any other stone countertop, you want to avoid cleaning with vinegar or any acidic products. Commercial cleaners that use citrus oils or extracts should also be avoided. These products are also acidic, and they can wear away at the sealant, which leaves your counters vulnerable to damage. Acidic cleaning solutions can also damage the stone itself, even if your counters have been sealed, causing etching on your counters. 

It is also a good idea to be careful about what you put on your counters. Avoid cracking stone countertops by using trivets under your hot items, and watch out for spills of acidic drinks like juice, coffee, or soda. If you do spill, be sure to clean it up immediately.  

Learn More About Caring For Maryland Countertops

Given proper care, your granite countertops can last you many years. GranitePro can bring this beautiful new touch into your home with our professional installation, templating, and fabrication services. 

Call GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to choose from our wide selection of granite products and begin transforming your home. 

The 3 Biggest Benefits of Granite Countertops

Kitchens are one of the most common rooms in the home to be brought up to speed. This has to do with what a kitchen is used for and how it serves your household and guests. Above all else, a kitchen is a social room for friends and family to gather, mingle, cook, eat, and just generally enjoy others company.

This is why homeowners feel the need to keep their kitchen up to date – it is one of the first places visitors will see when they come in, and it’s a place where you will be spending a lot of time. 

Granite is a sleek and luxurious countertop material which has led to it being one of the most sought after on the market. Reach out to the experts at GranitePro at 410.875.7579 to learn more about the many benefits of using granite for kitchen countertops.

3 Biggest Benefits of Granite Countertops

Durability

Granite is a very dense stone that is not only beautiful but super durable as well. Granite is one of the most durable natural stones used for making countertops and is second only to soapstone. This durability makes it a great choice because countertops experience a lot of abuse over the years, especially in a heavily used kitchen.

You can count on granite to resist all of the common factors that countertops face on a day-to-day basis. The density of granite makes it resistant to chipping and scratching, and when sealed properly, it becomes resistant to heat, staining, and moisture.

Simple Maintenance

Taking care of a kitchen is pretty labor-intensive, so when you have the option to go with a super durable and low-maintenance counter material, why wouldn’t you? Granite used for countertops is sealed either before or right after the installation.

Once the granite is sealed and protected from any spills, the only maintenance you’re responsible for is wiping it down. The sealer essentially makes the granite non-porous, making it easy to clean and resistant to any bacteria and dirt building up on the granite.

Granite is one of the most durable stones available, but it can still be susceptible to chipping and scratches. If you chip or scratch your granite counters in rare cases, there is no reason to panic.

A chip in granite can be repaired fast, and by the time it is done, you won’t even be able to see where the chip was. A technician uses an epoxy-based filler the stone’s color to fill the chipped or deeply scratched areas. Once the filler cures, the technician will do any necessary polishing and then reseal the affected area.

Adds Value to Your Home

Since granite is one of the most sought-after countertop materials, installing it may be the difference between getting your asking price for your home or even selling it at all. Granite countertops are luxurious and eco-friendly and drastically increase the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

Since kitchen remodels increase the value of a home and granite countertops can be a part of a kitchen remodel, then by default, granite countertops increase the value of your home. While they may not directly make your home worth more money, having granite counters will undoubtedly increase the value to the home buyer and can result in larger offers for your home. Consider the following options:

Learn More About Granite Countertop Installation in Maryland

Granite Pro is one of Maryland’s most trusted countertop installation companies, and we would love the opportunity to show you why. Contact us today at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and quote with one of our professionals.

Understanding the Differences Between Polished and Honed Granite

The natural beauty of granite countertops is unmistakable. They add a touch of elegance to any room. You can find granite in many styles and colors that match other elements of your home décor.

Their hardness and durability make them functional when it comes to performing tasks like meal preparation. You may be trying to decide whether you want to go with the look of polished or honed granite.

Below you will find a breakdown of each surface to help you decide between polished and honed granite for your Maryland home renovation project.

Honed vs. Polished Granite

The main difference between honed and polished granite is the finishing process. Granite goes through several processes during its creation. The buffing and grinding of the stone’s surface leave it with a matte or satiny appearance.

Polished stone goes through an additional process where it gets buffed with fine polishing pads. That’s what gives polished granite its reflective, glossy appearance. Many people like the smooth appearance of polished granite because it makes the colors appear brighter and highlights the stone’s depth.

Pros and Cons of Polished and Honed Granite

Polished and honed granite offers different benefits to homeowners. Your final choice when it comes to polished and honed countertops will likely come down to your aesthetic. Think about what you want to achieve with your home remodel. Polished and honed granite countertops each come with their pros and cons.

Honed Granite

Honed granite provides a more natural look that gives off more relaxed vibes. The surface of honed granite can feel soft and velvety when touched. It’s also more resistant to scratches, making it an appealing option for granite countertops.

However, you’re not going to get the same depth of color or see all of the stone’s characteristics reflected. You can lose out on some texture and other fine details when you go with a honed granite surface. Between honed and polished granite, honed granite is more susceptible to stains from spills.

Polished Granite

Polished granite provides homeowners with a gleaming appearance that adds vibrancy to their kitchen and bathrooms. You can see details like the veins in the stone and distinctive flecks and swirls. They are also coated with a protective sealant that makes them less likely to stain. That makes it a great option if you are looking to install granite countertops

However, scratches are more visible on the surface of polished stone. Between honed and polished stone, polished stone is not always a good option to use on floors. The glossy surface can become very slippery when it gets wet. That makes it more dangerous to use in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom.

Deciding Between Honed and Polished Granite

Think about what you need when it comes to picking between honed and polished granite. Honed granite may be the better choice if you want something more resistant to scratches for granite countertops. Honed granite doesn’t get as slippery as polished granite, so it may be a better choice to use as flooring in high-traffic areas.

Polished granite shows off the beauty and details of your stone choice. It’s also more resistant to spills and can give your home a more luxurious feel. That makes it a popular choice among homeowners looking to install granite countertops.

Find the Perfect Granite Option at GranitePro

GranitePro has the experience and eye for beauty that helps them guide customers through the best options for installing granite anywhere in their home.

Find out more about polished and honed granite by calling GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online.

Tips for Maintaining Granite Countertops

Granite is a high-end, durable option for all types of countertops. For many people, granite countertops are a must-have. When properly cared for, granite has the potential to stand the test of time.

If you want your granite to last, you can take some simple steps to preserve its integrity. Check out these granite maintenance tips from GranitePro.

Granite Countertop Maintenance

Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any room in your home. It’s understandable for people to have concerns about taking care of your countertops when you make this type of upgrade.

While granite countertops are more work than vinyl countertops, the look and feel make the additional maintenance worth the hassle. You can use the following tips to maintain your granite countertops in Elkridge, MD, for years to come.

Sealing Your Countertops

Sealers aren’t necessary for all types of granite, but it might be helpful to use a granite sealer in your kitchen or bathroom (where spills and moisture are inevitable.

Granite is a porous material, so having it sealed can help maintain its coloring, repel stains and enhance the stone’s natural shine.

Clean up Spills Quickly

It’s always best to immediately clean up spills on your granite, regardless of whether you’ve applied a sealer. Certain liquids can get into the stone and change the coloring of your granite over time if it’s allowed to sit too long. Be sure to clean your countertops with hot, soapy water regularly.

For daily messes, it’s easy to wipe down your granite with a soapy rag. Avoid abrasive brushes and harsh chemicals that could affect your granite countertop’s sealant. Specially formulated granite cleaners are also available, but cleaning granite with mild dish soap is another safe option.

Keep Food off Your Maryland Countertops

You will want to avoid putting meats directly on your granite countertops. Acidic products can be harmful to your granite countertops as well. As a rule, use a cutting board or plate instead of putting food directly on the countertop. This will help protect your countertops from discoloration.

Preserve Your Stone with Granite Countertop Sealing

Granite countertops need to be sealed to preserve their shine. A sealant will also protect the surface from staining. We recommend sealing countertops at least once a year.

Light-colored granite countertops usually need to be sealed more often than dark ones because light-colored granite is more porous and susceptible to damage.

More Granite-Saving Tips From the Maryland Granite Experts

  • Use a cutting board to cut (don’t place food directly on the granite).
    Don’t place a hot pan directly on the granite. The stone has the potential to become cracked or damaged.
    Please don’t stand on the countertops. If you need to reach something on a high shelf, use a stepstool. Granite is slippery, and you don’t want the bottom of your feet contaminating food-prep areas.
    Clean up spills right away. Soak up the liquid with a dry rag, use hot water, a cloth, and some mild dish soap to eliminate stickiness.
  • Ceramics are beautiful, but they have the potential to scratch your Maryland countertops. Always place something between ceramic and granite. Scratched granite is not a good look.
  • Try not to drop heaving items on your countertops. Granite is a sturdy material, but it is not indestructible. Construction should not happen around granite countertops.
  • When painting, make sure your granite countertops are securely covered.
    Treating your granite (as advised by a professional) can help maintain your granite countertops’ look and shine.

Best Countertops in Columbia, MD

Whether you have granite countertops installed or are looking to add new granite countertops to your Columbia, Maryland home, the team at GranitePro will here to assist you every step of the way. Contact GranitePro at 410.875.7579 to speak with a countertop professional in Columbia, MD.

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