Granite Worktops Pros & Cons

What are the Pros & Cons of Granite Worktops?

When they started appearing in homes just over a century ago, granite worktops were a luxury reserved for the wealthy. But thanks to its distinctively elegant appearance and excellent durability, granite gained widespread popularity in the 1970s – and it still enjoys the same level of adoration today. 

While natural granite rock isn’t the cheapest material, its long lifespan and high value makes it a smart investment. Still, before you invest in granite worktops, it’s worth finding out whether they come with any drawbacks. That’s why this article discusses the pros and cons of granite worktops.

At Paramount Stone Specialists, we install worktops using a broad range of high-quality materials, including but not limited to granite, quartz, marble, porcelain and ceramic. If you want to find out which material is best suited to your specific needs, don’t hesitate to call us.

What Are Granite Worktops?

Granite is a crystalline rock that mostly consists of feldspar and quartz, which gives the material its distinctive look and hardness. As granite is a 100% natural stone, it can be used to make kitchen worktops without the addition of any other material. After being mined from quarries in large blocks, granite is sliced into sheets that can then be cut-to-size for applications such as kitchen worktops, bathroom counters and tiles. 

Pros of Granite Worktops

Granite worktops are revered thanks to their natural, bespoke looks, and they come with many more benefits than just style. From making kitchen maintenance straightforward to increasing your home’s price tag, here are some of the key benefits of granite worktops.

Naturally Attractive and Luxurious

Having been a popular material for worktops for well over a century, granite is a timelessly stylish addition to almost any home. Many people agree that the natural beauty of granite is hard to beat. Better still, no two slabs of granite are identical in appearance, making it an ideal material for those who like bespoke home finishes. The wide variety of colours also means there’s a granite worktop design for just about everybody.

Durable and Low Maintenance

Compared to most other materials used to make kitchen worktops, granite is among the most heat and scratch resistant. Hot pans are unlikely to cause your worktops to burn or blister, though it’s still best to avoid direct contact for too long. 

Moreover, granite scores seven out of ten on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which means very few other minerals can scratch it. Provided they’re correctly sealed, granite worktops are also highly resistant to stains and chemical spills.

If well maintained, granite worktops can last a lifetime – some experts claim that a lifespan of a century isn’t unrealistic.

Eco-friendly

Because granite is a natural material that can be used to make a wide variety of household items with minimal processing, it’s a more sustainable option for your kitchen worktops than engineered materials such as laminate and Corian. Such engineered materials can release toxic chemicals and emissions into the atmosphere during the production process. 

High Return on Investment

Granite usually retains around 25% of its value when resold, making it a higher value material than many other natural stones. Additionally, some studies suggest that you can increase your home’s value by up to 5% by installing granite worktops in your kitchen. Whether you want to boost your home’s appearance or asking price, installing granite worktops is a high-value investment.

Outdoor Friendly

Granite is an excellent material to choose for your outdoor kitchen design due to its natural UV resistance, durability and frost resistance. In fact, granite is one of the most popular choices for outdoor worktops which can be matched with our outdoor furniture such as granite dining tables, benches and plant pots. Granite’s beauty will not fade from sunlight exposure unlike quartz which is not recommended for outside use.

Cons of Granite Worktops

Granite is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically appealing and practical materials for kitchen worktops, but there are still a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether it’s the best choice for you. With that in mind, here are the main drawbacks of granite worktops:

Visible seams

When used to construct U- or L-shaped kitchen worktops, two or more slabs of granite need to be cut and joined together, which means the seams where the slabs connect may be visible. Fortunately, reputable installers can minimise the visibility of these seams by using a custom epoxy to adhere the granite slabs.

Can be Cold to the Touch

While not a severe issue, granite worktops can feel much colder in winter than materials such as wood, plastic or laminate. You might want to use a coaster to prevent your teas and coffee from cooling too quickly (you may also want to avoid placing drinks in direct contact with your worktops to minimise the risk of stains).

Difficult to Install DIY-style

Attractive and durable as they are, granite worktops are very heavy and bulky. Manoeuvring granite worktops into place without any minor mishaps can be challenging. Plus, cutting granite slabs into shape and adhering them together requires the use of specialist tools. While you might need professional help, you can count on our technicians to install your worktops to the highest industry standards, guaranteeing a lasting finish.

High Purchase Price

Granite worktops are usually more expensive to purchase and install than laminate, acrylic or wood alternatives. However, you can expect granite to last much longer than all those materials with minimal-required maintenance. Add that to the fact that they can increase your home’s value by as much as 5%, and you can see why granite worktops are a high-value investment.

Granite Worktops Pros and Cons: The Bottom Line

Granite worktops are an excellent choice for those who want to make their kitchen or bathroom look timelessly stylish. Granite almost promises to last a lifetime with very little upkeep thanks to tough durability and resistance to heat, stains and scratches. It can also add value to your home while boosting its appearance and overall appeal.

While granite is a high-value investment, it has a higher initial price tag than many other worktop materials, and it might not align with your style preferences. That’s why it’s a good idea to seek expert advice when weighing up your options.

At Paramount Stone Specialists, we’ve been designing and installing bespoke worktops in homes throughout the UK for over 25 years. We only source premium luxury materials from responsible manufacturers, and we guarantee our work for your peace of mind. Contact us today to find out how we can bring your design ideas to life. Call our phone by dialling 01482 585600 or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk.