Updating your home’s countertops with beautiful, durable granite can transform your kitchen or bathrooms with stunning style. You may also expect your property value to increase as a result of this thoughtful upgrade. One of the first steps that you need to take to prepare for your countertop replacement project is to choose the material that you want to use. Granite is a broad term that describes many types of igneous rocks. These rocks may be made out of a combination of quartz, feldspar, mica and other elements. The exact composition of the elements varies, and this gives homeowners like you a considerable range of options to choose from. With so many different color variations of granite available, you may be wondering what your best options are to select the right granite to use in your home.
Focus on the Colors
Before you visit a store or a warehouse facility, it is important to have a reasonable idea about the colors that may be right for your home. For example, are you looking for a lighter color, such as beige or light gray? If you prefer a darker color, are you looking for a dark tan, a chocolate brown or a black hue? The speckles and flecks in granite can add dimension, personality and accent colors to your space. Therefore, consider the coloring of these accent hues before you start shopping as well. Even when you narrow down your options based on these colors, you will have plenty of variations to choose from.
Think About Thickness
You may not realize it, but the thickness of a granite countertop can vary. The cost is understandably more expensive if you choose a thicker slab. A common thickness is 1.25 inches, but there are variations. When you begin shopping for a specific slab of granite to use for your counters, pay attention to the thickness. Remember that thickness can affect the lock of the granite in your home as well as its overall durability. A cost-effective alternative to a granite slab countertop is granite tiles. This will not create the same look, but it can still give your home an upgraded appearance.
Take Samples Home
Just as you can take samples home when selecting flooring, cabinets and paint colors, you can also usually take samples of granite slabs home. The granite can look different in your home’s natural and artificial light. In addition, you may find that certain color combinations pop when placed against your cabinets or flooring. Plan to spend at least several days viewing the samples so that you can make a decision that you will love for years to come. However, remember that a sample is only a small piece of the entire slab. Remember to view the entire slab before finalizing a buying decision.
Consider the Future
You may have plans to spend many years in your home, but there will come a time when you are ready to sell it. Because of how durable granite is, you can reasonably expect the material to still be in your home if you sell it 10 or 20 years from now. Because of this, it is wise to choose a color combination that has universal appeal or that is more classic rather than trendy. If you prefer a trendy home rather than classic décor, remember that you can dress up other aspects of your décor, such as your flooring, backsplash and paint colors with trendy touches. These are much easier to replace than granite counter tops. When considering longevity, you can see that paying for a thicker slab that is more durable can pay off over the long run.
Granite is an exceptional material with numerous benefits and undeniable appeal. It is increasingly popular as a countertop material in kitchens and bathrooms. After you have decided that granite is the material that you want to use in your home, you must then decide which specific material to use. Because color variations are significant, remember that different stores or warehouses may have unique color variations that are not found in other stores and warehouses. Do not feel as though you need to settle for a material that is not quite right. Instead, simply continue to shop around until you find the perfect granite material for use in your home.
