Countertops Rock solid and elegant 1
Kitchen designers choose granite for durability and ease
It used to be that granite countertops graced only high-end kitchens. Increasingly though, the coarse-grained rock made mostly of quartz is providing surface support to homes of all income levels. "We're seeing a lot of imported granite, which is a little thinner and not quite as consistent in color," says Suzie Williford, vice president of sales at Kiva Kitchen & Bath. "But people can get it for less than a solid surface, such as Corian, because it has become a much more competitive product."
Some customers opt for granite over marble because it is less porous and, in turn, more durable than marble, experts say.
Last summer, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) surveyed 20,000 remodelers across the country. The survey found that 30 percent of countertops installed were granite. Not surprisingly, laminate, the most affordable choice, was also the most popular, accounting for 33 percent of installations.
Still, says Williford, who is president elect of NKBA, buyers at almost any price range can afford some kind of granite.
Houston kitchen and bath designer Micqui McGowen says granite is the most popular countertop with her clients --particularly if it has been honed or antiqued. "A honed finish is a process where they take the shiny surface off the granite and leave a soft, matte look," says McGowen, co-owner of Kitchen and Bath Concepts. "The antiquing process gives the matte a texture -- a soft, ripply look and feel."
Granite is also versatile. "Sometimes we do a light granite on the main countertops and a more unusual or darker granite on the kitchen islands, so it looks more like a piece of furniture," McGowen says. Cost is based on multiple factors, including how the granite is cut and treated and how much labor is involved. "Edge details have a lot to do with the price," adds McGowen. Pre-fabricated pieces, which can be purchased through fabricators, already have edge details and tend to be less expensive, she says. The least expensive way to go is a 3/4 -inch polished edge.
Compare the materials
Granite:
Best for: Homes without messy family members and those who want an upscale, distinctive look.
Price: $40-$75 per square foot installed.
Pros: Natural beauty in multiple finishes and exotic colors; can pick your own slab; resists heat, is durable and waterproof; can be honed to produce a matte finish.
Cons: Is porous and stains if not properly sealed; can scratch; bacterial concerns.
Maintenance: Needs sealing once or twice a year by homeowner.
Soapstone:
Best for: Trophy kitchens or those that don't get a lot of use.
Price: $60-$125 per square foot installed.
Pros: Earthy appeal that oxidizes over time to produce a dark color with light veining;
nonporous; scratches can be repaired with sandpaper; resists germs and bacteria.
Cons: It's soft and can chip, especially on corners; limited color choice.
Maintenance: Leave alone or rub with mineral oil every 4 to 6 weeks.
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