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Why Invest in Granite Worktops?
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Granite is formed over millions of years from molten magma, deep within the earth's crust. The granite you see on the surface of the earth today has been pushed up by massive geological changes over vast amounts of time. It's one of the hardest materials known to man, second only to diamonds, and has been popular with many cultures for thousands of years.
What makes granite so sought-after? Well its durability is certainly one reason. Because it's so hard, it is very difficult to break and will literally last for centuries. It is also full of character - the cooling magma forms crystals within the stone that can be very beautiful. Granite also comes in many different colours depending on the chemical composition of the stone, some colours being rarer than others. It has always been a premium product requiring a lot of work to turn it into something usable and a sign of wealth and status the world over.
In recent years granite has become more popular, and more accessible as, a material for kitchen worktops. Improved cutting techniques with diamond saws means that production is quicker and cheaper, so more and more people are able to have this beautiful stone in their homes. The number of quarries providing granite for export has also increased, especially in developing countries such as India.
Granite is actually the perfect material for use in kitchens. Because it's so heat resistant you can literally put a hot pan straight onto it without damaging the surface. It's very difficult to scratch so you don't really need a chopping board either. Granite is slightly porous but still easy to clean and doesn't stain easily. It has so many advantages over veneered worktops or cheap plastic versions there's simply no question that granite is the superior choice. It's also increasingly popular in bathrooms because of its look and feel - there's nothing quite like a polished stone surface when it comes to luxury. Caring for granite is incredibly simple, with only normal wiping down of surfaces necessary.
Only the highest grade of granite is suitable for home use however. Some granite that you see is full of cracks because of the geological pressures exerted upon it - this would never be used in the home. Some granite contains tiny cracks however and occasionally is passed off as a premium worktop by unscrupulous suppliers. These tiny cracks are weak points in the stone and although granite is ordinary difficult to break, can lead to cracking, for example if you were to drop something heavy on the worktop. If you are thinking of buying granite worktops ensure that you buy from a reputable supplier who only supplies the highest grade. This should be free from hairline cracks so it will always be strong.
Granite worktops will actually outlast the rest of your kitchen, and many people take theirs to their new home when they move. This is why the investment makes such good sense - you've got a product that will last your whole lifetime!
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Source: 中国石材网
