Granite is still the most desirable material for countertops. Why do people love granite? Granite has unparalleled natural beauty and it comes in a variety of colors and textures that match with most everyone’s taste. Granite is also the hardest of the natural stones so it is very resistant to cutting and it is also very heat resistant. Granite can require periodic sealing so it does have basic maintenance requirements but new sealants are available that can last up to 10 years. Granite is also an expensive material to use for countertops – it can cost $35-60 per linear square foot.
Pros – natural beauty, hardness, heat resistance
Cons – high cost, can require periodic sealing, requires craftsmanship to install
Most Popular Granite Countertop Brands (November 2008)