Granite Worktops

If money was no object and people's choices were not restricted by their budgets, there would be lots more kitchens with granite worktops. There is no getting away from it - granite is expensive. However, granite work surfaces have lots going for them. In fact, in spite of the price tag, granite is still a very popular choice of material for a kitchen counter top.

Granite is a great choice for a kitchen wortop for a number of reasons.

Firstly, granite is exceedingly hardwearing. It is often described as being indestructable and, while this isn't strictly accurate (see below), it is true that a granite worktop, if cared for correctly, will have a very long lifespan.

Secondly, granite worktops are available in a wide range of colours and they have a distinctive mottled appearance. Since granite is a natural stone (not engineered like some stone worktop materials), every granite worktop is unique.

Thirdly, granite is more resistant to heat and water damage than most other worktops. It is naturally cool to the touch, and this makes it a perfect surface for bread making.

Finally, granite worktops can be pre-cut by the suppliers to include sinks and draining grooves. They are also usually supplied polished to a high-gloss finish, but, if required, they can also be obtained in a matt state.

As already noted, probably the biggest negative attached to granite worktops is the price tag. If you are in the enviable position of not having to count the pennies, then granite kitchen worktops might well be the perfect choice (the biggest negative having been rendered irrelevant). However, if you are on a tighter budget, the cost of a granite worktop might well outweigh its benefits. A granite counter top is a big investment.

There are other cons that are also worth noting. First, granite worktops do stain quite easily when certain substances are involved. Red wine, coffee and tea can all leave stains on a granite surface, and these are quite tricky to remove. Secondly, granite is a very heavy material. In order to support such a weighty worktop, the kitchen unit must be strong. The installation of a granite worktop might well require your existing kitchen units to be reinforced. Thirdly, abrasive cleaning products can sometimes dull a granite surface. Care must be taken to ensure that a granite worktop is only washed with a mils solution of washing up liquid (or similar).

Granite is often advertised as being virtually indestructible, but this is not always the case. Although granite is undoubtedly very strong, it is relatively brittle. If you have invested a substantial sum of money in your granite worktop, it's worth treating it with care - even though granite is very hard wearing.

Granite can be chipped by dropping heavy kitchen utensils and pans onto its surface. Particular care must be taken when using cast iron pots. Granite is more vulnerable where two slabs have been joined, especially if they have not been fitted by a professional. Any exposed lip is susceptible to chipping.

That said, granite worktops are one of the most robust worktops on the market.