Kitchen Countertops: Granite Slab, Part 1 of 7

By Jim Mallery
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

First of a seven-part series, Kitchen Countertops

You've spiffed up your kitchen cabinets. Maybe you've painted them, or installed new doors,or new hardware. But something just isn't clicking. The new look hasn't refreshed your kitchen as you had hoped.

If the spruced up kitchen cabinets are not enough to end your kitchen doldrums, it may be your 1960s laminate countertop that's dragging the whole kitchen down. In this series of articles, we will look at some countertop options that will complement your new-look cabinets.

First, let's consider granite. Slab granite is one of the most favored countertop surfaces.

Six Things to Consider with Granite Slab Countertops

1. Why is granite slab so popular? Polished granite has long been coveted as a countertop surface, but in recent years costs have come down enough to make it available to middle-range buyers. Granite has a deep luster that is unmatched by other kitchen countertops. It is available in a huge range of colors and patterns to match almost any kitchen color palette. And it is durable--it can take the abuse dealt to kitchen countertops.
2. Are there concerns with granite? There are some ecological concerns: Granite is cut from stone quarries and is not renewable--but on the other hand, it lasts forever. It also requires considerable energy to transport. As far as performance as a countertop, an extremely hot pan can scorch it. An edge will chip from a severe blow. It might stain if a spill is not wiped up quickly, so it should be sealed once a year with a simple wipe-on/wipe-off sealer.
3. Granite shines. This could be a plus--or a negative. Because the surface has such a lustrous gloss, it can show smudges of butter or drips from your cereal bowl. You might find yourself cleaning it more often than you would a duller finish, but on the plus side, you'll have a much cleaner surface than if you had a duller finish.
4. Which thickness is better? There are two standard thicknesses--2 centimeters (3/4") and 3 cm (1¼"). Unless cost is a huge concern, go with the thicker slab. It is less likely to chip or crack, and it looks more substantial.
5. What about the cost of granite slab? The expense will vary greatly from company to company and from slab to slab. A common type of 3 cm granite might cost around $75 a square foot (that includes installation). But more exotic granites may cost well over $125 a square foot. Granite that is 2 cm thick will be a little cheaper.

These are some considerations to guide your thoughts on a granite countertop. The next article offers tips if you actually decide to go with a granite slab to finish off your new-look kitchen cabinets.

 

 

 

 

 

About The Author

Jim Mallery, a semi-retired journalist and onetime registered contractor, has extensive experience remodeling, repairing and rebuilding homes.