Centuries ago, countertops were practically unheard of. Sure, tables and early versions of today’s kitchen islands were widely used, but they just weren’t considered counters. They were made of wood and worn smooth over time due to repeated use. Eventually, other materials came into play. One of these was granite. After more advanced stone-cutting techniques were developed, this material began to make its way into kitchen work surfaces. It even became the option of choice for a number of reasons.
Durability
Granite Countertops in Auburn Wa are well known for their strength and durability. Those early wooden surfaces certainly had their benefits, but they also cracked and warped after continually being exposed to moisture and varying temperatures. Granite is capable of withstanding those hardships and comes through no worse for wear. It doesn’t burn under hot pots and pans and can handle knives, impacts and constant use.
Cleanliness
When food and drinks are present, spills and splatters are bound to happen. Granite resists stains. Whether they’re from saffron rice or Cabernet Sauvignon, spills can easily be wiped away with no telltale signs left behind. Granite doesn’t hold onto germs because it’s a nonporous surface. Even pathogen-filled fluids from raw chicken can quickly be bleached into nonexistence. This makes granite one of the most sanitary and simple-to-clean materials available for kitchen work surfaces.
Low Maintenance
When it comes to longevity, other materials can’t hold a candle to granite. Granite Countertops in Auburn Wa can last 100 years or more with proper care. They don’t dent or scratch easily, but falling iron skillets and other heavy impacts can potentially chip them. When this happens, a countertop installation and repair specialist can simply apply an epoxy to cover the chip and reseal the surface. Other than that, these countertops require very little in the way of maintenance aside from an occasional resealing.
Dozens of materials are available for countertops these days, but not all of them are created equally. Laminates are inexpensive and can mimic the look of other materials, but they definitely don’t hold up to wear and tear. Even light bumps and scrapes can leave them damaged. As mentioned, wood just doesn’t tolerate moisture and fluctuating temperatures well. Granite may be among the more costly alternatives out there, but it most likely won’t need to be replaced and requires virtually no ongoing maintenance.
