Granite countertops were up-and-coming a decade ago, but they continue to be one of the most popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms today. Homeowners considering granite countertops will have a wide variety of colors, patterns and designs from which to choose. You can even get cheap granite countertops without compromising on look & quality. Knowing the facts about granite before you buy will help you make the right choice
Granite countertops are naturally unique, and they add value to any home. Granite offers other benefits as well, including:
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Various color and pattern options
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Heat, scratch, dent and chemical resistance
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Durability
Granite was expensive when it first came onto the market, but it has become more affordable in recent years. Nowadays, you can even add bevel, radius and square edging to granite countertops for a reasonable price. Some downsides to granite are that it is cold, scratchable and prone to damage from hot grease and repeated cutting over time. Additionally, it is easy to see its seams. If you’re comparing granite with other natural stone options, consider the following:
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Silestone, Corian and quartz countertops offer fewer color and pattern options
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Quartz and Silestone countertops are more expensive to install
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Corian is easily scratched, dented and damaged by pans
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Other natural stone countertops can be installed without seams
Granite is rated the best natural stone countertop material because it is less expensive and easier to repair than other natural stone countertop materials. Quartz comes to second, but its higher cost makes it a less attractive option for homeowners. Corian can be as affordable as granite countertops, but when you factor in the cost of design, average prices can skyrocket. In the end, it comes down to what you want in a countertop and how much you’re willing to spend. Consult with a countertop contractor if you’d like to learn more about how granite compares to other natural stone materials.
Where to Buy Granite
When considering where to buy your granite tiles or slabs, it’s important to note that home improvement stores offer a limited supply. Local fabricators and contractors have access to a wider variety of options and may charge less for granite in bulk than a retail outlet. Here are reasons to go with a fabricator instead of a local home improvement store:
- Counter Choices: Home improvement stores have a maximum of about 30 styles of granite( Common stone such as chine granite, and black galaxy ). These are considered commodity choices because they’re uniform. Local fabricators, on the other hand, have access to hundreds of unique options.
- How To Install Granite Countertops: Local stores don’t personally install your countertop; they outsource it to a third party. This leads to a lot of confusion and hassle if something goes wrong. If you go with a local fabricator who has a contractor on-hand, you’ll have no problem handling any issues that come up.
The Cost For Granite Countertop in Malaysia should be as following:
RM 15- RM 25 psf – Mostly Chinese Granite. Barry White, Spring Rose, Black Impala etc
RM 35 – RM 50 psf – Mostly Indian Granite. Black Galaxy, Black Granite, Emerald Pearl, Blue Pearl etc
RM 60 above – Mostly European Granite . Volga Blue. Blue In the Nightm Grand Delicatus etc
RM 250 above – Brazilian Exotic Granite. Blue Bahia, Diamond Arrow, Oyster Blue etc
