Granite, beautiful or not worth the Money?

8 years ago

We are currently building our first home, and similar to many first time buyers, keen to save money and design our house as we go.

However, we have the option of putting a granite worktop and belfast sink in our kitchen. The cost is a large chuck of our design budget, and I was wondering if other people may have an opinion on if it is worth the expense at this stage? Is there much advantage to having a granite worktop?

Our Kitchen is Evola Grey and Muscel in colour.

Thanks

Featured Answer

shellyvanboening

8 years ago

When I checked things out, quartz is stain resistant, and sealed. I am told granite takes a little more care.

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Comments (18)

Nancy Hehmann
8 years ago
I personally love love love the granite in my kitchen - we did it as a remodel b/c I had lived in the house a long time and there used to not be granite. Lots of people are adding granite now. Some people say plain black granite spots but I always use granite with a pattern b/c I like it so much more. I have had my granite for at least 6 years and have had no problems. I am sure you will get other opinions.

I would look at other homes in your area. If other homes in your area have granite, then it may be expected if you ever resale your house. So you may want to consider the price range of your house and being able to resale it in the future too.
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michigammemom
8 years ago
Perhaps this houzz ideabook will give you some insight. https://www.houzz.com/magazine/kitchen-countertops-101-choosing-a-surface-material-stsetivw-vs~1623075
Ruth
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all.... very good comments!

Great idea to look at the resale value as this is really only our first 5 year house.

Thank you.
PRO
Linda
8 years ago
I'm not a fan of granite, either the price tag or the look. I would go quartz, butcher block, high quality laminate or stainless steel before granite.
elklaker
8 years ago
I am rather tired of granite ( and stainless!). It requires sealing and is not forgiving on dropped wine glasses! There are so many other reasonable and beautiful options. Congratulations on your new home.
misscristie
8 years ago
I love granite. If you pick the right one, it really warms up the look of the kitchen. Also, depending on where you live, many buyers look for granite (or other solid surfaces) as a major buying point. I would recommend shopping around for the best price if the price seems high. We were able to find a vendor that did the granite countertops in our kitchen remodel for half of what we were originally quoted. Good luck and I'm sure your end result will be beautiful regardless of what you choose :)
Jane Roberts
8 years ago
how does soapstone rate compared to granite
feeny
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What do you mean by "rate"? We put in soapstone and love it, but it is usually the same price as the higher end granites so it isn't going to save anyone money. Plus I suspect granite is more popular for resale.
kitasei
8 years ago
You can hedge your bets by incorporating one stretch of granite, and something different elsewhere. I think the miles of granite (and acres of stainless) look has peaked, at least in New York.
PRO
Stoneshop
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I agree with the above posts to check out other homes in the area and see what future homebuyers expect when it comes to re-sale. Granite certainly adds value to one's home, and it can give a high end look. It is also durable, stain resistant, and has easy maintenance. Yes, it does require sealing, but that it only necessary once every couple of years. It will take you about fifteen to twenty minutes, and you can do it yourself! Simply wipe the sealer on with a rag, let it sit overnight, then clean it off the next morning with your regular stone cleaner. Many stone galleries also have sales or specials, so you may consider checking those out since this is only going to be your 5 year home.
Sue Ann Stevens
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I would check real estate comps to see what other houses in your area are using. It's true that it would be expected if everyone else in your area has been putting it in. I'm not a fan of granite simply for the expense. Since we are not planning on selling any time soon, we chose a practical laminate in the radiance line. It's pretty and dimensional and fit our budget. We added panache with our backsplash. Here's a peek while we were in process. :-)
Sue Ann Stevens
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Your budget also has a lot to do with it. We worked on percentages rather than dollar amounts. It would have been foolhardy in our personal circumstances to spend 75% of our budget on our countertops. I know someone who updated a cute starter home and spent a fortune in granite which won't yield a return on her investment but she loves it. Her heirs will simply sell the house for what they can get for it and the return on investment won't be an issue to then.
PRO
Eleek Inc.
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Another option beyond granite or stainless is river-rock finished aluminum. It is forgiving, but durable and virtually stain and heat proof. --Oh, and ours are 100% recycled, with 70—100% post-consumer content. They also come in bronze.
ms1zebra
8 years ago
Geez-- river-rock finished aluminum sounds like a wonder surface. How come we haven't heard much about it? Is it just me? :-) Is it new? Is it in common use? I would like more info on it. Thanks
diyjames
8 years ago
I like caesarstone. Even though granite looks gorgeous, I worry that in the future, there will not be much left. It's very intense on the environment since it travels thousands of miles often and sometimes mined illegally. A lot of granite is wasted in the cutting process and as a result has a huge environmental impact.
diyjames
8 years ago
When you include the possible radiation and radon being released in the air, it has issues beyond the gorgeous look. Take a look at this surface alternative ideabook: https://www.houzz.com/magazine/your-kitchen-10-great-alternatives-to-granite-counters-stsetivw-vs~138308
PRO
Eleek Inc.
8 years ago
ms1zebra,

Thanks for your comment and interest! River-rock finished aluminum is a great surface. Its unfinished textured top allows for increased durability for work surfaces. It is resilient with heat, stains, oxidation, but will show signs of use if heavy objects are dropped on or slid across it or cutting is done on it with steel knives.

As mainly a lighting manufacturer, we do not heavily promote our tile choices, so we haven't made much of an impact on the tile market. Perhaps when folks think of aluminum as a material, they think about unfinished flat aluminum sheet, which is not a good or even available choice for kitchen surfaces. However, our tumbled finish and thick castings give durability and a great balance between a classic weathered and modern look.

Best of all, our aluminum is 100% post consumer recycled, non-mined, locally sourced, made in the USA. We are a Benefit Corporation (B-Corp), triple bottom line company with pioneering experience in sustainable manufacturing. We hope you'll spread the word if you like our product. For more information you can visit our website:

http://www.eleekinc.com/tiles/

Thanks again for your interest.

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Granite, beautiful or not worth the Money?

Comments (18)

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