Granite is a natural stone mined from quarries around the world. Its elegant beauty comes from the fact that no two pieces are alike. Granite is sold in large slabs, which is why it's a popular choice for kitchen islands. What I like about granite is that it's both beautiful and durable: it resists heat, chipping, scratching, mold and mildew. That beauty and durability don't come cheap, though: granite is easily five or six times the cost of laminate. Imported granite from Italy is usually the most expensive; you can save some money by selecting imports from China.
Granite is sold by the square foot, but remember that finishing and installation are extra. This process is called fabricating. The granite is cut, polished and then installed on sheets of plywood on top of your cabinets. Make sure you ask your fabricator for references so you can check the quality of his work.
When it comes time to remodel your bath or kitchen, I suggest choosing your granite first. That's what I did in my bathroom. After picking out the granite countertops, I was able to pull out flecks of color to guide me in choosing everything from paint to cabinetry. And here's a design tip: If you want to save money, keep the edges of your countertops or island simple.
One last note: To clean granite, just use a mild dishwashing detergent and water. Too much soap leaves a film and causes streaks. And don't use scouring powders or bathroom cleaners.
So here are the DIY Basics you need to know:
- Granite is natural stone that resists heat, chipping and scratching.
- Granite is porous and must be sealed.
- To clean granite, use mild dishwashing detergent and water.
