Granite is one of the hardest and strongest natural materials used in making countertops. For you to enjoy the benefits of the countertops you need to buy the right units. This calls for you to consider the following factors when making the purchase:
Color
Granite comes in different colors that depend on where the units are quarried. For example, there are golden browns, vibrant pink, vivid red, deep purples, black and even blue granites. As rule of thumb you should go with a unit that has your favorite color.
When making the decision on the best color to go with, you should consider the theme of your home. countertops installation
You should note that there are some colors that are more expensive than others; therefore, you should also consider the price of the colors. For example, colors such as grey and soft pink are more expensive that the more common colors.
Tiles or slabs
You can use either a granite slab or tile for your countertop. A slab is usually carved from a large block of granite and has the advantage of being solid. It also has color patterns that continue throughout the piece.
Tiles on the other hand are cut from left-over pieces of granite. They are usually much thinner and less expensive than slabs. Depending on your budget, you should go for the units that you can afford.
Finish
The finish of the countertop is of great importance. A granite countertop can have different finishes.
For example there is the polished finish which produces a mirror-like quality which greatly enhances the depth of the granite color. The good side with this finish is that it gives a physically smooth surface that is easy to clean.
There is also a honed finish that results in a muted and flat-looking countertop. This finish gives a warmer appearance than a polished finish; however, it tends to easily stain and show fingerprints more.
Alternate finishes such as burnished and flamed finishes create a rough surface with a great deal of texture and they are not ideal for countertops.
Sealing
Sealants protect countertop surfaces from stains and scratches and it's important to apply them on your unit. The good side is that it's easy to apply them. This is because most of them are "wipe-off" or "wipe-on."
While it's recommended that you apply the sealant on your unit, you should not apply it on all the units. For example, many granites of a darker color don't require sealing.