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PrintAt the Heart of Stone
Versatile granite offers more than just a fashion statement
Photo By Jeanne Anderson
A kitchen reflects the heart of your home, and increasingly, granite rises to the occasion, bringing more than just a great look to countertops. Now available in wide variety, granite has come to be valued by amateur cooks who appreciate both its versatility and durability.
WHY GRANITE?
A hot pot can be moved from stove or oven to countertop with no ill effects to the finish. Granite serves as an excellent chopping surface with even the highest-grade knives; the stone itself will not be damaged, though knives may need more frequent sharpening. Its non-porous surface makes granite resistant to retaining dust and dirt, and it’s easy to clean.
COLOR ME SURPRISED
While granite comes in many neutral shades, the stone’s palette is broader than some imagine.
For example, Teton Valley realtor Maren Erickson went to Salt Lake City to pick out a slab for her countertops. She was shocked and pleased to find granite that perfectly matched the very shade she wanted—primarily red.
“That slab was meant for my kitchen,” Erickson says.
Another thing to consider is “movement,” how a slab’s pattern affects its visual nature. The stone’s grade reflects this quality. The least amount of movement is found in Grade One (also the least expensive). More dramatic movement is found in the more expensive Grade Two or Grade Three granites.
EXISTING CABINETRY
Of the many countertop choices, stone carries the most weight, literally. It may be possible to place granite countertops onto existing cabinetry, but if the carpentry is not sturdy enough for the task, a remodeling job instantly becomes far from simple and likely more expensive.
John Bandow, of Teton Granite in Victor, was a master carpenter before turning to stone installations. This experience helps him assist clients to determine whether granite is an appropriate choice without further renovation.
“If the existing cabinetry is strong enough, you shouldn’t have to take on added expense,” he says. Bandow has seen many homeowners put their own sweat equity into upgrading existing cabinetry to support granite. Refacing, refinishing, or simply painting cabinet doors also changes the appearance of cupboards to complement new stone countertops.
EVERYTHING (INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK)
When electing to replace countertops, many people install a new sink. An apron sink (sometimes called a farmhouse style), a double bowl, or an undermount sink will provide an updated look. It’s also a good time to select new fixtures; a two-in-one faucet that pulls out from its base allows greater freedom of use at the sink. Consider asking your contractor for help in acquiring these items at cost, with the understanding that going this route may limit your options.
EDGING OUT THE DESIGN
Stone contractors will inform you of choices in edging during the design process. Some edges are polished throughout the length of the countertop; some are left roughened to look as if the stone slab was simply pulled out of the quarry and placed in your kitchen. This type of edge—called a “chiseled” edge—has been popular in the Rocky Mountain region for some time. Shane Gunderson, of Reyson Custom Stone and Tile in Jackson, says this choice is often made “to call attention to specific areas such as an island or snack bar.”
Other edges include one that is rounded (like a bullnose) or, for a sharp and clean look, a plain, polished, and eased edge.
DRAWBACKS
Installing natural-stone countertops is not a suitable exercise for the typical do-it-yourselfer. Hiring a professional will ensure the job is done properly. Seek a craftsman with plenty of experience and positive customer referrals. If slabs must be seamed together to form a cohesive pattern, it’s well-worth the expense for high-quality work.
Before installation, all natural-stone countertops will have a sealant applied; even so, granite is vulnerable to two things—oil and light. Oil, if left to sit on stone for long periods of time, will discolor it. Constant exposure to sunlight will do the same.
The thickness of a natural stone countertop is limited. Slabs of granite come primarily measuring three centimeters. As quarries work toward this standard, the option of a thinner slab (two centimeters deep) is becoming more difficult to find.
Stone countertops can also be fabricated to appear thicker (i.e., four or more centimeters). This is done by beefing up the edge using a stone-on-stone laminating process. A laminated edge done incorrectly or poorly may distract from the natural beauty of the countertops.
ROCK SOLID
When considering a kitchen renovation, remember that countertops provide the most visual impact within the space. Between the beautification of a kitchen and its inherently long-lasting benefits, granite makes an excellent choice.
