As with any countertop material option, granite comes with its advantages and disadvantages. If you’ve decided that this is the material you want for your kitchen, then you’ve weighed most of the pros and cons. As you move forward, consider a few mistakes to avoid when purchasing new granite countertops before final decisions are made.
Obsessing Over Thickness
Typically, your granite countertop options come in two different widths—either a ¾ or a 1¼ slab. If you’re looking to go thicker than that, you’ll end up with two slabs that are glued together. This isn’t recommended. You need to really weigh the granite’s thicknesses and its importance to you. Understand that the countertop is what you’re ultimately after so obsessing about it may only make your decision more difficult and unclear.
Choosing Color Over Quality
When choosing color, be sure that it isn’t taking precedence over quality product. When you opt for creative or rare colors, you run the risks of opening your countertop up to potential and permanent staining as quality is diminished. Darker granite reduces the appearance of stains, complements many color schemes, and will cost less to maintain. Be realistic when you choose. If you need to, adjust the room around your counter color and not the other way around.
Installation Blunders
There are a few common—and completely preventable—missteps made when it comes to granite countertops. Avoid installing a top-mounted sink. Debris and bacteria seem to easily make their way under the ring around the sink. It’s difficult to maintain cleanliness and its highly suggested that you install an undermounted sink instead.
Additionally, granite is heavy, and you want it to be secure, supported, and safe. Right On Bracket sells heavy-duty countertop brackets to ensure the countertops you’ve chosen are properly reinforced and fixed. The great thing about these brackets is they’re right-angled to run along the cabinet of an island and underside of the counter to not take up additional space. They’re out of the way and dependable.
There is much to consider when choosing the pieces for your kitchen and the countertops tie it all together. If you want a granite countertop, then knowing the mistakes to avoid when purchasing new granite countertops will allow you to know what to expect and how to support your acquisition.