Property developers and builders have experienced a boom in the demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design, and the durability and easy care of granite countertops keeps them a favourite for homeowners who are looking into the future. Though the cost of granite is more than some of the alternatives, it is surprising how affordable it can be if you go to the right people.

Granite, like marble and other popular stones, are as old as the earth. Granite is found all over the world. Granite has been used in the construction of many ancient buildings, including many temples. Granite is still used today in the construction and cladding of many buildings. Stone suppliers didn't begin experimenting with polished granite until 1831. The preference for polished granite began in 1851, when a finished piece of granite was displayed in London at The Great Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.

Granite is the perfect material for kitchen worktops, as it is the most durable of all stones. The hardness of granite is rivalled only by the hardness of diamonds. The durability and versatility of granite worktops makes it a favourite of professional and home chefs. Granite can withstand extreme heat from hot pans and serves as an excellent surface for handling all cooking materials and ingredients. The natural beauty of granite kitchen worktops complement any tone of wood or style of kitchen

A popular choice of designers for decades, granite worktops have now become popular with the public. There are literately hundreds of colours of granite, from variations of white through browns, reds, greens, blues, and black. Brown and beige tones are the most popular, as they work well with most any kitchen colour scheme, allowing greater flexibility in redecorating over the years. Movement from large patterns can carry the eye quickly over the surface of the countertop, while small patterns have a more sedate appearance. The combination of colour and movement means that no two countertops are exactly the same.

While granite kitchen worktops are a favourite choice due to their beauty and durability, they are not completely impervious to damage. Granite care and maintenance includes proper cleaning and the use of sealers to prevent staining. Although granite is quite hard, it can be easily be chipped. A skilled professional can perform repairs that are nearly invisible.

Kitchen Granite worktops can cost more than other countertop materials, however they have gained a reputation for being unaffordable and only available to the wealthy. This is not true and the right Granite supplier will be able to supply your for a very affordable price..The majority of the cost is not in the stone, transportation and fitting. It is not recommended that the do-it-yourself homeowner to take on this project. Despite the strength of granite, the oversized slab sheets must be precisely cut to fit the counters, and are very delicate when transported. Special care must be taken to reinforce the base cabinets, and the slab must be set perfectly level. Failure to properly set a granite countertop could cause it to break during regular use.

Granite worktops will continue to remain a favourite of homeowners, architects and interior designers. The ageless beauty and durability of granite makes it a home improvement treasure to last a lifetime.