
Which Makes The Best Option? Granite VS Concrete Countertop
It is a difficult decision, choosing material for your kitchen countertop:
for not in terms of cost but also their impact on the aesthetics and practical the function of your kitchen.
The material of kitchen countertops
is a significant part of a kitchen-remodeling budget. A well-chosen countertop
makes your kitchen more appealing and easier to maintain. Further, it can also
serve as an important design element for your kitchen.
There is a huge range of materials
that can be used for kitchen countertops. Some materials can be surprising for
you due to different qualities. Each material has some advantages and
disadvantages, thus all of them need to be weighed while choosing.
Concrete VS granite
A granite countertop is not the only
slab, which is made up of stone you chop vegetables on. Instead, it is a luxury
that represents your status. Despite being
expensive, it is beautiful and unique and is quite hard to damage.
It is true that granite does not have
all the inherent customization of concrete. However, there is a reason why it
is often one of the most demanded and luxurious materials.
Actually, newly polished granite has
a very elegant and sophisticated look, that can add style to your house. Along
with deep hues and all types of natural variations, this material is the first
thing that catches the attention of visitors and home-owners.
On the other hand, a
concrete countertop has been gaining momentum for the last decades. It is
something that is edgy yet luxurious. Concrete is basically made up of
cement and aggregate. An aggregate is just like sand or crushed limestone. This
is added to the cement mix to impart some specific qualities. Such qualities
include increased strength or certain color or texture.
So, before making a decision for
kitchen countertops, people must need to know the comparison of concrete vs granite.
Both granite and concrete are more
heat-resistant when compared to other laminate countertops or even surfaces
like quartz. However, placing a hot object directly on a concrete countertop
can be damaging for its sealant. This actually protects it from stains and spills.
The sealant is a liquid material that
gives shine and finishing to granite countertops. So, if you are placing
any hot object, like a hot pot of soup, it can affect the overall look of your
concrete countertop.
Therefore, you should always use a
trivet for protecting your granite or concrete countertop. Moreover, sealed
granite can resist more heat than the sealed concrete.
Environmental Impact
Unfortunately, both granite and concrete countertops have a
relatively huge carbon footprint. Unless you live near any granite quarry, your
granite countertops must be shipped from the place of origin till your home. No
doubt this maybe thousands of miles away. On the other hand, the processes of
manufacturing concrete use a lot of energy as well.
Granite is basically indestructible
and it will last a long time. But it is not a renewable resource. On the other
hand, concrete can easily last for decades.
In addition, it can also incorporate
with the other recycled industrial wastes like ash flying out from coal
furnaces and slag from iron production. Therefore, if we compare the overall
environmental impacts of both materials, you can conclude that concrete
material has lesser environmental footprints than granite.
Quality Difference
Granite and concrete are both
high-quality options. Maybe the granite will wear a bit better. Or perhaps
concrete will finally let you have an LED embedded countertop, which looks like
a starry sky.
No matter, whatever you are going to
choose, you will not get anything cheap. Both granite and concrete will cost
somewhere around $50 to $100 per square foot installed.
Also, if the idea of countertop
maintenance will chill you to the bone, you will be better with granite. This
is how you can judge concrete vs granite strength easily, as the later one is stronger than the former
one.
Conclusion
Everyone wants to make his home
beautiful. But it is very necessary to research objects that you are going to
choose. A reliable and experienced company can serve you in the best way in
this regard. So, you can hire a professional for this, or can even do it by
yourself.
However, if you are feeling
difficulty in selecting your kitchen’s countertop then the above article can
help you with the best selection. You will be able to select the best for your
kitchen. Your efforts will reflect from your house and kitchen. Therefore, pay
complete attention to this information before selecting your desired
countertop.