Baltimore Granite Counters

In Baltimore, and across the country, granite countertops are widely recognized as the best countertop material on the market, thanks to a winning combination of beauty, durability, and life-long service. In fact, you don't have to go too far in Baltimore to find shining examples of granite used as a building material. The stunning reddish colored stone that lines the exterior walls of The Gallery down by the Inner Harbor is red granite quarried from Finland, and the beautiful lobby floor of 111 South Calvert St., just down the road, sports a combination of pink granite floor tiles and gneiss from South Dakota. If you're looking for a countertop that will turn heads, is largely maintenance-free, and will last as long as you own your home, granite definitely deserves your attention.

The Cost of Baltimore Granite Counters
Just what does a granite counter top in Baltimore cost? ServiceMagic tracks countertop installations that begin as contractor referrals through our online service, and as a result, we can give you a good idea of what you'll have to spend to install granite counters in Baltimore. Based on our data, an average granite counter top in Baltimore runs about $3,700 for materials and installation, though our research indicates they can run as little as $2,500, and as much as $6,000. Granted (or should I say "granite"?), that's not exactly pocket change. But when you learn a little more about what Baltimore granite counter tops have to offer, it becomes clear that they're worth every penny.

Baltimore Granite Counters: Geology 101
In order to truly appreciate granite counter tops in Baltimore, it's important to understand where they come from. Granite is a natural stone that was formed millions, or billions, of years ago by magma that cooled deep below the earth's surface. As a result, granite is not only one of the densest natural stones known to man, but it's also some of the most beautiful and unique. One of the most alluring features of granite is the presence of crystalline structures in the stone (primarily feldspar, quartz, and micah), all of which form as a result of the slow cooling process that is responsible for granite in the first place.

The Unrivaled Beauty of Baltimore Granite Counters
Those same geologic forces are also responsible for many other qualities that help set granite apart from other types of natural stone. Granite comes in a veritable rainbow of colors, including black, white, red, green, yellow, gray, and brown, and each individual slab contains a unique combination of grain structure, veining, and textures. The fact that each piece of stone is unique in and of itself means that you're not just selecting a good-looking piece of granite for your new countertops, you're actually choosing a countertop material for your home that is truly one-of-a-kind.

Baltimore Granite Counters and Durability
That high natural density mentioned earlier is just as responsible for granite's popularity as a countertop material as its natural beauty. The high density of the stone makes it naturally resistant to stains and scratches (it will actually dull your knife if you cut on it), and because it is natural stone, a hot pot or pan can't do any damage (though it can damage the sealant, so you're still wise to use hot pads). Sealing your Baltimore granite counter tops is also a good idea in order to give it an added layer of protection, especially against highly acidic liquids that can etch the stone. All in all, however, there isn't a tougher countertop in the industry than a granite one.

Cutting Costs of Baltimore Granite Counters
As good as granite is, the high cost can deter some homeowners. If your heart is set on granite counters in Baltimore, but your budget is holding you back, there are some alternatives to hand picked, solid slab granite counters you should take a look at. Remnant stone refers to the leftover scraps from larger countertop installations, and using these for smaller countertop applications can save you big bucks over cutting into a fresh slab. Granite tiles are another cost-effective option if you're looking for the polished, beautiful look of Baltimore granite counter tops without the hefty price tag.

If you're interested in granite counters in Baltimore, talk to a contractor who specializes in working with natural stone. They'll be able to walk you through the process of selecting the perfect piece of granite for your home, and they'll make sure that your new countertops are installed correctly so you'll be able to enjoy your new granite counters in Baltimore for years to come.

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