Oakland Granite Counters

Americans love home improvement. When the weather gets nice, the sights and sounds of remodeling are present all over the country (in the Bay Area, you?re likely to see home improvement projects happening all year round). Remodeling, though a pleasant pastime, is also something that homeowners take seriously. When we remodel, making things look prettier is only part of the goal; in most cases, people want their remodels to make their homes function better and increase their market value, as well. Two of the best places to improve your home?s appearance, as well as improve function and increase resale value, are kitchens and bathrooms. In Oakland, granite counters are some of the most satisfying installations you can have in these areas for several reasons.

Benefits of Oakland Granite Counters
When investing in granite counters, Oakland residents are likely to see returns in many ways. For one, granite counters are some of the most long-lasting and best performing on the market. They hold up well under the many abuses common to kitchens and bathrooms, and they look great, to boot. By installing granite countertops, Oakland homeowners are getting something that is likely to as long as the house they are placed in is standing.

As far as appearances go, Oakland granite countertops are one of the most beautiful options around for kitchens and bathrooms. No matter what your tastes, you?re likely to find a variety of granite that will suit them. Granite gets its color from the geographical conditions in which it is formed; depending on where it is quarried, granite can have any number of hues and patterns. You might be surprised at the amount of variation that Mother Nature creates; in most cases, homeowners will be able to find a type of granite that will compliment the surroundings it is placed in without too much difficulty.

Drawbacks of Granite Counters in Oakland
No material is perfect, and there are a few negatives to consider before installing granite countertops. Oakland homes whose existing counters are lightweight laminate may have to add structural support to hold the extra weight of stone counters. Granite, like marble, quartz, and other natural stone materials, is somewhat porous. Though it can be sealed to reduce the likelihood of stains seeping into the surface, pooled liquids can leave a mark if they are left unattended to for long periods of time (this effect can be reduced by choosing a darker colored stone). Granite counters hold up very well to heat, but they are not invincible; using a trivet for hot pots and pans is generally recommended.

Prices of Oakland Granite Countertops
For some homeowners in Oakland, granite countertops have one glaring drawback: the price. In the Bay Area, installing granite counters can run as much as $10,000, though we?ve also seen prices in the $4,000 range. However, many people find investing in a granite counter that may not ever need to be replaced preferable to getting a cheaper counter that will deteriorate much faster. It is also comforting to know that as long as they are taken care of, Oakland granite counters can look just as good decades later as they do when they are installed. Though solid slab granite counters are very popular, you can also purchase granite tile, which is much less expensive. Granite tile has the drawback of visible grout lines, which can be a hassle, but on the plus side, replacing a single tile that gets damaged in some way is a lot easier (and cheaper) than repairing or replacing a granite slab.

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