An impressive gourmet kitchen is a dream for any home owner and the first step to making this dream a reality is installing shiny granite countertops. Granite is an extremely strong and durable igneous stone that is formed from volcanic rock and has been left to cool over millions of years. During this process, magma merges with various crystallized minerals to create its infamous sparkling appearance. Granite rocks are mined from granite quarries and are cut and polished to reveal their true radiance within. Granite is located under the Earth's surface on every continent, therefore there is a wide variety of interesting and unique patterns available to you and, just like flakes of snow, and no two slabs of granite have the same pattern.

Granite is an ideal material for countertops, as it is incredibly hard, resilient and heat resistant. In addition to its material qualities, granite is also a truly beautiful representation of nature. Granite leads the pack as one of the top kitchen countertop options available to you as it represents what a gourmet kitchen looks like adding an artistic, yet practical element to your space. The best granite countertops available to consumers are those that have significant variation, graining and pattern in them, exposing you and your house guests to the true wonderment of our planets capabilities. Granite does however require regular maintenance to maintain its luster and durability.

There are regular maintenance habits to follow, including daily cleaning with water and specialized products made for disinfecting stone surfaces. It is important to use specialized cleaning solutions, as harsher chemicals are too abrasive for granite and can scratch, etch and break down the surface of your countertop. Granite countertops also require annual re-sealing, a process in which a liquid sealant is applied to your countertops to rejuvenate and protect the natural stone. A sealant treatment is necessary when water is no longer beading and rolling away from your countertop, but rather absorbing into the stone itself. It is cruel to never let your granite go too long without being properly resealed as this is an investment worth protecting and there is nothing more beautiful than the exquisite shine of well cared for granite countertops.

Who does not aspire to owning their very own gourmet kitchen to prepare family meals in? Granite countertops make this fantasy a reality by adding an artistic, yet practical element to your space. The properties of granite make it a fantastic choice for your kitchen, as it is incredibly hard, resilient and heat resistant; yet so beautiful that it more resembles a work of art than a preparation surface in your home. The fascinating history behind the harvesting process of granite allows you to add a little piece of history to your home, as just like flakes of snow, no two slabs of granite are the same. When choosing the best style of countertops for your family's needs in the kitchen, the option that is both practical and beautiful is the choice of granite countertops.