Granite is a natural material consisting of a number of minerals including quartz, feldspar, mica and silica. Many people consider granite countertops in Minneapolis amongst the best available and cite their distinctive beauty as one of the reasons. As granite is a natural material each slab is different even though they come from the same quarry. Granite is sourced from many areas of the world including the United States, Canada, China, Italy and others. Regardless of the source, granite never fades; the color never changes as the years go by.
Needless to say the cost of granite countertops depends on the total area; however there are also considerations such as edge preparation and backsplash design that is taken into account. Although very few materials can match the durability of granite the supplier cannot warrant the material as it is a natural stone. Although the material cannot be warranted, the installer can most certainly offer a warranty on the installation.
Granite is not impervious to certain substances especially wine, mustard and anything acidic or oily. To help in overcoming the adverse effects of these substances granite can be and should be sealed at least once a year. Granite is resistant to heat and under normal use will resist small scratches. Granite is simple to clean, a solution of warm water and dish washer liquid soap is all that is needed to keep it looking beautiful. There are commercial cleansers available as well but abrasive cleansers must be avoided at all cost.
Due to the materials porous nature it must be sealed periodically; normally one or two applications of a non-yellowing wax is all that is needed to stop liquids from penetrating into the material. Sealing the countertop is something that anyone can do; there is no need for any special considerations.
Even though the countertop may have been cut from the same block of marble taken from the quarry, no two sections will be alike. This is a real problem if a section needs to be replaced. Most installers of granite countertops in Minneapolis try to design the top in such a fashion that the installation will be free of seams this is not always possible. The location of the seams depends on the design of course as well as the counter structure which must be reinforced due to the weight of the material. When the installation is complete the seams are sealed with a color matched epoxy but the seam will be visible unlike a manufactured stone top.
Granite countertops make for a lovely surface; although, as a natural material there are certain limitations such as the inability to match colors between slabs.