Granite is an igneous rock formed by the crystallization of minerals deep beneath the earth’s surface. The minerals that go into granite affect its color, so granite can appear in red, pink, brown, blue, grey, or white hues.

Thanks to its incredible durability and natural beauty, granite is a popular choice in various aspects of interior design. Between kitchen countertops, floors, and fireplaces, granite can be used in many areas of the home. If you’re trying to decide whether or not granite is a worthy investment for your home, look no further. Here is a guide to the pros and cons of granite as a material for your interiors, along with a handy guide to caring for it.

Pro: Granite is 100% natural

The big appeal of granite is that it’s a totally natural material, which requires very minimal processing after being cut from the quarry. This not only makes it a sustainable choice for your kitchen countertops, fireplaces, or floors, but it also means that each slab of granite is totally unique. Every granite slab is speckled with natural flecks and grains that are unmatched by synthetic materials.

Pro: Granite is very heat resistant

Another thing that draws people toward granite as a choice for countertops and fireplaces is its heat resistance. Granite can withstand up to 1200°F without staining or melting. Compared to other popular stone materials like quartz, which will become discolored and marked by hot pots and pans, this is a big plus.

Pro: Granite is incredibly durable

Granite is a very hard-wearing material, scoring a 7 out of 10 on the scale of mineral hardness. This means that it’s almost impossible to scratch through daily wear and tear. Granite and quartz measure equally on this scale, giving them both an upper hand on marble, which is a much softer and more easily scratched material. When cared for properly, a granite countertop should last a lifetime.

Pro: Granite is less expensive than quartz or marble

Granite is a high-end material with a price tag that matches its quality and durability. However, as stone countertops go, granite is one of the more affordable options. Costs range between $40 to $100 per square foot for a granite countertop, which is less than what a quartz countertop will set you back.

Con: Granite can look dated

Granite countertops were a popular feature in homes in the ‘90s, and some find that their unique coloring doesn’t suit a more contemporary style of decor. Trends are leaning towards light, solid colors, which is a big factor in the popularity of quartz. Granite’s speckles and veining can look too busy within a minimalist design. However, it’s all down to personal taste, with many people still loving the natural stone look.

Con: Granite needs sealing

As a natural stone, granite is ever so slightly porous, meaning that it can be susceptible to water damage. To combat this, granite countertops need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining. However, most granite countertops today will come pre-sealed, which may last up to 10 years.

Con: Granite is difficult to install

In nearly 100% of cases, granite countertops will require professional installation. They are very heavy, bulky, and difficult to maneuver, and they’ll need to be cut with precision to fit your kitchen. Once installed, granite countertops will also be very difficult to remove without ripping out your cabinets, so it’s a big commitment to make.

How to care for granite

If you’ve decided to install granite for your kitchen countertops or around your hearth, you’ll want to keep your latest investment in top condition to really make the most of it. Here are some tips for caring for granite countertops and other granite interiors:

• For daily cleaning, wipe granite down with a soft cloth, warm water, and gentle soap.

• If a bigger stain occurs, use a specially-formulated stone cleaner with a neutral pH.

• If your granite does get chipped, it can be repaired with a specialized epoxy resin in a matching color. It’s best to get a professional to do this.

• Check with your supplier to find out if a long-lasting sealant has been applied to your granite. If not, you’ll need to apply a sealant once per year to avoid water damage.

Granite is a relatively low-maintenance material once installed, so other than the basic cleaning tips and tricks above, there’s not much you need to do to enjoy the beauty of granite in your home for years to come!