In addition to being the most populous city in Texas, Houston is also one of its wealthiest. As such, premium countertop materials are in high demand here. In this post, we\u2019ll take a look at granite countertops in Houston and provide our expert opinion concerning the material\u2019s strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Granite is an extremely hard igneous rock<\/a> that primarily contains quartz, feldspar, and mica. It originates in quarries, where workers use a variety of methods (including blasting and chiseling) to remove slabs that are later refined into countertops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granite\u2019s popularity as a construction material has made it one of the most commonly-quarried dimension stones in the world. The United States alone produces more than 400,000 tons of granite annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For years, granite countertops in Houston were incredibly popular. Consumers have soured on them lately, however, due to more modern countertop materials<\/a> that provide better looks and better durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you\u2019ll still find granite in many homes throughout the City of Houston, quartz countertops are currently in greater demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To understand exactly how granite fell from grace, let\u2019s take a look at its pros and cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granite is an incredibly heat-resistant rock. The temperatures achieved by appliances in your kitchen will almost certainly never damage granite. Heat can still damage the sealant, though, so this isn\u2019t necessarily something you\u2019d want to test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, while heat itself won\u2019t damage the countertop, rapid changes in temperature will. Placing a hot pan on the countertop and then replacing it with something cold can cause cracks and other types of damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granite ranges from 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Most materials in your kitchen won\u2019t be able to scratch it. In fact, cutting directly on granite will dull your knives long before scratching your countertop. Still, this may produce metal marks, so it\u2019s not recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granite countertops<\/a> in Houston tend to be quite popular among people with outdoor entertainment areas. There\u2019s a catch, though. While granite will easily withstand the Texas heat, you\u2019d need to maintain a proper seal year-round. Otherwise, the infamous Texas humidity will wreak havoc on your outdoor countertop and cause mold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, granite\u2019s downsides heavily outweigh its benefits for indoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granite counters are among the most high-maintenance of all surfaces. Because the rock is so porous (particularly granite countertops in Houston that are cheap), neglecting to maintain a proper seal can be disastrous. To paint a clear picture, barbecue sauce plus exposed granite equals major stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some manufacturers recommend resealing your granite surface twice annually, which can be an inconvenience both financially and in terms of your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While granite is very hard, a blunt force can still crack it. If that happens, you\u2019re in for a very expensive repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With granite, the edges of undermount sinks are particularly prone to cracking and chipping. That forces many homeowners to forgo this trendy style option in favor of something safer that won\u2019t potentially break their bank later on. At Caesarstone, we don\u2019t think you should ever have to compromise on your vision to make up for a material\u2019s shortfalls, so this is a clear strike against granite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Particularly when buying granite countertops in Houston on a budget, your range of aesthetic options is limited. Nature does produce some more exotic variants of the rock, but these can cost beyond $400 per square foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not willing to pay those exorbitant prices, you\u2019re primarily left with granite in various shades of gray and brown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these downsides (and particularly the rise of quartz, which doesn\u2019t share them) have contributed to granite\u2019s steep decline in popularity. Granite countertop prices have not followed suit, meaning they\u2019re still priced at a premium despite adding less resale value to your home than they did even 10 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before we discuss quartz countertop benefits (quartz being the ideal modern alternative to granite), let\u2019s look at some of the other popular materials for kitchen countertops in Houston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartzite is another type of natural stone. While it\u2019s easy to confuse \u2018quartzite\u2019 and \u2018quartz,\u2019 there are many substantial differences. Quartzite countertops in Houston need to be resealed as often as twice annually, making them cumbersome to maintain. Without consistent resealing, stains are likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concrete countertops in Houston tend to be popular among those seeking a rough, industrial look. Concrete shares many of granite\u2019s downsides, however, including susceptibility to staining. The material also tends to look and feel very unrefined. Quartz treated to resemble concrete (such as in the case of our Rugged Concrete 4033<\/a>) strikes a better balance between industrial and refined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While most materials require a good professional installer, epoxy countertops in Houston take that to truly painstaking levels. All work needs to be done on-site and is particularly error-prone. You can never be sure what your countertop will ultimately look like since the finished product depends heavily on the conditions and mixture. Additionally, the finished surface often ends up being inconsistent and lacking in heat resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminate countertops in Houston are the least refined and aesthetically pleasing option on the market. These surfaces are made from sheets of particleboard glued together. Cracks, chips, warping, and bubbling are all very common issues with laminate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people choose this material due to its affordability. But while laminate is cheaper than any other material, it will cost you in the long run through frequent repair and replacement as well as decreased home resale value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like granite, marble countertops in Houston aren\u2019t as popular as they once were. Marble is certainly a beautiful material but its weaknesses (including susceptibility to scratching, cracking, and staining) outweigh that. The ability to achieve a look similar to that of marble with quartz (such as in the case of our Empira White 5151<\/a>) has been the nail in the coffin for marble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a> Coastal Grey 6003<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, we come to quartz countertops in Houston – the undisputed leader in the market. Here\u2019s a quick rundown of why quartz has become the material of choice for bathrooms and kitchens alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polished quartz surfaces are about as low-maintenance as countertops get. Cleaning and even stain removal are processes you can do yourself in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other finishes<\/a>, such as our Honed, Concrete, and Rough types, require some additional care. Still, this care is much cheaper and less intensive than you\u2019d experience with granite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Behind quartz\u2019s low maintenance requirements is its durability. The loose rock that makes up roughly 90% of most quartz countertops is actually harder than granite. It\u2019s still possible to scratch or crack quartz but not as easy as it is with granite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a> Taj Royale 5212<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no denying that natural stone is beautiful. However, your choices are limited. This is particularly true if you\u2019re working with a limited budget. Remember, as mentioned earlier, certain more exotic types of granite can cost upwards of $400 per square foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz is engineered stone. At Caesarstone, we manufacture it in a variety of styles, textures, and patterns. The result is a collection of surfaces with something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because quartz is the most popular countertop material on the market, it tends to retain value better than anything else. Of course, there are a variety of factors that contribute to home resale value so this isn\u2019t a guarantee of any kind. However, if you\u2019re looking to maximize potential resale value, quartz is virtually impossible to beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once upon a time, granite was the most popular countertop material in Houston. Over time, however, advancements in technology have made it less desirable. In light of these developments, granite\u2019s weaknesses have become quite evident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For homeowners, the greatest of these weaknesses is granite maintenance requirements. You need to reseal the surface as often as twice annually to avoid staining or otherwise damaging the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quartz combines lower maintenance, greater durability, and a wider array of options, making it the material of choice for all types of countertops in Houston. Visit one of our Caesarstone locations<\/a> today to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With granite, you need to be particularly careful about what you use to clean the surface. Harsher chemicals will require more frequent resealing. Particularly avoid anything acidic, like cleaners containing lemon, vinegar, or bleach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For day-to-day cleaning, warm water, mild soap, and microfiber cloth are all you need. Be sure to dry the surface after cleaning to avoid water stains. If you\u2019re looking to do a more rigorous disinfecting of the surface, use a 50\/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Granite countertops start at roughly $40 per square foot and can extend beyond $100. Homeowners typically spend as much as $4,500 for granite countertops, installation included. When granite was more popular, this was a decent investment that added to your home\u2019s resale value. Today, you\u2019re less likely to recoup those costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the cost of granite, if you\u2019re inexperienced with polishing stone, you\u2019re better off leaving this to professionals. If you\u2019re determined, however, there are granite-safe polishes on the market. Simply follow the instructions on your polish of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Experts consider dry polish to be more effective at removing scratches but wet polish is otherwise the preferred method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some types of polish can remove stains on granite surfaces. Otherwise, use a baking soda and water paste along with a bristled brush to remove stains. A granite-friendly poultice or extractor can also be used to remove especially deep stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Installers glue granite countertops down with silicone adhesive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of granite\u2019s heat resistance, burn marks tend to be superficial and limited to the topmost surface. You can typically remove this type of burn mark with water and soap once the surface has cooled down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With deeper burn marks, you\u2019ll need to call a professional or use a poultice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Houston is a historically significant and culturally rich city with more than enough to keep you busy. Here are five of the most popular attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center<\/a> is more than just a museum for space enthusiasts. It\u2019s an active training, research, and testing facility. As such, visiting the facility offers a glimpse into not just its past but also the present operations of the U.S. space program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Houston Museum of Natural Science<\/a> has been around since 1909. Since then, it\u2019s become one of North America\u2019s most popular natural science museums. It contains everything from dinosaur fossils to space station models and mineral collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Downtown Aquarium<\/a> is another favorite within Houston. Here, you\u2019ll find 500,000 gallons of water filled with hundreds of exotic species. The facility also hosts a shopping center, bar, and restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Galleria<\/a> is known as Texas\u2019 most luxurious shopping center. It hosts many stores unique to Houston but also international favorites like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGranite Countertops In Houston: Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heat Resistance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Scratch Resistance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Suitable For Outdoor Use<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Requires Frequent Sealing<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Expensive To Repair<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Limited Aesthetic Options<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Granite Is Suffering Steep Declines In Popularity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Other Materials Used To Make Kitchen Countertops In Houston<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Quartzite Countertops In Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Countertops In Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Epoxy Countertops In Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Laminate Countertops In Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Marble Countertops In Houston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quartz Countertops In Houston: The Ideal Modern Alternative To Granite Countertops<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Low-Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
More Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Increased Home Value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Summing Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do you clean granite countertops?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much do granite countertops in Houston cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you polish granite countertops?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you remove stains from granite countertops?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How are granite countertops attached?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you remove burn marks from granite countertops?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5 Things To Do In Houston<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
#1. NASA Johnson Space Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#2. Museum of Natural Science<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#3. Downtown Aquarium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#4. The Galleria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
#5. Miller Outdoor Theatre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n