Are Granite Countertops Going Out Of Style?
Recently, homeowners have begun to show rising interest in countertop options that compete with the tried and true value that granite brings to the table. Homeowners with existing granite slabs (which Oblique New York notes a simple honing process can restore) and those looking for an update from older Formica or laminate countertop materials are seriously weighing up butcher block, engineered quartz, and even stone or concrete countertop fabrications alongside and instead of granite.
This trend has been developing over the span of a couple of years, and American Farmhouse Style notes that part of the reason for this shift comes as a result of expanded access. The appeal that granite once brought to bear was its exclusivity: Not only was a buyer getting a unique slab that would be custom cut to their kitchen's dimensional needs, but it was a luxury upgrade that remained a stunning, yet niche addition.
Granite has lost its edge as the leading surface choice in countertops, but this doesn't mean that the stone option has or is going out of style. In fact, granite remains highly popular and perhaps the most durable and cost-intelligent choice on the market.
Granite and engineered quartz are trading places as household favorites
Granite countertops have been a favorite in the kitchen and bathroom for many years. The single slab of stone cut and polished to perfection has always provided a luxurious addition to any property, and homeowners have traditionally flocked to the smooth, shiny, and one-of-a-kind surfaces that granite slab installations provided.
Still, granite seems to be declining in popularity by a small but noticeable margin, according to Real Simple. Engineered quartz — formed from a composite of resin and finely blended quartz stone — has overtaken granite as the preeminent selection across surveyed homeowners. This comes partially as a surprise, given the lackluster performance of quartz countertops versus their superior competitor in granite surfaces over the years. But Real Simple reports that quartz composite fabrication has become much more sophisticated in the last few years, leading to a durable product that can stand the test of time, much the same way that granite provides a lasting feature of stability and beauty. Moreover, quartz counters can be fabricated with striations and patterns, or as a more pure-color tone to match any type of aesthetic that you may be chasing in your home.
This doesn't mean that granite has suddenly fallen out of favor though. Granite remains a highly prized option for homeowners across the country, and the uniqueness of each individual slab provides kitchens with a beautiful and truly inimitable vision of luxury and grandeur.
Granite remains a timeless addition to many homes
Granite remains a mainstay in homes everywhere, and a shift in the general attitude toward alternatives to this timeless classic shouldn't dissuade homeowners from keeping their kitchen or bathroom surfaces just the way they are. Likewise, homeowners seeking out new renovation options should seriously consider the use of granite in their next project, even as other options have become more comparable to the finished product of a polished granite slab.
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (which Goodreads attributes to Oscar Wilde). Even as quartz and other countertop materials become more competitive with granite, they remain a notable alternative to the king of countertop material. A kitchen or bathroom remodel can be easily elevated by the use of this option over other selections. Modernize notes that granite remains a fantastic long-term investment that boosts resale value in a home and continues to improve the overall financial mobility of a homeowner the longer they stay in the property. Compared to other countertop options, nothing can beat the financial infusion that granite provides.
Making the choice to install granite, quartz, or any other countertop option in your home is uniquely personal and there really is no wrong choice. At the end of the day, granite slabs continue to lead the pack in many ways, even as interest has risen elsewhere.