I have had granite in a few areas for years...I sealed initially but have not since...no staining or other problems at all. A wine glass may explode on impact but other than that there great...hot pans right out of the oven ...no worries at all.
We are using granite on our kitchen tops. Look around to find the right color & the right kind for what & where you want it put down. You can find a granite that will never need to be sealed and then others that will need it 1 or 2 times a year.....ask all kinds of questions before you buy it. Granite comes in all kinds of styles shop around & ask any kind of questions... that you
...»
can think about! Watch all the home shows on tv...they do show you some really good stuff/tips & will also answer questions.... that you might not have thought of asking. "This Old House" is a great show and they really help home owners too if you write them!!!
Hope you get some good tips & a good granite counter, no matter whereever you put it.
Some people have concerns about radon in granite - http://www.networx.com/article/the-health-ri... - and some granite countertops require regular sealing. This is not a problem for most people, but it's not ideal if you want something absolutely maintenance-free.
My company carries a granite countertop that is sealed and requires no maintenance. It is called SenSa Granite. It is sealed by the same company that brings you quartz Sielstone tops. The granite is sealed at country of origin and is moleculelarly bound to accept nothing more into the stone yet allowing it to breath, It never has to be sealed and has a 15 year warranty against staining and discoloration. Janet, visit me at the Gwinnett Home and Garden Show.
An intersting article caught my eye when I read your question. It lists some disadvatages as well as advantages of granite stone. Like any other stone Granite emits radiation. See link, for details.
Like Hudson Design suggested concrete counter tops are gaining popularity a lot in hom eremodeling these days. here is a link you can look at if you want to learn more about this option.
What type and color Granite are you looking at.
Hope you get some good tips & a good granite counter, no matter whereever you put it.
They are a beautiful complimet to any kitchen.
http://www.networx.com/article/the-health-ri... ...»
if you are looking at other options then here is yet another article from networx.
http://www.networx.com/article/alternatives-...
See some photo's here of the different types.Concrete Counters
http://concrete.networx.com/info/pre-cast-on...