Nothing says "high end" more than a granite work surface in your kitchen. Yet as beautiful and durable as granite is, it can also be surprisingly affordable. The ability to work directly on your granite counter top without fear of cracks, scratches or heat damage makes granite one of the most desirable kitchen (and bathroom) counter surfaces on the market today. If you have not yet seen the wide variety of colors, hues, and patterns, you are in for a treat. With hundreds and hundreds of variations, there is a perfect granite surface for every personal taste and color preference. In fact, the hardest thing may be choosing only one.

The inherent attractiveness of granite is the fact that no two pieces are identical, reflecting the beauty of the natural world vs. the uniformity of any surface that is man-made. The amount and type of fissures naturally found in granite add to its beauty and determine the many colors available for any decorating palette. Colors range from rich blacks and grays to silvery or gold whites - and nearly every shade in-between: burgundies, pinks, greens, blues, taupes, browns, rust, ivories, and yellows. Some are multi-colored as well. It is advisable to take home several samples to make sure you are choosing one that enhances your space.

Because granite is one of the hardest surfaces, formed by compression of the earths magma over millions of years, its durability makes granite the work surface of choice by builders and architects as well as homeowners. In fact, granite has been used for centuries as an exterior material because it is impervious to weather and other kinds of assaults. It is virtually impossible to destroy your granite work space once it is installed. In fact, the only risk to your granite counter top is in the transportation and installation of the product, which is why it is best to hire a professional installer with a long history of successful counter top installations.

The material can withstand extreme heat with no effect, meaning a pan can be placed directly onto granite counters from the stove without any harm to or discoloration of the stone. Not only that, and unlike nearly every other surface, you can cut directly on your granite counter top and it will not scratch. However, we do not recommend it, simply because it will dull your knives quickly! You also would not want to use a heavy meat cleaver directly on your granite counter because, while it will not break, there could be some chipping depending on the force exerted.

Chefs have always preferred working directly on stone surfaces for pastry and chocolate work as it holds a cool temperature for a longer time, which conversely it also holds heat longer. If bacterial contamination is a concern, granite (as well as stainless steel) are the best choices for prevention. Finished granite is the most dense and nonporous of all work surfaces, which also makes it highly desirable and easy to maintain.

Nearly all granite surfaces are sealed before installation to prevent staining and make clean up a breeze. Most granite counter tops have a higher gloss finish, but another option to consider is a "honed" finish. Honed granite has more of a matte look to the finish, rather than a reflective shine. Some designers like the honed stone finish granite due to its less formal and often softer look.

While there are numerous retail cleaners available for granite work surfaces, the easiest and most affordable is to simply use any type of mild phosphate-free, biodegradable liquid dish washing soap and a little water and dry with a soft cotton cloth. It is common sense to wipe up any spilled liquids immediately, especially acidic liquids, to minimize contamination and any potential chemical reactions on the counter's surface. Whatever finish you choose, maintaining your granite's beautiful natural luster is elementary. With proper care you will enjoy your fine granite counter tops for as long as you remain in your home.