If you are considering upgrading the look of your home's surfaces-whether floor or countertops- then spending some time at a granite showroom is a great place to start. This is because, while granite can be a bit of an expense to have installed, it also will add a minimum of 10% to the resale value of your home, in addition to the beauty and elegance it ads to any room in which it is used.

For many homeowners, the thought of upgrading using granite brings numerous questions; however, it doesn't need to be intimidating. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions by people who are considering granite.

Granite FAQs

1 What do granite countertops cost? Like many things, it is difficult to pt an exact price tag on granite countertops until all the decisions are made. Factors such as the size of the granite slab, types of surface finish, the color of the granite, the edges chosen and the thickness of the slab will affect the final price. Prices can range from as little as $4 per square foot for granite tile countertops to over $60 per square foot for slab granite. To get the best price, it is best to talk to granite wholesalers versus your local home improvement store.

2 How much maintenance is required with granite countertops? Granite, while extremely resilient and nearly stain proof, is not without its flaws, but the bulk of these concerns can be avoided by taking proper care. You will want to avoid placing acidic items on your granite countertops and be sure to cleanup any spills immediately. In addition, be sure that you reseal your granite at least once every 2-3 years.

3 What do I need to bring when selecting granite? Whether you will be selecting granite for a home make-over or building a new home, it is important that you bring as many of the following items as possible: a cabinet door or drawer, a sample of the flooring, a few pieces of the tile backsplash, any cabinet hardware you plan to use. If possible, knowing what color your appliances will make it a bit easier to decide on what color of granite will be best.

4 What are the grades of granite? There are 3 grades of granite-First Choice is the best available and should have a high gloss with no visual defects; Commercial Quality usually indicates that the polish is not a good and there will be some defects or cracks in the granite; and, Second Quality which is best for large scale projects and typically has repairable natural defects and blotches.

5Can granite be damaged? Despite being one of the toughest surfaces you can select, granite is not damage-proof. Granite can be chipped if sharp objects are used on it, so you should always use a cutting board if you are using granite as a kitchen workspace. However, you can place hot pans on granite as this will not affect it.