• Granite is a natural stone.granite image by Andrzej Solnica from Fotolia.com
  
  Granite countertops can be a beautiful addition to your home. However, as with anything, there are a list of cons that are associated with the popular stone. Before deciding on whether or not granite is the right material to use in your home, it's a good idea to first weigh the pros and cons. Should you decide that granite countertops are the right choice for you, you'll be informed about what to expect once they're installed.
  
  

High Maintenance

• Granite countertops must be sealed regularly. This can be a time-consuming process and potentially costly. If granite countertops are not sealed, they are much more susceptible to water damage and stains.
  
  

Difficult to Replace

• Granite is a naturally occurring stone, which means that each piece is different from the next. If a part of your granite becomes damaged and must be replaced, you'll likely be hard pressed to find another piece that matches. For those concerned about matching their countertops perfectly, this can be a major downside.
  
  

Costly

• Compared to other materials used for countertops, granite is a much more expensive option. If your budget is tight or you simply don't want to make a large investment on countertops, there are better options to consider.
  
  

Dulls Knives

• If you cut food on your granite countertops, your knives will become dull over time. That's because granite is such a hard stone. To prevent dulling, use a cutting board.
  
  

Heavy

• Granite is one of the heaviest stones on the market. While this makes it a durable material, it also makes it a cumbersome one. It can be difficult to transport large amounts of granite, so if countertops are a DIY project, take that into consideration. Because of its weight, granite may also require extra structural reinforcement.