• Granite countertops have both depth and beauty.granite image by Roman Sigaev from Fotolia.com
  
  There may be no surface in your home more important than your kitchen countertop, so make sure you choose the right material for your particular kitchen. Granite is one of the best materials for countertops, but before you make a serious purchase, ensure the granite's benefits will outweigh the cost and down sides.
  
  

Pro: Attractiveness

• Polished granite countertops have a visual appeal that enhances the overall look of your kitchen. Other types of kitchen-counter materials try to mimic the look of granite, but they lack the depth and beauty of a real granite countertop. Granite countertops are available in a host of different colors, so you are sure to find a type of granite to match the décor of your kitchen.
  
  

Pro: Value

• Granite is a desirable substance for kitchen countertops, so installing it in your kitchen will raise the value of your home. If you maintain the countertop properly, the granite will look like new for years, and its effect on your home value will remain. The kitchen is the most important room when selling a house, so improving the value of your kitchen will have a big impact on the overall value of your house.
  
  

Pro: Durability

• Granite countertops last a long time and can stand up to a lot of abuse. You can cut food right on the countertop, instead of using a cutting board. You can also use the countertop to hold extremely hot items without worrying about damaging the surface. Spills will not seep into a properly sealed granite countertop, so it will rarely stain or dull.
  
  

Con: Expense

• Granite is one of the most expensive countertop materials, requiring a sizable investment to install them. Even though granite countertops will increase the value of your home, you will not see that increase until you sell the house. Since granite is so heavy and must be installed correctly, having the granite installed by professionals will cost more than if you choose other materials.
  
  

Con: Sealing

• Granite is naturally a porous material, meaning liquid will seep into it and stain it. Granite countertops are sealed to prevent this from happening. The sealant lasts about a year before it needs to be reapplied. The sealing process isn't a difficult one, but if you forget, your granite countertops can become damaged or stained.
  
  

Con: Weight

• Since it is essentially a rock, granite is extremely heavy and thus needs the proper support beneath it. If your bottom cabinets are weak or old, you will have to replace them when you get granite countertops. Sometimes, even strong cabinets may need additional supports. Granite's weight also requires that it be completely secure to your cabinets, which means that it becomes very difficult to remove. You will usually need to hire a professional to remove it without breaking it.