Dear Ogden’s Flooring and Design: My wife and I have decided to upgrade our kitchen, but we aren’t sure if granite countertops are worth the investment. We’ve done some research online, and it seems that everyone has a different opinion on granite countertops. Some swear by their reliability and durability, but others say you can get the same kind of quality with different materials. So we’ve turned to the experts. Would you recommend granite, or should we look for something else?

Thanks so much for reaching out! We actually get this question a lot, and while the short answer is “it depends,” granite countertops have some amazing features that you aren’t going to find with any other material. To help make your decision process a little bit easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best features of granite.

The color won’t fade. If your home is over 20 years old, you’ve probably started to notice that the color of your countertops is fading. During the ’70s and ’80s, most countertops were finished with some kind of laminate. Although the material is durable and able to withstand the everyday wear and tear of kitchen activity, it starts to lose its luster over time.

If you decide to invest in new granite countertops, this is something that you won’t have to worry about. Granite is an igneous rock, which means it originated as molten lava. Extreme heat and pressure help form granite into the product that it is, and that means you’ll never have to worry about the stone losing its color or charm.

Granite countertops can withstand extreme heat. Do you and your spouse do a lot of cooking? If so, granite can be a great option for your kitchen. Less durable options such as laminate and tile can take a beating from contact with hot pots and pans or direct contact with spilled food. If you’re a wine aficionado, this is something to consider, too. Stains can make new countertops look worse for wear in no time if you don’t choose the right materials.

No two granite countertops are exactly alike. Most homeowners like their house to stand out from others. That doesn’t mean you have to go out of your way to be unique. But it’s nice to know your home has some personality. This not only increases its resale value but also makes your space more enjoyable to live in. Because granite comes from quarries and is cut into slabs before being finished with a seal, no two countertops are alike.

Better yet, granite comes in a variety of colors that you can use to complement the paint or design of your kitchen. It’s a simple way to help your home stand out. This is especially true if you are part of a homeowners association or gated community. Your exterior might have to meet certain stipulations, but you can get as creative as you want with your home’s interior.

Great for combating germs. Aside from the bathroom, kitchens are one of the most germ-infested areas in the home. Don’t worry, we aren’t calling you out on your cleaning habits. It’s just that microscopic bacteria and mold can build up over time, especially if you regularly cook with raw proteins and even vegetables.

If you’re worried about exposing your children, pets or yourself to potential hazards, investing in granite countertops that have been sealed is a great solution. Some other countertop options are porous, which allows germs and bacteria to thrive and breed below the surface even if you regularly do a thorough job of cleaning. If you want some peace of mind, granite is a great option.

If you need any help along the way with granite countertops, don’t hesitate to stop into one of our 10 Utah locations to ask for assistance. At Ogden’s Flooring and Design, we’re here to make your home remodeling dreams come true.