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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 13, 2006 For longevity, nothing's quite like granite Other surfaces such as Corian and tile offer protection, but not as effectively If there's one material that's become synonymous with custom homes built within the past decade, it's arguably granite. The natural stone, most often seen as countertops, has gone from a luxury item to a material that's affordable now even in spec homes. "It's in all the middle-range homes now where it just used to be in high-end homes," said Louis Mahar, owner of Show Quality Stone in Medford. But why granite? The answer seems fairly simple if you've ever lived with a lesser countertop and then upgraded. "(Granite countertops) will outlast the life of the house," Mahar said. "Natural stone will last forever." Advertisement Granite dealers and fabricators tout the stone's ability to withstand heat and its resistance to scratching, optimal qualities in a kitchen work surface. Laminate can't compare, as anyone can attest who's ever scorched his counter with a hot pan or gouged it with a knife. Ceramic tile and manmade solid surfaces like Corian are somewhat heat and scratch resistant. Tile, however, is difficult to keep clean, as food particles tend to get trapped in grout lines. The grout also presents a maintenance concern because it stains easily, in my experience, even if sealed. Corian, by contrast, is a smooth, low-maintenance surface but isn't impervious to damage. Manufacturers recommend using trivets and cutting boards. Scratches, however, can be buffed out. Not surprisingly, granite, starting at about $50 per square foot, is more expensive than any of the above choices but hardly the most costly. Stainless steel, wood butcher-block and engineered stone (a quartz composite mixed with colored pebbles, polymers and epoxy) are comparable in price while concrete typically costs more, as much as double the price of granite. But its dynamic range of colors and patterns sets granite apart, making it the obvious choice in my new home near the Rogue River, where my husband, Will, and I have tried to incorporate as many natural materials as possible. We quickly discovered that, depending on the granite chosen, we could increase the cost far beyond "builder's grade." We rejected a 11/2-inch edge, which almost doubled our bid, in favor of the standard 3„8-inch edge. Polishing the opening for an under-mount sink added several hundred dollars to the total. We could have installed granite in just the kitchen, where everyday wear and tear will justify it. But throwing in a couple of bathroom vanities and the laundry-room counter was just a fraction of the overall price and adds a little extra panache to almost every room. And the ease of cleanup (just a wet rag will do) makes it ideal even in areas that won't be exposed to hot objects or sharp implements. But if this rock sounds indestructible, before you move your welding projects inside from the garage, granite fabricators caution that intense heat can crack the stone. And to be on the safe side, oily spills and acids like tomato and lemon juice should be wiped up as quickly as possible. Sealing granite about every five years is recommended. If all the testimonials to granite's longevity are true, someone will be around to seal our countertops long after we've moved on. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487 or at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Send Flowers California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement