It's hard to beat the all-around ideal nature of granite kitchen countertops.

Countertop decisions aren't as easy as they used to be. We've advanced far beyond the old choices of laminate, laminate, or laminate. Granite is the new kitchen king, and it doesn't appear to be handing over its crown any time soon. But what about other materials, such as stainless steel or ceramic tile? Shouldn't those get a shot? In most American homes, the answer is a resounding "no." Here's what makes granite such a smart investment for your new build or home remodel. #1: Great Investment Material Kitchens provide one of the highest returns on investment of any home installation or remodel. This Old Housesays that investing in kitchens, and bathrooms too, can yield major returns as those rooms play a major role in the home's overall value. Although granite costs a bit more than other materials, such as laminate, you can expect what you spend to return in a more valuable home. #2: Low Maintenance Granite should be sealed for use in a kitchen, and that means the surface is incredibly easy to care for. Home improvement expert Tom Silva, for This Old House, says that a solvent-based sealer should last up to two years. During that time, wipe up spills with a damp cloth (never use anything acidic such as vinegar) and they'll keep their great looks. #3: Incredibly Durable Almost as nice as the easy-care nature of granite is the fact that it's one of the most durable surfaces that you could install in your home. Keystone Granite Company in Pennsylvania says that it's "super tough," and difficult to scratch or chip under normal kitchen conditions. #4: Repairable Nature If the worst does happen and your countertop suffers damage, granite is repairable. Don't try that with laminate or some other materials. Using special bonding agents, dyes and pattern-matching techniques, a professional granite installer like BT Kitchen and Bath can produce a strong, practically invisible repair. Use only approved cleaners as necessary (no acids), and your countertops will look great for years to come. #5: Bacteria and Stain Resistant

The same sealant that makes granite easy to wipe down also protects it from bacteria infiltration and stains. That's not possible with some other, more porous materials where food residue and spills can soak in. You should always clean up spills as soon as possible. But with sealed granite, a spill doesn't equal an unhealthy or unsightly disaster. #6: Great for Baking Many professional kitchens use granite because it's cool, flat and hard. That makes a perfect surface for any type of cooking, but it's especially fine for baking. Roll out a pie crust on granite, and the dough will remain cool. Because of the flat, smooth surface, your pie crusts won't be uneven. #7: Perfect for Busy Households Some homes have a variety of cooks of all ages. Some might be messy teenagers who like to make French fries. Some might be kids who have a fondness for PB & J sandwiches. With so much activity, there's a host of things that could damage the countertop. But because granite's good points are so diverse, it's one of the few materials that can stand up to everything from splashed soup to spilled milk. You can't go wrong with granite, no matter how you look at it. If you aren't fond of one pattern or color, there are lots of others. If you want a certain finished edge, you can have it. Sealing makes the material non-porous, and it doesn't get much easier than wiping down to keep the surface clean. Whatever you need, granite can add it to your kitchen. Request a free design consultation and see how BT Kitchen and Bath can transform that busy room into one that looks and performs beautifully.