Great Ideas for Your Home

Granite countertops can stand-up to heat, cold and time If you're looking for an affordable way to improve the look of your home and make a wise investment, consider updating your countertops. Popular kitchen and bathroom counters are made of surfaces such as granite that can stand up to the rigors of hot pots and sharp knives. "Granite will last between 50 and 100 years," says Juan Ruiz, president of Elegant Counters in Orem. "Granite comes in many different colors, and because it's made by Mother Nature, even if your neighbor across the street has the same type of granite, your slab will have variances specific to your own countertop." Granite is also affordable. Lower-end granite costs approximately the same as other solid-surface countertops, including Corian. "You can put anything hot on granite with no damage. You can also cut your food directly on granite; knives will not damage a granite countertop," Ruiz says. Consumers can also consult with their countertop supplier to have specific designs laser-cut into the stone.