For its strength, durability and good looks, granite is a perennial favorite for countertops on Long Island that never goes out of style. Three times as strong as concrete, the granite countertops that you install in your Long Island kitchen will likely outlast any other material used in the heart of your home. Granite has been used as a building material for centuries, and many of those granite-adorned structures are still in service today. Here are the top four reasons to choose granite for your kitchen countertops.

1. Artful Style

Considered the gold standard for natural stone materials, granite is available in virtually every color of the rainbow. Granite stone gets its coloring and distinct variegations from the quarry in which it is cut, making each slab of granite as unique as a custom piece of art. Quarried in countries all over the world, the stone is finished by skilled stone masons working powerful saws and polishing wheels. Granite is embedded with flecks and veins of feldspar, mica and quartz that can add depth, dimension and a touch of sparkle to your kitchen countertops.

2. First in Functionality

Granite is impervious to heat, making the material ideal for installation near ovens and range tops. Resistant to water, the stone is a great choice for kitchen countertops with under-mounted sinks as well. Although granite in its natural state is subject to stains, particularly from acidic foods, premium grade granite stone comes with factory-applied sealants that repel stains and scratches with ease. Spills clean up easily with a soft cloth and soapy water.

3. Versatile Applications

Whether you’re on the hunt for a material for large-scale countertops for your Long Island kitchen or for a stone surface that can be shaped to fit an odd-shaped counter, it’s hard to beat granite for adaptable style. You can even extend the granite stone up into the space between the countertops and upper cabinets to create an attention-grabbing backsplash. Skilled installers can shape and finish granite to fit practically any application.

The stone complements virtually any type of decorative style as well. For an Old-World look, granite countertops in earth-toned colors are ideal. To add modern flair to your Long Island home, nothing matches black granite countertops for eye-catching appeal. For subtle style, choose stones speckled in a dense pattern. Try granite countertops with a broad swirling pattern to add drama and dynamism to your functional kitchen.

4. Edged to Perfection

When choosing granite countertops for your Long Island kitchen, keep edging options in mind as well. Granite stone can be edged with an array of decorative edges to match, contrast or accentuate your kitchen’s style. A traditional rounded bull-nose edge adds a soft touch that’s perfect for busy kitchens. A beveled, squared or angled edge adds contemporary flair. S-shaped edging, known as ogee, offers opportunities to echo sculptural designs in kitchen cabinets or ceiling moldings. Whatever edging you choose, you can count on a seamless look that finishes off the granite countertops in your Long Island kitchen to perfection.