For the middle class, granite countertops have long been a symbol of domestic luxury. Indeed, granite has been championed so strongly for nearly 30 years, Vox walks through history to explain how "Granite Mania" came to be.
Advances in stone-cutting technology, shipment, and overwhelming supply breeding overwhelming demand are all factors keeping granite's value high amongst homeowners as the best countertop choice. While marble and quartz are becoming increasingly popular, granite shows no sign of falling out of vogue.
It hasn't always been that way. In 1986, when legendary graphic designer Deborah Sussman used granite countertops in her kitchen, the New York Times called it a "down-to-earth" choice. The next year, it was singled out as a cutting-edge material in the Los Angeles Times, but still too expensive for most people. Throughout the '80s, granite was still jockeying with marble for favor among California yuppies.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Sustainability
Mention of Eco-Friendly Home Features Is on the Rise in Sales Listings
Home listing descriptions using eco-friendly terms have been rising over the past five years in line with growing consumer interest in the environment and energy efficiency
Design
What Gen-Z Buyers Really Want in a Home
The fervor of planning for Millennials in the home building industry has now pivoted to Gen Z. So, what does this new generation want?
Building Materials
Lumber Leads Building Materials Prices Higher in March
Overall, the cost of building materials rose during March, with softwood lumber, gypsum products, and concrete all seeing price increases. Only steel mill materials saw price drops