Those who once thought granite countertops were just a trend better think again. Harris Interactive conducted a new survey commissioned by the Marble Institute of America to find out how many American homeowners still prefer granite countertops to other countertop surfaces. Out of the 1,588 American homeowners surveyed last month, 76% of them agreed with the statement "Nothing beats the beauty and value of granite countertops." This was the second survey Harris Interactive has conducted like this, with the first one in 2008 resulting in 55% of consumers preferring granite countertops. Here are the results of the January 2012 survey that confirms granite as the No.1 choice for countertop surfaces in 2012 despite economic and industry trends in the last few years.  

• 75% of homeowners who intend to remodel their kitchen in the next couple of years plan on getting granite countertops.

• 89% of homeowners agreed granite countertops are safe. 

• 91% of homeowners agreed granite countertops are durable.  

• 93% of homeowners agreed granite countertops are beautiful. 

As you can see, homeowners overwhelmingly recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of your home more than any other surface. Not only do homeowners agree granite countertops are a safe investment with their high resale value, but they prefer the look of granite countertops as well. As Marble Institute of America CEO states in an article, "Independent consumer surveys have consistently shown that Americans love the natural look of granite and value it above other countertop products."

Read more about the Harris Interactive survey commissioned by the Marble Institute of American online.