Granite Countertop & Stone Industry News January 2008 Concerns About Granite Countertops Absorbing Germs, Mold & Bacteria Granite Shield can protect surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms, making them ultra hygienic and free of bacteria, mold, viruses, and other toxins. With the Granite Shield sealing process your granite will be smoother, shinier and maintenance free.  Read more about granite countertop cleaning.   Granite Countertop Video This granite countertop video is a must see if you are thinking about putting granite countertops in your kitchen. It's also a must for an organization in the natural stone business. Click here for video. Kitchen Remodeling Book - Lyn Peterson’S Real Life Kitchens This practical book is packed with cutting-edge ideas and information, from the latest options for appliances, granite countertops, and cabinetry to advances in seating, lighting, flooring, and kitchen configurations. Lyn Peterson’s Real Life Kitchens takes you step-by-step through the decisions you’ll need to make on all of the most important functional and stylish elements. Read more about this kitchen remodeling book. More People Choose Granite Countertops, Or Silestone More people choose granite countertops, or Silestone, a manufactured stone made from quartz and resin that ranges from $50 to $125 per linear foot. (Pricing includes installation but not charges for cutouts, such as sinks.) Kimberly Sweet, notes that although granite is still popular, custom materials, such as wood and concrete, are showing up in high-end homes.  Read more about Kitchen remodeling. Growing Granite & Quartz Countertop Demand Continued consumer preferences for larger kitchens and more bathrooms will promote growth. These and other trends, including market share and company profiles, are presented in "Residential Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops," a new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm. Read more about Granite & Quartz Countertop Demand