Granite #1 in Consumer Survey

   The survey of 2,021 U.S. adults, conducted by Harris Interactive earlier this month,asked respondents which countertop surface they wou ld most want in their dream kitchen. At 55 percent, "granite countertops" was the top response, followed by manufactured stone at 12 percent.
   When asked how much they agree with the statement that "granite countertops increase the resale value of a home," 90 percent of the surveyed consumers either strongly or somewhat agreed.
   Also, 84 percent of survey respondents either strongly or somewhat agreed with the statement that "granite countertops are among the most safe, beautiful and durable kitchen counter surfaces on the market today."
   "The survey reaffirms what we have known all along: across America, granite is the most-desired countertop surface on the market today," said Jim Hogan, MIA president. "After months of inaccurate reporting and questionable research aimed at raising doubts about granite, it is tremendously gratifying to know that consumers continue to feel that granite countertops are as safe as they are beautiful, practical and durable."
   The survey found consistent results across the United States, with minimal variance in responses from different regions of the country.  It also showed a consistent appeal of granite across age and socio-economic groups.
   Thie survey was conducted via Harris' QuickQuerySM online omnibus service between Oct. 7-9 U.S. adults aged 18 years and older. Results were weighted as needed for region, age within gender, education, household income and race/ethnicity. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.