When dealing with a kitchen remodel, many homeowners may face the stress that comes with picking out the right type of granite for kitchen countertops.
Granite is a beautiful natural stone available in a wide range of organic colors. The sheer number of colors and styles you have at your disposal seems limitless and perhaps even a bit overwhelming.
But at the same time, having an abundant number of options when planning a kitchen remodel is beyond useful. That way, you are able to pair a granite benchtop with your choice of cabinets, appliances, wall colors, and hardware finishes.
In essence, when it comes to choosing granite for your kitchen countertops — you are only limited by your budget and imagination. Read on for some useful tips that are sure to make the selection process easier.
How to Pick the Right Granite for Your Kitchen
The use of granite tiles for a kitchen countertop is a sound choice. With tiles, you get the durability and uniqueness of solid granite at a fraction of the cost. Designed for easy installation, lazy granite tiles are perfect for any do-it-yourselfers out there. Yet, the downside of these tiles is that grout lines tend to be noticeable, resulting in an uneven surface.
On the other hand, solid slabs of granite show little to no grout lines and thus give off a clean finish. Granite slabs are cut to a large size, forming a dense and durable material. Due to the labor and material costs, their price can get a bit high. You may have to pay anywhere from $60 for basic slabs to $150 per square foot for more elaborate colors and styles.
At the end of the day, whether you choose the slab or tile variety, a kitchen with a granite benchtop is a worthwhile investment.
If you need help picking out the right type of granite for kitchen countertops, you can always consult experts in the industry. With their expertise, they can help you find the kind of granite that matches your kitchen design and style.
A Variety of Colors and Patterns Available
When selecting a granite worktop, you should look for one that best matches your kitchen and interior. For example, you can match the dominant color of your kitchen with a similar granite hue. Another option is to match the color of its streaks and veins to the dominant kitchen hue. Without question, the latter option has the subtlest effect.
Modern Black and White
You can’t go wrong with a modern white hue, as it makes your kitchen appear fresher, cleaner, and more open. Much like white, black is an elegant color that pairs well with most wooden cabinets. For example, absolute black granite (with its rich, uniform black color) paired with light cabinets is both elegant and dramatic.
Vibrant Jewel Tones
Adding a jewel-toned granite worktop to any kitchen will give it a more exotic vibe. These eye-catching benchtops are expensive but worth every cent when you get the wow factor you’ve been searching for. However, pair the vibrant granite with light or muted cabinetry to avoid color clashes.
Traditional Brown and Red Hues
These earthy and natural tones give off a warm and homey feeling. Reds and browns are perhaps the most versatile tones to go for, especially if you have a rustic or country-style kitchen. Red and brown-toned granite should tie all wooden features together.
Granite Edges To Consider
Another way to help you pick the ideal type of granite is to check the edges. They help you determine the shape you want for your countertops. Generally, the one used for kitchen countertops comes with various edges. Also, choosing the wrong ones can affect the overall style and design of your kitchen.
To find the right edges for your granite kitchen countertops, consider the following:
- If you want thin-looking granite countertops for your kitchen, a bullnose edge or a rounded cut may be an excellent option.
- If you have a larger kitchen, using granite with an ogee edge or a design with a rounded bottom groove may be the best choice.
- If you want a granite kitchen countertop that complements a contemporary interior, go for the ones with straight edges or simple and slightly rounded cuts.
Why Is Granite So Popular?
Not only is granite both durable and naturally beautiful, but also solid slabs of granite scream luxury in any kitchen. The charm and appeal of natural granite are in its uniqueness; no two slabs are identical in color and variations.
What’s more, granite worktops are incomparable in terms of style and design. Granite’s tough and durable nature makes it stain-, scratch-, and heat-resistant. The material may be somewhat pricier than other options, but in the long term, this investment is guaranteed to pay off.
How to Care for Your Granite Countertops
Keeping your countertops aesthetically pleasing will require frequent resealing due to the porous qualities of natural slabs. Regardless of the type and color of granite you go for, it will need to be handled properly and with great care too. Thankfully, everyday cleaning is simple — it only requires using a microfiber cloth.
Conclusion
Using granite for your kitchen countertops can be an excellent idea. Depending on your preferences, it can make your kitchen look elegant and durable. However, with many granite varieties to choose from, picking the right one can be tricky. Luckily, you’ll have an idea of which type of granite will work best for your kitchen countertops by following these recommendations.
