Granite countertops have been a stable in the home improvement industry for a long time due to their ability to combine a lot of convenient qualities. Granite countertops not only offer a durable and long lasting work surface but also elevate the elegance of the space.
As a natural stone, granite offers an earthy charm that is impossible to replicate with manufactured materials. Each granite slab has distinct features, making granite countertops one of a kind, and bringing depth to your home.
Selecting the right type of granite requires careful consideration of your practical and aesthetic wishes. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right granite countertops for your home.
Choosing the right countertop is an essential part of investing in a long-lasting material that will complement your aesthetic vision and improve the usefulness of your kitchen or bathroom. Moreover, the right granite countertops will harmonize beautifully with the floors, cabinets, and walls for a put-together look that brings the design of the home together.
Style and Functionality
While renovating your countertops is a great way of bringing a breath of fresh air to your home and elevating the elegance, granite has more to offer than its beauty. Granite countertops are one of the most important additions that define the functionality of the kitchen, making the work surface multi-functional.
The first step of learning how to choose the right granite countertops is assessing the area that the countertops are going to be installed in. This is an important step for designing the overall arrangement of the space. For example, dark cabinetry can be lightened up with granite countertops that have a light color palette. Mixing dark and light colors is a great way of creating contrast and depth in the room. Moreover, the light countertops will prevent the space from looking smaller or too cramped.
Beyond its visual appeal, the durability and functionality of the countertops are also a top priority. One of the biggest factors for the durability of the stone is its thickness. Most slabs are available in standard thickness, which is usually between 2-3 cm. Thinner slabs are preferable for older cabinets that can no longer support the weight of thick granite countertops. The thinness will also give the countertops a lighter, fresh appearance.
While thinner slabs can be very useful, thicker slabs are more resistant, especially to impact-related damages that might occur from heavy kitchen appliances. Thicker countertops are heavier, and they can only be installed if the cabinets are strong enough. Moreover, thick countertops have a more substantial, opulent look that affects the overall appearance of the countertops significantly.
Color and Pattern Variations
Granite is available in a very wide range of colors and patterns, making the stone an ideal option for any interior decoration style, whether it is traditional or contemporary. Each hue in its spectrum of colors offers distinct visual impact that changes the atmosphere of the space entirely.
White granite is one of the most popular and sought-after options among granite countertops. It has a clean and airy appearance that matches especially well with minimal, modern styles. The addition of white in the space makes the room appear brighter and bigger, which is a wonderful option for smaller kitchens and bathrooms that can be found in apartments. It also pairs amazingly with a variety of cabinet colors, whether light or dark.
In addition to white granite countertops, black granite is also a popular option. It is a great choice for homeowners looking to raise the resale value of their property as it exudes an opulent aura. While black countertops might need a bit more care and attention to keep them pristine, their sophisticated appearance makes the additional maintenance worth it.
You can opt for beige or brown tones if you want to add an inviting feeling to the space that will complement wood elements or rustic interior design styles perfectly. The soft tones of beige and brown create a harmonious look and a cohesive appearance with hardwood cabinetry and floors. Moreover, brown granite is available in a wide range of shades from darker, richer, and warmer hues to cool-toned lighter options.
In addition to neutral shades, blue and green granite introduces a unique touch invoking the feelings of breathing in the ocean breeze or touching lush greenery. If you want to implement an eye-catching edge to your countertops, you can try slabs with red or gold accents.
Color is not the only factor that affects the look of the countertops. Pattern of the slab will not only decide how it looks on its own but also how it interacts with the rest of the space. Some granite slabs have a uniform appearance with patterns that repeat themselves throughout the stone, whereas other slabs can have wild speckles and veins that highlight the natural creation of the stone.
The Right Finish and Edge Profile
Once you have picked the perfect color and pattern for the countertops, the next step is determining the right finish for your home. Polished and honed finishes are some of the most popular options.
Polished finish is the most popular option among different granite countertop finishes. It gives the stone a high-gloss appearance that enhances the depth of the colors while adding a reflective layer. This finish highlights the color shifts in the stone and it is a great option for homeowners interested in creating a sleek, modern look with their countertops.
A honed finish is perfect for creating a more subtle, understated look. Its matte surface softens the colors and patterns of the stone, creating a hazy filter on the countertops that favors the refined elegance of quiet luxury.
Different edge profiles are a great way of reinforcing your vision through further customizations. A straight edge profile complements modern styles and is easy to clean, while beveled edges add dimension to the countertops. Rounded edges are a popular option for homes with small children as it reduces the risk of injuries. Ogee edge is perfect as a decorative addition that gives the countertops a high-end feeling. The right choice of edge profile is essential for achieving a balance between beauty and practicality.
Quality and Durability
The quality levels can differ from slab to slab and quality assessment is an essential step. Learning more about quality factors will help you make a better-informed decision. High-quality granite slabs have a consistent thickness throughout the stone. The slab should be at least 2 cm or three-quarters of an inch. This will ensure that the slab is strong enough to resist daily wear and tear.
Moreover, the porosity of granite changes across granite types too. The porosity of the stone will significantly affect its moisture resistance. Preventing liquids from entering the stone means also preventing stains, discoloration, and bacterial growth. While all granite countertops need to be resealed, opting for a lower porosity option will equip additional protection.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care for Granite
As mentioned before, granite is a natural stone. As a natural stone, it has pores all over its surface that allow dirt and bacteria to seep into the stone to cause stains or bacteria. To combat such issues, granite needs to be periodically resealed.
Dense granite varieties require minimal resealing whereas more porous options need to be resealed at least annually. You can check whether the countertops need to be resealed by dropping a few drops of water on the granite and seeing if it gets absorbed by the stone.
There are a few maintenance tips that should be adhered to regardless of the type of granite. For example, one of the most important parts of granite cleaning is avoiding harsh chemicals. This includes cleaning supplies such as bleach as it can cause damage to the stone. Instead, you can use mild dish soap for daily cleaning as it will break down dirt and debris without harming the granite. In addition, you should use soft cloths and sponges instead of abrasive pads that can scratch the surface of the countertops.
In short, learning how to choose the right granite countertops is a very important step that will help you make the best informed decision. Information about the colors, patterns, edge profiles, and thicknesses of the stone ensures you will pick a slab that aligns with your needs.
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