Granite is a natural stone made mostly of quartz and feldspar. It’s a popular choice for kitchen countertops because it’s strong and long-lasting. On top of that, granite countertops look stylish and elegant. Since every granite slab has its own unique colors and patterns, your countertop will be one of a kind.
When selecting a slab for your granite countertop, you can choose from a wide range of finishes – from deep black to creamy white to speckled gray – ensuring your new countertop complements the style and color of the kitchen or bathroom. Common granite styles include:
White granite – This typically possesses burgundy or gray veining, making it a great choice for a kitchen with beige, light brown or gray cabinets.
Black granite – With white or gray veins, this option delivers an elegant appearance. It goes very well with darker cabinets, but can also accentuate light-colored cabinets.
Green granite – This option may feature a variety of colors in its veining, including white, brown, black, yellow or red. This versatility allows you to use green granite with just about any color palette. Brightly colored kitchens and bathrooms will look great with softer greens, while rooms with natural wood or dark cabinets typically come to life with darker greens.
What Are the Benefits of a Granite Countertop?
Granite kitchen countertops offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Durability
- Unique appearance
- Heat resistant
- Adds value to your home
Granite is a tough and long-lasting stone, making it a great choice for kitchen countertops. It’s super strong—just behind diamonds in hardness—so it’s nearly impossible to damage. You can even use steel knives directly on it without worrying about scratches.
Since granite is a natural stone, it does need a little care, like regular sealing. But with proper maintenance, your granite countertops can stay in excellent condition for many years.
One advantage of using granite for your kitchen countertops instead of an engineered stone product is that every slab has its own unique color and mineral pattern, ensuring your countertop will be one of a kind. Engineered stone products such as quartz will have a much more uniform appearance. Therefore, if having a countertop with a unique appearance is important to you, granite is an excellent option to consider.
In addition, granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials. You can set a hot pan directly on your granite kitchen countertop without concern. On the other hand, engineered stone options such as quartz may become scorched when it comes into contact with a hot pan.
If you’re looking to add value to your home, granite is a great option. Granite countertops are highly valued by many home buyers due to its durability and unique appearance. It’s also often valued higher than other popular options such as quartz because it’s a natural stone material.
What Are the Drawbacks of Granite Countertops?
As with all stone materials, some drawbacks exist. The most common concerns about granite countertops include:
- Cost
- Prone to staining
- May harbor bacteria
- Requires periodic sealing
Granite is a tough and long-lasting stone, making it a great choice for kitchen countertops. It’s super strong—just behind diamonds in hardness—so it’s nearly impossible to damage. You can even use steel knives directly on it without worrying about scratches.
Since granite is a natural stone, it does need a little care, like regular sealing. But with proper maintenance, your granite countertops can stay in excellent condition for many years.
If you’re working with a tight budget, granite countertops might not be the best choice. Granite is a high-end material, which makes it more expensive than many other options. This is slightly pricier than quartz countertops. If you’re looking to save money, both granite and quartz might be beyond your budget.
How Do You Care for Granite Countertops?
When properly cared for, granite countertops will stay in great condition for many years. The most important thing to do is to regularly seal them. In most situations, you should seal your granite countertops every 1-2 years for best results. This will prevent staining and ensure bacteria doesn’t absorb in the surface of your granite.
Granite countertops are easy to clean. To protect the sealant, you should purchase a cleaner designed specifically for granite. However, if you’re unable to find a granite cleaner, you can also use any pH-neutral soap. Make sure to avoid cleaners containing vinegar or harmful chemicals which may wear away the sealant. When spills occur, wipe them up immediately to preserve the surface of your countertops.
Why Choose Universal Granimarmo for Your Granite Countertop
If you’re considering a granite countertop, Universal Granimarmo can ensure you get the right slab for your home.
- The largest selection of premium natural stone, engineered stone, semi-precious stone and hard surface products
- A dedicated team of expert Surface Specialists who will help you make the right decisions for your unique needs
- An expansive, gallery-style, climate-controlled Showroom and Slab Gallery where you can see all of your options up close (no appointment required)
