How to Choose the Right Granite for Kitchen Countertops

How to Choose the Right Granite for Kitchen Countertops
Table of Contents

Kitchen countertops have a great impact on the value of the home, so it is important to choose just the right material for you and any potential homebuyer when the time comes. Granite countertop  is a top favorite for many people, so that is a safe choice.
The problem is granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. They range from neutral colors such as white, black, and brown to exotic and bold colors such as red, greens, and blues. It can be hard to choose the right one that will show your kitchen in the best light, and you have to get it right the first time because it is a considerable investment. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help you through this difficult time.

How to Choose the Right Granite for Kitchen Countertops? (Explained)

Choose a peg

Designers often choose one element as a basis for creating a color scheme for the kitchen. When choosing granite, you have two choices. Pick out the primary color in the granite that best matches the dominant color in the kitchen, which is usually the cabinets, or go for a subtler approach by finding matching veins or streaks. For example, if you have white cabinets, you can choose granite with a white background or with white veins.

Go light or dark

In some cases, your choice of granite may have more to do with the effect on the kitchen rather than the color scheme. If you have a small kitchen, you might want to go with a light color in granite, something in white, beige, or gray. That also works for bathrooms. The only thing that makes that a bit iffy is that a light stone show up stains more. Of course, granite is generally stain-resistant, so that makes it a moot point. Dark granite is good for adding some drama to a modern kitchen, especially if it is a large kitchen. It might not be a good choice for a small kitchen or one that does not get a lot of natural light.

Pick a pattern

Most people focus on the color of granite to pick the right one, but the pattern can actually be a better hook in some cases. If you have a colorful or rather busy kitchen design, you might want to choose granite with a more or less solid look as a contrast. On the other hand, if you have a monochromatic or simple kitchen, choose granite with a flamboyant pattern. For example, if you have Shaker-style or flat-panel cabinets, a marble pattern can provide a good accent for it.

Consider some popular pairs

Some pairings just work for some reason. You can use that to get some inspiration when choosing granite countertops. Here are some tried-and-tested pairings to get you started:

• Very dark hardwood cabinets i.e. mahogany and gold or neutral granite countertops

• Light wood cabinets, i.e. oak and black or other dark-colored granite

• Deep brown cabinets and green-hued granite

• Rich red cabinets, i. e. cherry and white, green, or earth tone granite

Some rules of thumb

If the above tips are not really helping, check out some rules of thumb for granite colors below.

Black granite

It will not always work, but if you have a neutral or monochromatic kitchen, black granite will usually give it an elegant look. This works best in large or well-lighted kitchens, because black granite usually has a good sprinkling of white or silver specks to reflect the light.
If you have a smaller kitchen, you can still use black granite if you pair it with white cabinets. The black will make the white float and make it the focal point of the kitchen for a modern look.

Fun fact

Black granite is not true granite, but a granitoid, most probably gabbro or basalt. It makes no real difference when it comes to kitchen countertops, however, as it is just as good as true granite.

White Granite

It is not easy to find pure white granite, as they usually have a good amount of other colors mixed up in there. The most common granite slabs are in the gray, brown, beige, and pink hues, but if you do find white granite, it would be a fantastic choice with shiny, sleek appliances to give your kitchen a contemporary touch. On the other hand, if you have vintage or retro appliances, white granite will bring you back to the 1920s.
White is always a good choice because it goes with almost anything. You just have to be careful to find one that has some depth, or your kitchen will look lifeless.

Red Granite

Deep red granite is quite rare, and it can be a bold stroke to use in the kitchen. Red tends to dominate, so it may just be too much red in one spot. You can pull it off if you have cabinets in a neutral color to rein it back a bit.
You can also find red granite in a variety of shades, usually mixed with white, silver, yellow, or blue highlights, and these are usually easier to match than pure red. Red granite can give your kitchen either a bright or dramatic look, depending on the shade you choose.

Types of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are known for their amazing longevity and durability. They have many benefits that contribute to their popularity and make them a functional and aesthetic option for kitchen countertops. Granite is a natural stone and comes in various thicknesses.

They are usually sold per square foot for countertop installations. This popular choice can complement a wide variety of design styles thanks to the many colors and patterns they are available in.

As it is a natural stone, each slab has a unique and distinct appearance. One of the biggest benefits of granite countertops is their ability to provide homeowners with a one-of-a-kind visual masterpiece. You can pick and choose among the many types of granite countertops.

Although it is most commonly available in light and neutral colors such as beige and cream, slabs with bolder and brighter patterns can also be found. 

While granite countertops will add a bright and minimalist aura to the kitchen. Slabs with bold and strong patterns will add visual interest and they will act as a centerpiece. Dark tones will create a dark and mysterious space. It will create a gorgeous contrast with light-colored cabinetry.

On the other hand, dark countertops with dark cabinets will create a gorgeous monochrome appearance that will make the kitchen come across as very inviting and cozy. You can opt for fun and exciting colors such as blue or red countertops. These colors will help you express yourself through the design and add personality to your home. 

To ensure the longevity and well-being of the countertops, certain care and maintenance steps should be followed. As granite is a natural stone, it is porous and thus needs to be sealed.

Sealed granite countertops will be able to withstand stains and bacteria. Moreover, to protect your high-quality granite countertops for your kitchen, use trivets before placing hot pots so that the heat doesn’t damage the sealant. 

Light colored granite problems

Granite slabs with a light color scheme are a favorite among homeowners due to their elegant appearance. However, they can create unique challenges as their light colors offer no camouflage opportunities for any stains, scratches, or other blemishes.

Water spots, discoloration, and stains can be a common occurrence with these stones due to their light colors. The best way to deal with these issues is to take preventative measures to reduce them rather than trying to remove them after they happen. 

Beyond cosmetic issues, granite with light colors can also show scratches and the effects of daily wear and tear more prominently than darker colors. You should always use cutting boards to prevent scratches from occurring. Moreover, don’t use abrasive objects while cleaning the countertops.

You should use mild cleansers with soft cloths or sponges. Always reseal your countertops at least once a year to ensure the protective layer on the countertops is intact. If you are starting to notice that the shine on the countertops is starting to fade off, it might be time to reseal the countertops. 

Conclusion

Granite is versatile, so granite countertops will work for any kind of kitchen. You just have to choose the right one. If you are having a hard time choosing between two similar slabs, consult with a countertop professional to help you make the right choice. Keystone Marble and Granite is your best bet in the areas of Columbus, Ohio, Delaware cities, Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

We have showrooms in Lancaster and Horsham, Pennsylvania as well as New Castle, Delaware and Columbus, Ohio. We will walk you through each slab and explain how each can benefit you in your kitchen or bathroom remodel. If you prefer engineered stones, we also carry the top brands in the industry such as Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI, all with manufacturer warranties.

Once you have chosen your slabs, we provide free professional design consultation and quotes so you know exactly where you are before committing. We also have a quick turnaround, so you will get your products on time and on budget.

We are experts at fabricating and installing engineered stone, marble, and granite countertops, so you can be confident that you will get the very best in product and service quality. Give us a call or send us an inquiry through our website to set the ball rolling!