Granite is one of the most durable substances on the planet. It also offers a lot of versatility, making it an ideal materials for kitchen countertops. The natural range of different colors and variety of patterns offers something for every kitchen. Even if two slabs of granite are the same color, they will not be exactly alike. If all of the houses in your neighborhood follow a similar floor plan, then the granite countertops will be slightly unique in each home so that yours does not look exactly like that of your neighbor.
Speaking of colors, granite comes in a full spectrum. You will find granite countertops in black with white specks, white with gold marble, red and blue patterned, and any other combination. When ordering new granite countertops, try to pick one semi-permanent feature in your kitchen. If your kitchen cabinets have copper hardware or you have stainless steel appliances, then you might choose a neutral color counter with metallic flecks, for example.
Three Primary Types of Granite Countertop Textures
Granite patterns come in one of three primary types – speckled, marble, or solid. Here is a bit more information about each type.
- Speckled granite has a splattered painted effect, and works well in kitchens that need something to break up an overall neutral color scheme. It offers more variation in texture and colors than any other type. They add virtual interest, and ones with metallic hued flecks in the pattern will complement other metallic accents in your family’s kitchen.
- Solid hued granites have slight patterns, but little variation in the overall value and tone. That being said, it is rare to see a truly solid piece of granite stone. Granites that fall in this category work the best in kitchens that are small, or one that has a lot of busy textures and patterns and needs something to act as a visual anchor. If you choose a neutral color, then you make it easier to redecorate your kitchen later or add resale appeal if you ever wish to put your home on the market.
- Marbled granite looks just like the name implies. These countertops made of granite, however can help you save on your budget. Not only are they more budget friendly, but they are also more durable than actual granite, easier to clean, and offer the same high end feeling. If you want to add a touch of luxurious elegance to your family’s kitchen without sacrificing most of the budget, then choose a granite countertop with a natural marble pattern.
Matte versus Glossy Granite Countertop Finishes
Most granite countertops have one of two finishes, matte or glossy. The matte finish, also referred to as honed, can allow the granite to mimic the look of other materials. For example, a gray honed granite countertop can mimic the look of concrete, or a black honed granite countertop can look almost identical to soapstone. These work well in large kitchens that can visually stand having a large swath of color in a single room.
Glossy finishes on a granite kitchen countertop, on the other hand, are perfect for smaller kitchens. This is because the shiny surface reflects the light in the room and brightens the small space. This reflection of light tricks the eye into thinking a small kitchen is bigger than its actual size. The result is a naturally warm feeling that both welcomes and invites.
Other Ways to Use Granite in Your Kitchen
The price to manufacture and install such a large piece of granite stone to use as a countertop in your kitchen might not be an option. You might have a countertop that still has a lot of life in it, or it might just not be in your budget. Fortunately there are options you can use to add splashes of granite that increase both the appearance and value of your family’s kitchen.
The first option is to use a small section of granite in the primary portion of your countertop, like the area where you do most of the prepping for cooking meals, and then fill in the rest of the area with granite tiles that complement the larger slab. The next option is to use granite to top the island area of your kitchen. This works especially well if you like the look of your existing countertops.
When you add things like rounded corners and beveled waterfall edging to granite, then you increase its beauty. Be sure to ask the representative at the granite countertop showroom what your options are before ordering. It helps to take in pictures of your kitchen and, if possible, color swatches of paint and fabrics to ensure that you select just the right stone for your family’s home.