Granite comes in endless colours and styles which makes selecting a granite kitchen counter top a challenging process. This gets easier, though, if you break it down into steps.
Let’s explore how to pick the right granite countertop to make your innovative kitchen ideas a reality.
Understanding the Pros & Cons of Granite
Granite is a distinctive and durable natural material that is a great fit for any beautiful kitchen. That’s why you should consider the material when planning your next kitchen renovation.
They mostly come in colourful shades, with striking flecks of various colours like reds, golds, greens, rusts, creams, blues, silvers, and even blacks. They have a lower porosity compared to other natural stones. Some granite types are sealed at the time of installation but not all types need regular sealing.
Pros of Using Granite in Countertops
- Granite is an extremely beautiful stone for countertops and creates a focal point in your kitchen.
- You get a wide variety of colour options to choose from that will suit your kitchen design.
- It is durable and not susceptible to scratches.
- Granite is also heat-resistant, so you can, if necessary, place hot pots and pans on it while cooking.
- Granite kitchen countertops are also stain-resistant and don’t absorb liquid when properly sealed.
These advantages make granite one of the top materials for countertops.
Cons of Granite Countertops
- If not sealed properly, granite can absorb liquid which can result in staining that’s impossible to remove. This can also lead to bacterial growth in the pores which is really hard to treat.
- Some granite countertops need to be resealed yearly and that will add to the cost.
- Granite countertops are expensive.
The advantages of a granite countertop far outweigh its disadvantages. But you can’t ignore the cons. Consider them alongside the benefits before making your decision.
Granite Countertop Edge Styles to Make Your Kitchen Ideas a Reality
Here are your edge options for granite countertops.
1. Straight Edges
Bevel, extended bevel, radius, and straight with apron are some examples of straight countertop edge styles. These are great for any kitchen, especially if you prefer a clean design.
2. Curved Edges
O’gee, pencil, Tuscan curve, demi bullnose, and full bullnose are examples of curved edges. The advantage of curved edges is that they can be simple or fancy and are extremely easy to clean. They also make your kitchen appear softer and are best suited to contemporary or classic kitchen decor.
3. Fancy Edges
Roman Ovallo, Versailles, and chiseled are some examples of fancy edges. They will make your kitchen look amazing by taking your innovative kitchen design ideas to a whole new level and helping you create something unique.
How to Maintain Your Granite Countertops
Granite countertops require a certain amount of care to keep clean.
- Clean it using warm water and antibacterial detergent, or a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wipe with a soft cloth.
- Thoroughly clean the surface with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Blot spills immediately with a soft cloth or paper towel. Do not wipe. Then use warm water and detergent to rinse the spill.
- Dry with a soft cloth.
- Always keep the surface clean.
- Don’t expose your countertop to extreme temperatures for a long time.
- When using a sealant, make sure the product is resistant to water as well as oil- or fat-based stains.
Some Innovative Kitchen Ideas for Granite Countertops
Granit countertops are versatile enough to employ a variety of design ideas.
- Use a mix of brown and black granite with straight edges for a contemporary and soft look. Or, go for a mix of white and grey.
- To spice up the look in your kitchen, use a mix of simple and fancy edges.
- You can also try using a mix of three colours from the same range in the colour spectrum like beige, grey, and black, with a combination of simple and fancy edges.
- Try using a lot of contrast and depth, like alight-coloured granite countertop with dark backsplash.
- For a denser and more dramatic look, use deep-coloured granite with wood or a wood-coloured kitchen. Pair it with a bullnose edge.
- Green granite can be very alluring and used with all types of kitchens.
- If you have an island and a lot of space to show off, go for stacked-edged double thick granite. As the name suggests, it comes with a heavier look, so is not a good option for small kitchens.
- If you have hardwood flooring in your kitchen, go for beige or white countertops with brown streaks.
You can design your ideal kitchen with granite countertops. Whether you want simple and contemporary or wild and dramatic, granite is right for all kinds of innovative decor looks. All you have to do is get in contact with the right kitchen company to supply top-quality granite kitchen countertops.