There are many different types of granite countertops for a busy kitchen. This guide looks at ten popular ones so you can choose the stone that makes your kitchen more attractive and more functional.
Your kitchen countertop takes wear and tear every day. It gets scratched by sharp objects and marked by acidic juices, and hot pans and casserole dishes take their toll too. Sooner or later, there comes a time to upgrade your kitchen countertop.
Granite is one of the best materials you can choose for a kitchen countertop. It is durable and elegant, and it improves both the look and the appeal of your kitchen. Below are some of the most popular types of granite countertops, followed by the edge profiles you can choose from.
What granite countertop types are in demand today?
Even though granite needs to be sealed, a lot of homeowners still choose it. That’s because of what it brings to the table, literally: strength and a natural beauty that doesn’t date. No wonder so many remodelers and homeowners love it.
Here are some of the popular types of granite for countertops:
Absolute Black
This granite is typically quarried in India and is known for the consistency of its color. It is suitable for both interior and exterior use: besides countertops, it works for flooring, backsplashes, and walls. Among the many granite countertop colors available, this is one of the most widely used.
Make sure to seal your granite to make it more resistant to water and stains. Absolute Black granite is one of the best options for bringing a dramatic feel to your home.
African Rainbow
The ivory-like appearance of this granite gives your kitchen a luxurious feel. It has a coarse-grained look with flowing veining, and a light background tone with speckles of blue, black, grey, and brown.
This granite matches well with wooden accessories and Shaker cabinets. African Rainbow is a good pick if you like granite with a wavy, flowing pattern.
Alaska White
The frosty color combination of Alaska White makes it ideal for modern homes. It helps make your kitchen look cleaner and more spacious. The neutral tones of this granite are a good match for Shaker and recessed-panel cabinets.
The main colors of this granite are silver and light gray. They are a perfect fit if you want a cool, modern ambiance in your kitchen.
Agatha Black
This is another strong choice for a wavy granite countertop. It has a black background with waves of light gray and white flowing smoothly over its surface. It works well in either a 2 cm or a 3 cm slab, and the wavy vein pattern runs across the full width of the slab.
This granite slab brings real drama to your home. You can also choose a countertop edge profile to suit your kitchen; rounded edges are a common choice in homes with children.
Amarello Ornamental
If you like earthy tones in your kitchen, the rich color of Amarello Ornamental is an ideal choice. This granite slab combines yellows, browns, and creams, and it pairs easily with wooden cabinets and warm-toned accessories.
Alpine White Granite
This granite slab has a white background with specks of ebony and graphite. Its pattern recalls a mountain range, bringing a cool outdoor feel into your kitchen.
It is a popular choice for homeowners who want a creative touch in a bright kitchen. This type of countertop suits almost any kitchen cabinet, though it is still worth comparing a few cabinet colors to find the best combination.
Arctic Valley
If you want a distinctive transition from wooden cabinets to a countertop with a cement-like look, Arctic Valley is a great option. It brings an industrial-chic feel to your kitchen with its smooth, cement-inspired surface.
You can use metallic accessories to match this granite countertop. Modern stainless appliances also blend well with its hue and pattern.
Antico Cream
Are you a fan of brown and gold colors? Then Antico Cream is a good choice for you. This granite slab has a smooth blend of gold and brown that stands out elegantly in a white kitchen.
You can use light-colored kitchen cabinets to match Antico Cream granite. Dark-colored cabinets pair with it too.
Amber Yellow
The yellow background with streaks of black and grey makes this granite slab a natural fit for an autumn-themed kitchen. If you want a homey feel, Amber Yellow granite is a great choice. The yellow and brown tones gently add warmth and coziness to your kitchen, and you can still pair it with modern accessories without losing that homey theme.
Black Galaxy
Black Galaxy has a black background scattered with light, reflective speckles, which is what gives it its starry look. Whether you are interested in astronomy or not, its beauty is hard to miss: it brings the elegance of the night sky into your kitchen.
Black Galaxy also pairs well with wooden tones and metallic surfaces. It is a good choice for a two-tone kitchen remodel, too.
What are the types of granite countertop edges?
There are several types of granite countertop edges to choose from. In picking the right one, consider both safety and aesthetics. The edge must be safe for the people using your kitchen while adding elegance to your space.
Here are the common granite countertop edges:
- Bevel: A 45-degree cut along the top edge. The angled face catches and reflects the light.
- Bullnose: A fully rounded edge, which is gentler for children and seniors. Spilled liquids tend to follow the curve and run down the face of the cabinets.
- Square: A clean, straight edge. The corners are usually softened slightly so they are not sharp to bump into.
- Eased: A variation of the square edge in which the top edge is smoothed or slightly rounded for comfort and safety.
- Semi-bullnose (half bullnose): Rounded on top and flat underneath, so spills are more likely to drip off the edge than run back under the countertop.